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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
Kacie Goodman link
11/16/2018 04:30:57 am

Car owners might not love dealer service departments but independent mechanics. Because dealer's stiff rates and by-the-book approach can drive customers to local independent specialists. Dealership is bigger and usually more expensive, therefore less in demand. They churn jobs quickly. But local mechanics prioritize emergencies. So it is better to take our car to a local mechanic. But if our car is newer and is under warranty, then we must take it to a dealership within the period of warranty.

Reply
Anne Rodrigo link
10/4/2022 09:16:03 pm

I want to make certain that my car is properly repaired. It stands to reason that I would want to keep insurance in mind! I'll make sure to find a repair shop that is covered by my insurance.

Reply
AutoPros link
10/29/2020 12:30:42 pm

Local shops provide much better service IMO. My father owned a very large local shop for commercial vehicles where I worked at for years, and I can tell you that local shops are more likely to tell you the truth. A local shop relies on reputation, whereas a dealership can get away with a lot more.

Reply
Chris Pederson link
11/10/2020 09:36:09 am

I like how you said that you can get foreign parts when you go to a mechanic that "allows bring your own parts". I want my car to run as well as a European car. I am saving up to buy one, but in the mean time, I'll get some foreign parts instead for my current car

Reply
Taylor Hicken link
1/25/2021 07:36:53 pm

You made a good point when you shared that it is best to choose a local auto shop since it typically carries unique parts too. My brother just mentioned the other day that he just purchased a car from a friend, however, he needs to take it for repairs first since he wants to make sure that it is really safe to be driven. I will suggest to him looking for a reliable local auto repair shop that carries the parts for his newly bought car.

Reply
Adam Golightly link
1/26/2021 03:07:35 pm

My cousin has been thinking about getting her car repaired because its struts are really damaged. Making sure that she can get them fixed by a professional could be really useful for her. I liked what you said about how they should remain honest about the costs of the work, and they won't try to swindle for quick gains.

Reply
Zachary Tomlinson link
1/26/2021 09:34:55 pm

You made a good point that a mechanic can figure out any car problems and fix them for you using their expertise. I'm thinking of purchasing a car in the future and I want to learn more about them. Maybe visiting a car service expert can help me prolong the lifespan of my future car.

Reply
Adam Golightly link
2/9/2021 11:53:19 am

My aunt has been thinking about taking better care of her car because she would really like to be safer when she drives. Making sure that she can get the transmission fixed professionally could allow her to be more effective. I liked what you said about how they can build a relationship with their mechanic, and they are accountable for their costs.

Reply
Braden Bills link
2/10/2021 08:36:55 am

My car has been having some issues, so I want to get someone to fix it for me. It makes sense that I would want to find a mechanic! It's smart to work with someone who specializes in repairs to handle them.

Reply
Larry Weaver link
3/11/2021 01:40:10 pm

Thanks for explaining that local mechanics rely on reputation and it is important to build a relationship with them. My car has been having some engine problems, and I think the power steering is dying. I'll look for a local mechanic that can help me repair my vehicle as soon as possible.

Reply
Braden Bills link
3/31/2021 06:49:01 am

My car has been having some issues with running properly, and I'm not sure what to do about it. It makes sense that I would want to get it to a professional to take a look at it for me. They would be able to ensure that it gets working right.

Reply
Kristofer Van Wagner link
4/7/2021 08:29:27 pm

I do agree that it is important for us to look at local mechanics. As they are experienced and skilled, our cars will be taken care of excellently. I will remember to source for reliable mechanics instead of the dealer.

Reply
Braden Bills link
5/19/2021 08:44:27 am

My car has been having some issues, and I'm not sure what to do about it. It makes sense that I would want to get a car mechanic to help me out with this! I'll be sure to find one that has lots of experience with this kind of thing.

Reply
Braden Bills link
6/7/2021 07:59:06 am

I want to make sure that I get my car fixed up properly. It makes sense that I would l want to keep insurance in mind! I'll be sure to find a place that can fix it that is covered by my insurance.

Reply
Ella Starr link
6/16/2021 01:02:23 pm

How interesting that you talk about how many shops allow you to bring your own parts! I am looking for a repair shop for my Mercedes asap. I will find a great local Mercedes repair shop.

Reply
Mia Evans link
7/14/2021 04:45:53 pm

Thanks for pointing out that we should choose an auto mechanic who has been in the industry for decades or years to ensure that they are really knowledgeable. I will follow your advice, especially that I need an expert who knows about handling European cars. It's the car I have because it was gifted by my father on my 18th birthday.

Reply
Henry Killingsworth link
7/23/2021 12:04:00 pm

Thank you for helping me to understand that it is important to find a mechanic that can provide solid recommendations for performance improvements for your vehicle. I am thinking of getting some new tires for my vehicle so that it can get better gas mileage. It seems like it would be a good idea for me to find a mechanic that can suggest what kind of tires I should get.

Reply
Beverly Minyard link
7/27/2021 08:12:10 am

I like that you mentioned that you can talk face-to-face with mechanics and build a good relationship. I used to take my car to the dealership for maintenance and I never once spoke to an actual mechanic. I think I will start going to local car services so that I get a more in touch car repair.

Reply
Millie Hue link
8/4/2021 09:51:25 pm

I like that you pointed out that mechanics might have been working in this kind of industry for decades, so they really show mastery and knowledge. I guess I need to choose a car service shop that has been open for years to ensure that I pick those that are well-educated in what they do. My car just needs some repairs after I was not able to take care of it for months due to being busy with the things I do at home, and I was not able to use the car that much as well that time.

Reply
Braden Bills01@gmail.com link
9/13/2021 06:43:51 am

My car has been making a lot of weird noises, and I'm not sure what to do about it. It makes sense that I would want to get a professional to fix it for me. They would be able to ensure that my car works nicely.

Reply
Executive Transportation link
11/3/2021 02:00:08 am

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Reply
Oliver Black link
1/17/2022 12:00:22 am

wonderful article thanks for sharing the great information

Reply
Victoria Addington link
1/20/2022 03:32:02 am

Thank you for explaining that local car mechanic shops rely on the reputation by talking to you face-to-face, so you're less likely to deal with swindlers. My brother's vehicle is acting up because it's old. We should follow your tips, and hire a local car mechanic.

Reply
Alfred Simpkins link
4/6/2022 09:59:00 am

This allows you to order aftermarket parts to improve performance while the mechanic is busy working. Thank you for taking the time to write a great post!

Reply
Auto link
9/21/2022 01:17:26 pm

Great content, it will help in my business Thanks for sharing useful information. Respectfully, David, author of the blog https://automechanicguide.com/

Reply
mobile auto repair link
10/29/2022 08:04:56 am

There are several reasons why you might want to take your car to a local mechanic instead of a dealership. First, local mechanics are often more affordable than dealerships. Second, local mechanics are more likely to be familiar with your specific make and model of car, and can therefore provide more personalized service. Third, you may have developed a relationship of trust with your local mechanic, which can be invaluable when it comes to something as important as your car. Finally, taking your car to a local mechanic supports your local economy, which is always a good thing.

Reply
Jessie Holloway link
11/3/2022 04:35:39 pm

I love how you point out that many mechanics have knowledge and expertise of cars and needed repairs. My partner has an old car that's starting to need a lot of work. We've been looking into finding a nearby mechanic we can take it to so we can ensure the car is taken care of.

Reply
Iris Smith link
1/29/2023 08:50:23 pm

I appreciate your saying that having a working knowledge of mechanics will reduce the time it takes to complete repairs. My sister's automobile needs repair. I'll advise her to have her automobile fixed by a professional auto repair shop.

Reply



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