Service at dealership or local mechanic?

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7/27/08, 02:50 PM

#21

Ericw2000

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ultamax

Conversely, I only took my Hondas to an independent that specializes in Honda/Subaru. He even told me on more than one occasion if the work I wanted was overkill. You may also want to find a couple choices in case one specializes in certain repairs. Definitely keep records, regardless of your final decision. Be cautious when hearing the 'Ford specialist' argument because, in my experience and reasonable understanding, dealerships often afford newer mechanics to do routine work, i.e. less experience.

Good luck - I learned some of this after a $700 'emissions check' on my prior '05 Mustang (by the time they hit me with hourly rates for the intake gasket problem, or so it was written on the sheet.) Fool me once...

Speaking of Hondas... when I take my fords in to the dealer for an oil change, they do a complete inspection as part of the ~$39 oil change. When I take my wife's Odyssey to the Honda dealer, they want $100 for the same inspection. The Honda also has a built in profit center for the dealership that tells you when to change the oil and throws a code that you need the "minor" service or other things.

I'm lucky as far as Ford dealers. My dealer doesn't do anything more than necessary, and I found his labor rate was the same as the independent I was going to ($3 less for the same brake job at the dealer than the independent garage, plus I got a free loaner).

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7/28/08, 01:05 AM

#22

ultamax

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Is there any trick on getting a loaner? The service writer at the place that recently did some warranty work for me said Ford doesn't usually authorize loaners. It would be nice to not need a ride 2x though.

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7/28/08, 06:37 AM

#23

05GT-O.C.D.

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The only trick I know is to ask the dealership if they provide a loaner for warranty work before you purchase the car.

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7/28/08, 07:18 AM

#24

poldrv

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I was not overly impressed last time I went to a dealership. The service done to the mustang was fine but I was not impressed that someone backed there car into the mustang in their angle parking lot. The dealer fixed the bumper after a two week wait.