Car maintenance/repair

[HawkeyeNFO]

DEALERSHIP=STEALERSHIP. A $25 oil change is a good deal, but for major work you will pay more at the dealership than you should. Any shop can tell you about recalls or technical service bulletins, they are all online for anyone to see, not just the dealership. And the mechanics working at a dealership are generally no better than the independent guy out in town.

[Big_Hitter]

I get most of the work on my 09 FXT done at a local sport compact tuning shop


the local Subaru dealer is pretty competitive with them since they have taken a lot of their biz

[Bikerdude]

I change the oil & filter when the computer says 'change oil now'. I change the air filter at 3 yrs and the anti freeze at 5 yrs if I still have the vehicle. I don't have anyone work on my vehicles unless there is a malfunction. Major malfunction I go to the dealer, minor malfunction I go to a local garage.

[Walt34]

While it is under warranty I have everything done at the dealer. This avoids any arguments later about whether the "right oil" or parts were used.

After the warranty I either DIY or take it to a local honest shop. Yes, there are some of those left.

[easysurfer]

Here's a segment discussing dealership vs independent:

Best options for car repair - Videos - CBS News

[ArkTinkerer]

I do most of my own work but I own older cars. I have had poor luck with multiple places even just getting an oil change. If you don't do your own work, then find a good mechanic. Trust the mechanic, not the shop! Mechanics change shops. If you can, follow the mechanic.

For a newer car under warranty I can see staying with the dealership.

[HF63]

There is one item that I do not agree with the recommended service is that no oil change is to be done in automatic trans. The oil is supposed to be good for the life of the car. I call this pure garbage!!!

[ERD50]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HF63 There is one item that I do not agree with the recommended service is that no oil change is to be done in automatic trans. The oil is supposed to be good for the life of the car. I call this pure garbage!!!

If the manual indicates it, what makes it 'pure garbage'? I'm sure they based their recommendations on something.

-ERD50

[rbmrtn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walt34 While it is under warranty I have everything done at the dealer. This avoids any arguments later about whether the "right oil" or parts were used. After the warranty I either DIY or take it to a local honest shop. Yes, there are some of those left.

Just for info, note the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, make this illegal


Auto Repair: Wondering About Your Warranty? - Be Car Care AwareBe Car Care Aware - CarCare.org

[ls99]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HF63 There is one item that I do not agree with the recommended service is that no oil change is to be done in automatic trans. The oil is supposed to be good for the life of the car. I call this pure garbage!!!

'cause after warranty expires, owner pays for new tranny.

Some discussion on the subject:
Automatic transmission fluid... Permanent? - Car Talk
and:Sealed Transmissions - Automatics - Ford Mustang Forums

[ERD50]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ls99 'cause after warranty expires, owner pays for new tranny. Some discussion on the subject: Automatic transmission fluid... Permanent? - Car Talk and:Sealed Transmissions - Automatics - Ford Mustang Forums

Except neither of those links have a shred of data/evidence. Just conjecture, a bit of it on the 'conspiracy theory' side of things.

-ERD50

[ls99]

Right you are. Most are new enough to be still under warranty. Car companies are not in any hurry to disclose sealed tranny service statistics. Unlikely to have any NTSB reports either.