Autos - Customer Service

[GordonH]

Only time any of my vehicles have ever seen a dealership is when I purchased them (or warranty needs) . How many times have I had any problems with warranty issues because I get regular maintenance done elsewhere, a total of zero times.

[Bsuds]

I believe it's best to go to the dealer for regular maintenance. As you mentioned, only the manufacturer will you get a comprehensive look at everything.

Any good mechanic will take a good look at your car when you take it for servicing. That's how they make more money by finding things that need to be fixed...but usually do it cheaper and faster than a dealer.

There are lots of good mechanics in town.

[Bsuds]

Only time any of my vehicles have ever seen a dealership is when I purchased them (or warranty needs) . How many times have I had any problems with warranty issues because I get regular maintenance done elsewhere, a total of zero times.

Most things don't break till after the warranty expires...

[Dizzy1]

Only time any of my vehicles have ever seen a dealership is when I purchased them (or warranty needs) . How many times have I had any problems with warranty issues because I get regular maintenance done elsewhere, a total of zero times.

I had one bad experience with one of the drive thru oil change places - they stripped the thread on my oil pan drain plug when they were putting it back in by over torquing it. Cost me a new oil pan.

I also took one of my cars to one of the exhaust "specialists" to get some new mufflers and pipes put on. The stock pipes between the cat and mufflers were 2.5 inches, the new ones were 3.5 inches. He (and apparently was the manager) told me it can't be done because of the one inch difference. So I told him weld in an adapter, which he replied to that there's no such thing. I left, drove across the street to Canadian Tire, bought two 2.5" to 3.5" adapters for $10, went back and put them on the counter. No response from the "mechanic/manager" and just took the car elsewhere.

[GordonH]

Only time any of my vehicles have ever seen a dealership is when I purchased them (or warranty needs) . How many times have I had any problems with warranty issues because I get regular maintenance done elsewhere, a total of zero times.

Most things don't break till after the warranty expires...

That why I've never had any warranty issues, I've moved on the next vehicle.

[GordonH]

Only time any of my vehicles have ever seen a dealership is when I purchased them (or warranty needs) . How many times have I had any problems with warranty issues because I get regular maintenance done elsewhere, a total of zero times.

I had one bad experience with one of the drive thru oil change places - they stripped the thread on my oil pan drain plug when they were putting it back in by over torquing it. Cost me a new oil pan.

I also took one of my cars to one of the exhaust "specialists" to get some new mufflers and pipes put on. The stock pipes between the cat and mufflers were 2.5 inches, the new ones were 3.5 inches. He (and apparently was the manager) told me it can't be done because of the one inch difference. So I told him weld in an adapter, which he replied to that there's no such thing. I left, drove across the street to Canadian Tire, bought two 2.5" to 3.5" adapters for $10, went back and put them on the counter. No response from the "mechanic/manager" and just took the car elsewhere.

I never use those places they don't do bumper to bumper check over.

[Dizzy1]

I never use those places they don't do bumper to bumper check over.

Neither do I anymore. Like I said earlier, I have a great relationship with my present dealership. I make an appointment for 800am and by 805am its in the shop getting serviced. Prices are on par with anywhere else and I usually just take a new model out for a test drive while I'm waiting ;)

[Lady tehMa]

My husband and I have loved Mazdas - that being said we won't deal here in town.

My latest vehicle is a Toyota Matrix, and I'm enjoying it very much. I'd recommend the Toyota dealership here in town; especially the guy named Steve. Always friendly, always had time for me and never made me feel like I was a bother.