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Why Take Your Car to a Local Mechanic Instead of a Dealership?

11/11/2019

28 Comments

 
Uh-oh, the check engine light came on.

It's looking like you've got two options:
  • Ride it out
  • Fix it
You sit in traffic hoping it's nothing serious until you hear the engine start waning. Crud, this will be a big problem. Not really, especially if you bring it to a local mechanic.

When Brand Loyalty Has You in a Vice

It's an easy decision to take the vehicle to a dealership due to brand loyalty.

Many cite the use of OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts instead of aftermarket parts suggested by local mechanics. One may desire OEM parts to maximize the longevity of their vehicle due to their extensive testing and quality.

There is a false pretense that using a local mechanic would void their warranty.

This isn't true.
​
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act ruled in favor of consumers. A customer's decision to use aftermarket parts which prevents brands from voiding warranties when they're used.
Dealership services come at a high cost. The costs are hard to justify brand loyalty and creates an ideal scenario to work with local, fair-priced mechanics.
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The Benefits of a Local German Auto Mechanic

Import cars are well-known to cause disruptions with getting back on the road due to their unique parts and availability. Many import car owners may wait weeks before an essential part makes it to the dealership.

Looks like it's time to visit the Performance Services!

Here's what you gain from doing so:

Convenience

The closest German import vehicle dealerships providing repair services are quite a distance when living on the outskirts of a major city. A major repair of the vehicle may require towing which increases the expenses.

Performance Services is conveniently located in your proximity. This allows you to roll into the shop for basic work or keep the towing costs to a minimum if you're expecting major work.

Local shops typically carry the unique parts, too, because it's their specialty. It adds to the convenience and solving the urgency when getting repairs.

BYOP

You'll find many shops open to the practice of "bring your own parts" for performance enhancement. This allows you to order aftermarket parts to improve performance while the mechanic is busy working. Versus using the limited selection that's available through the dealership.

Online ordering is fruitful in finding unique parts with foreign brands like BMW. Plus, it presents an opening to talk cars with your mechanic and develop a better, professional relationship.

Deep Knowledge

Some shop mechanics have been working in the industry for decades. These individuals provide a wealth of information and knowledge. Their knowledge will cut down repair time since they know the tricks to troublesome repairs. They also provide solid recommendations for performance improvements based on the constant tinkering done throughout the years.

Accountability

You talk face-to-face with your mechanic which builds a relationship. These shops rely on reputation (not big marketing budgets) so you're less likely to deal with a local mechanic trying to swindle for quick gains.

A branding of being a "shady character" will quickly destroy their reputation. Meaning, they'll remain honest about the required work and costs.

Handling Insurance

Auto repair shops and insurance adjusters regularly work with one another to find a middle-ground. This would include an agreement about parts covered by insurance and the shop.

The agreement ensures the best options since both parties are accountable for their services. Plus, most third-party warranties are honored!

You will need to negotiate with adjusters to settle on the best prices. But, a good relationship with your local mechanic could provide great guidance since they've likely helped others like you many times before.

Upgrades

The independent shops are excited when customers want to mod their vehicles.
The right shop will offer performance parts to:
  • Boost speed
  • Acceleration
  • Handling
...and more.

It turns the shops into a place to talk and experiment with vehicles.

Performance (with a Personal Touch)

Performance Services has been serving the community from Columbus to Atlanta for over 20 years.

We wouldn't be around if we weren't doing something right!

Our A.S.E. certified techs know their way around imports and we've got the busted knuckles to prove it.

​Roll into our shop with your BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Audi, or Porsche and see the difference versus the dealerships.
28 Comments

The Value of Knowing the German Import Mechanic Working on Your Vehicle

5/17/2018

1 Comment

 
​Do you want to be sure that your vehicle is in the most trusted hands possible? Here's the value of knowing the import mechanic working on your vehicle.
Many people who want to buy or already drive an import vehicle know that the secret to good maintenance is a great mechanic. These car enthusiasts often make it a point to take their car to the same shop, no matter what it needs. They build a relationship with an import mechanic beyond a handshake and a financial transaction.

Some people don't see the value in getting to know their mechanic, though.

These drivers are missing out.

​Here are four reasons you should establish a relationship with the person taking care of your import vehicle.

​1. Peace of Mind

Unfortunately, not every mechanic offers respectable, professional services.

There are some who have no problem ripping you off or giving you a service that is not up to par. This is a worrisome realization for many drivers. But, the ones who have a relationship with their mechanic have nothing to be concerned about. When you establish a bond with the person working on your car, you can trust it's in good hands. Plus, you don't have to go through every detail whenever you drop your car off. Your mechanic will know what your vehicle needs based on the previous times you've come in. They'll get everything right and return your car just how you like it.

​2. Fair Pricing

There's nothing like getting quality service for reasonable prices. Just because you drive an import vehicle doesn't mean you have to pay an arm and a leg for maintenance.
You can trust that your go-to import mechanic is giving you their quote for a reason. A lot of time this will depend on your German import being shop's mechanics and your history of service, maintenance and repair. 
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​3. A Source for Parts

Having someone you can count on for fair pricing comes in handy when you need new parts. Import vehicles often have special things you need to order from the manufacturer or even overseas. These don't come cheap. But your mechanic can help you find the best place to buy from.

In many cases, Performance Services will have the parts you need in-house ready to go.
This kind of inventory is unbeatable. It gives you quick access to the right parts, getting you back on the road in no time.

4. Access to More Vehicle Knowledge

Sometimes, car repair is as simple as a question.

When you establish a relationship with your import mechanic, you can count on them to give you good advice for regular upkeep. This person has been under the hood of many vehicles over the years. They know a thing or two about what makes a car last and will share their tricks with you once you get to know each other. Such knowledge has no price tag. It gives you the power to take the best possible care of your car.

​Then, when it really needs a mechanic, you'll know exactly who to call.

​Find Your Import Mechanic

Stop taking your import vehicle to just anyone.

It's time to get to know your mechanic and see the benefits of such a relationship for yourself. Frank Jackson and his team are ready to provide the professional services and trustworthy connection you've been looking for.
​

Contact us today and make the first of more appointments to come!
1 Comment

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Performance Automotive Group Inc., Foreign Auto Repair, Opelika, AL
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