Car repairs can be expensive no matter where you go. If you’re questioning whether it’s worth going to a dealership or if choosing a local mechanic is cheaper, you’re not alone.
So, what’s the verdict? While it may depend on your specific situation, here are a few things to consider.
Dealerships tend to charge more for repairs, but they also tend to have specialized technicians that are more specifically trained to fix certain vehicles. In the end, paying a little more for the actual repair could save you from a costly mistake later.
A former service manager explains to Popular Mechanics:
Let’s use Ford as an example. If you own a Ford vehicle, the Ford dealership will have Ford-trained technicians who work on Ford vehicles 95 to 100 percent of the time. During that time they will use Ford resources and Ford training to repair your vehicle correctly, and (ideally) they take Ford classes and attend Ford schools to keep up on their knowledge.
Another point to consider is that some dealerships are willing to negotiate price if you call around and compare price differences on a specific repair. It never hurts to ask.
Both dealerships and the corner garage want to keep you happy and coming back, so most will try to provide quality work and good customer service, but make sure you always choose a mechanic shop that is ASE-certified. This certification ensures they are up-to-date with the latest training and technical knowledge needed to fix your car the right way.
We all cringe at the thought of having to spend money on car repairs, but finding a solid mechanic that you know will do a good job is worth the extra cash and peace of mind.