I've got to vote FOR the dealers here. For the most part, any model specific repair I need I generally have done at a dealer. I do shop dealers to get the best price. My experience has been that for the most part dealer mechanics know how to fix the common problems associated with their brands, while the "shadetree" guys, while well intentioned, can go through a lot of parts (expensive) diagnosing a problem.
I had a problem with a Lincoln transmission that the dealer's guy scoped out immediately while several other shops said they'd have to tear it apart to find the problem. It was a small filter problem that was fixed without major expense and no removal.
All this takes time, money, and training, which of course is covered in the $147. Give 'em a break these are tough times!
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