Dealer or private mechanic
- Thread starter creef14
- Start date
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It depends for me. If out of warranty and high mileage I've used Firestone, pep boys or Sears automotive in the past or a local mechanic recommended by co-workers. I may use Ford if replacing the turbos when I get above 125,000 miles.
Depends. I have a GREAT local shop for most things I'm not gonna do myself. I like to give them business and sometimes buy them pizza too. Something like alignment on my 2014EL, I wanted just exactly right and my Ford Dealer (Van Bortle) set it up purrfect. A few years back my girlfriends Windstar had "codes" and dealer was best to diagnose the intake manifold leak after a local shop bungled it. I'm lucky to have a good dealer AND local shop. I know people who work both places also which is nice. Usually when I go in for service I pretty much suggest to them whats wrong and what needs to be done. But I still word it so they can diagnose it on their own. You cant know whats really wrong until you start trying things.
Both. Depends on the work involved. If its something major, like anything inside the engine envelope, I use a dealer.
If its a bolt-on item, like shocks or exhaust components, I'll most likely go local mechanic.
If its a bolt-on item, like shocks or exhaust components, I'll most likely go local mechanic.
ManUpOrShutUp
Full Access Members
Aside from warranty and issues that necessitate dealer involvement, the dealer is the last place I'd go for anything. 99% of the dealer techs just throw parts at a problem and they do it at 150-200% of the usual hourly rate.
kyleaaronburkett
Full Access Members
I have a tire senor issue that a private tire shop sent me to the dealer for. Neither could fix my issue. Dealer said they would charge maybe $100-$200 to tell me what the problem was... I'll just check my pressure manually thanks
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Trainmaster
Old School Member
As many have said, it depends on the local talent. I've had some horrible experiences with dealers and in my area now there's a real lack of qualified mechanics. The chain stores are the worst, paying kids minimum wage to slap in Chinese brake pads and leave half the hardware in the box. If you find a local place with skilled people, either a dealer or an independent shop, stick by them; they are worth whatever they charge.
Some of the dealers here have given up on mechanical work, performing only maintenance service for anyone who hadn't purchased their cars from them. They specialize in the $199 brake fluid flushes and $175 "works" oil changes.
I've long believed that many cars are scrapped before their time because of the poor repairs and maintenance they've received from so-called professionals. Which is why many of us own tools.
Some of the dealers here have given up on mechanical work, performing only maintenance service for anyone who hadn't purchased their cars from them. They specialize in the $199 brake fluid flushes and $175 "works" oil changes.
I've long believed that many cars are scrapped before their time because of the poor repairs and maintenance they've received from so-called professionals. Which is why many of us own tools.
Michael Shepherd
Well-Known Member
Great, that sounds exactly like the AutoNation Ford dealers in our area. Even worse is after every visit, Ford has a marketing company call for me to take a survey on the service experience! Our 15' Explorer Sport has two recalls that I will have the dealer address but for oil changes and such, we go to the Mobil One/Car Wash place not far away.
Michael Shepherd
Well-Known Member
Duh, duplicate - Deleted!
Savannah Dan
Member
The Works cost me $60! They change the oil, top off the fluids, and rotate the tires.
