Choosing Between A Dealership and an Independent Shop

A common dilemma that any vehicle owner faces is whether to choose a dealership repair service or opt for an independent auto repair shop. Many people believe that although dealerships may have highly trained technicians with expertise in repairing a particular brand of automobiles, but they may be costlier than an independent repair shop.

Some surveys have shown that independent shops may be preferable for routine maintenance jobs, but when it comes to complicated repairs, dealership repair services may deliver more satisfactory results. With rapid changes taking place in automotive technology, it is important to choose a qualified facility equipped to work on modern vehicles, whether it is a dealership or an independent facility.

Competitive Pricing from Dealerships

The conventional wisdom that independent auto repair shops are cheaper may not be as valid now as it may have been in the past. Most dealers now offer longer nationwide warranties, making repairs more affordable with dealership repair companies. Dealership services provide original equipment parts at competitive prices to attract customers. Dealerships have also improved their customer service over the years due to increased competition.

Advantages of Dealership Repair Service

Dealerships are required by the manufacturer to hire the best trained technicians and are equipped with the most appropriate tools and equipment with the manufacturer’s support. Dealers enjoy privileged access to proprietary information on new automobiles. Such privileged information is usually necessary for the diagnosis and repair of most modern vehicles.

Dealership service departments are usually focused on specific makes and models which makes them highly familiar with the particular vehicle and helps them identify a problem more accurately. Highly skilled technicians are typically well-compensated at dealerships. Therefore, customers are assured that their vehicles may be handled only by experienced and reliable technicians.

Focus on Customer Service

Traditionally, auto dealerships viewed every vehicle owner as a potential new car customer. The emphasis was primarily on sales and not on customer service. As a result, many customers tended to patronize independent facilities because they provided personalized customer care and attention. Customers who preferred to develop a personal relationship with the service provider would usually choose to work with or frequent an independent repair shop where they felt comfortable.

However, the trend has undergone a transformation in recent years. Dealership repair services have become more focused on customer service, and address the needs of the customers in a more personalized manner. They have expanded the number of makes and models they can service in order to enhance the versatility of their services and compete with independent repair facilities. Some of the leading independent shops also offer nationwide warranties in order to meet the challenge from dealerships.