Do you bring your Car to the Dealer or

[jayerose]

do you have a favorite mechanic?

We have been bringing in our Subaru Forester to the dealer in Leesburg and it always seems expensive.

Thank you!

[fdpaq0580]

do you have a favorite mechanic?

We have been bringing in our Subaru Forester to the dealer in Leesburg and it always seems expensive.

Thank you!

If your car is under warranty, or requires special tools or equipment, imo the dealer is usually your safest bet for repair or service. Once had an Audi. Proprietary parts, tools and equipment. Almost everything ment that the front end of the car had to come off to change a part. Every repair $1500 to $2500. Plastic windshield water bottle broke. Because of the design and mounting, front end had to come off to replace it. $2200. No, didn't replace it.
Got a Hyundai Tucson now and love it. Yes, it goes to the dealer for service. No repairs needed yet (knock on wood).

[ohioshooter]

If your car is under warranty, or requires special tools or equipment, imo the dealer is usually your safest bet for repair or service. Once had an Audi. Proprietary parts, tools and equipment. Almost everything ment that the front end of the car had to come off to change a part. Every repair $1500 to $2500. Plastic windshield water bottle broke. Because of the design and mounting, front end had to come off to replace it. $2200. No, didn't replace it.
Got a Hyundai Tucson now and love it. Yes, it goes to the dealer for service. No repairs needed yet (knock on wood).

Just curious what year and model. Doesn’t sound right. I owned a 2010 A4.

[laceylady]

do you have a favorite mechanic?

We have been bringing in our Subaru Forester to the dealer in Leesburg and it always seems expensive.

Thank you!

We have been bringing our Subarus to the dealer in Leesburg for 10 years. I once tried a local mechanic that everyone recommends but the price for the service was the same as the dealer. I prefer the dealer.

[fdpaq0580]

Just curious what year and model. Doesn’t sound right. I owned a 2010 A4.

A6 1996 I believe. Dad gave it to me when he could no longer drive. It was pretty nice to drive, but that car and I didn't like each other.
Of all the cars I've owned, my favorites were Peugeot 504, 1 was gas, 1 was diesel. Most comfortable ride, best handling.

[ohioshooter]

do you have a favorite mechanic?

We have been bringing in our Subaru Forester to the dealer in Leesburg and it always seems expensive.

Thank you!

I’m a retired service director. I’ve been taking my MB to Goodyear for several years. MB quoted me $1200 for rear brakes, Gdy. did it for $400 using OEM parts. Obviously I use the dealer for anything warranty. I just made 2 100 mile round trips to Sanford for a covered repair.

[Babubhat]

Not a chance I take it to dealer. Wildwood or Sumter tire excellent

[Stu from NYC]

Not a chance I take it to dealer. Wildwood or Sumter tire excellent

Also like Sumter tire

[banjobob]

A well maintained dealer serviced car is worth more in the end ,confident all updates and proper service and fluids are used, trained mechanics on your model know the proper fixes if needed, factory service bulletins are readily available . Just better service .

[jswirs]

do you have a favorite mechanic?

We have been bringing in our Subaru Forester to the dealer in Leesburg and it always seems expensive.

Thank you!

Generally dealers ae overpriced and want to sell you items you don't really need. (air filters, wiper blades, etc.). Anything simple I do myself, (oil change, filters, wipers, etc.) When needed, I'll go to a trusted mechanic, which used to be Accu-Tech. Unfortunately, they lost their lease and consequently, I'm looking for a new trustworthy mechanic.

[bowlingal]

I also have a Forester and I bring my car to Sumter Tire on 301. Used to work at dealerships and know how they work. Service writers get paid commission ( in addition to salary) on whatever they can sell to the customer ( needed or not ) I only bring my car to the dealer for necessary warranty work....which is free to the customer

[Toymeister]

I take mine to my favorite mechanic, which is me.

When I do my own repairs I know the quality of the parts used and the repair is done properly. The truth is if you know how to do six or so repairs you can do the vast majority of your own maintenance.

Let's be honest, if you're buying vehicles that need frequent or exotic repairs you've been buying the wrong cars.

[dewilson58]

I would take my Subaru to the dealer.........................................and get a better car.


:1rotfl::1rotfl:

[ithos]

I would take my Subaru to the dealer.........................................and get a better car.


:1rotfl::1rotfl:


You could be right but what do you base that on?

Consumer reports says they are #3.

Who Makes The Best Cars? Consumer Reports Says Subaru Is Number 3 In New Rankings | Torque News (https://www.torquenews.com/1084/who-makes-best-cars-consumer-reports-says-subaru-number-3-new-rankings)

My only anecdotal experience was that my brother owned one in the 90s and his family loved it.

[dewilson58]

You could be right but what do you base that on?

Consumer reports says they are #3.

As a mechanic..............worked on a number of these.
Consumer Report does like them.
I found the parts very cheap, tinny and not reliable.
Same with Fiat & Saab.

:wave:

[srswans]

I take my cars to independent mechanics for all non-warranty service. Dealerships are generally overpriced.

(Subaru is awesome - had two, no significant issues and fun to drive. Could use more hp though.)

[retiredguy123]

I only use a dealer for warranty work. The only exception is that there are some things that an independent mechanic cannot repair, like a complicated built-in electronic system.

[RiderOnTheStorm]

do you have a favorite mechanic?

We have been bringing in our Subaru Forester to the dealer in Leesburg and it always seems expensive.

Thank you!

We have been bringing all our cars (Toyotas, Subarus and Hondas) to Wildwood Tire on route 44 (352-748-1739)‬ since 2013. Very honest and fair prices.

[OhioBuckeye]

That’s strange that you mention this. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything good said about Foreign Auto makers in Leesburg, never, are they that bad!

[PugMom]

I would take my Subaru to the dealer.........................................and get a better car.


:1rotfl::1rotfl:


oh, You!! 😅🤣

[PugMom]

i got my daughter a subaru outback, she wanted it for traveling & swears it safe. idk about that, but we used bill bryan, & were satisfied, except we didnt get to see the dog that does the tv ads. 😉. my town car goes to PlazaLincoln across the street, only for the fact that i don't want after-market parts on any of the cars. (i did that in the past & paid dearly for it.) does it cost more? probably, but in the end i know i have the proper repairs which the dealership will stand by. it's more of a choice on your part, on what kind of repairs you need for your car.

[rogerk]

Remember the ad, “Pay me now or pay me latter”?

[greg.turay]

I own a Lincoln that is just under one year old. My first oiled change and tire rotation was $179.95 plus tax. That was the last oil change that a dealer will ever do for me. They did give me “points” that I could use for service. It just barely paid for that oil change. One and done for me.

[Luggage]

not true as far as I can tell. "well maintained dealer serviced car is worth more"

I've never been asked that ....


A well maintained dealer serviced car is worth more in the end ,confident all updates and proper service and fluids are used, trained mechanics on your model know the proper fixes if needed, factory service bulletins are readily available . Just better service .

[DAVES]

You could be right but what do you base that on?

Consumer reports says they are #3.

Who Makes The Best Cars? Consumer Reports Says Subaru Is Number 3 In New Rankings | Torque News (https://www.torquenews.com/1084/who-makes-best-cars-consumer-reports-says-subaru-number-3-new-rankings)

My only anecdotal experience was that my brother owned one in the 90s and his family loved it.

On a car, I would read consumers reports as well as other magazines etc. Often writers receive bribes. Often they get far better service than you do.

Years ago I bought the Renault Alliance. Consumers reports called it Car of the Year one year and the following year gave it a terrible write up. Does not matter any more but the issues with the car was the base engine and the automatic transmission. I paid extra for the larger, better engine and got the five speed, standard transmission. I was happy with the car. Chrysler took over the service. I brought it in for service, I don't recall what. The mechanics seemed to be amazed to see one with over 100,000 miles on it.

Long gone are universal parts. When you could buy a replacement headlight It was either round or rectangular and cost like $2.00.

[Babubhat]

This takes the cake. Took car to dealer for oil change on car. Got long list of other items needed. Saved the list. Next time they gave a list of other items and the prior list was marked good. Dealers exist to empty your Wallet

[retiredguy123]

Think about it. If someone is willing to spend three times as much for a simple oil change at a dealer, the dealer knows that they can take advantage of them for almost anything. It's a double whammy.

[Birdrm]

do you have a favorite mechanic?

We have been bringing in our Subaru Forester to the dealer in Leesburg and it always seems expensive.

Thank you!

It depends like for oil changes and tire rotations I just go to the local tire shop. But for the 25K, 50K maintenance schedule I go to the dealer.

[Michael G.]

Also notice the $49.95 oil/filter change is history, $89.95 took its place.

[retiredguy123]

Also notice the $49.95 oil/filter change is history, $89.95 took its place.
I just had my oil changed at Sumter Tire last week. $55 total with a blended oil.

[Stu from NYC]

Also notice the $49.95 oil/filter change is history, $89.95 took its place.

Wow that reminds me I have a bridge for sale, hope to find someone to buy it at a very good price.

[Morgkell]

Martel’s near the corner of 301 and 441. Excellent mechanic and less than half the price of a dealer for labor

[JEB01]

Wildwood Tire, SR 44 and US 301. Family owned. They are honest and reliable. 'Nuff said!

[Michael G.]

I just had my oil changed at Sumter Tire last week. $55 total with a blended oil.

I got an oil/filter special mailing for $54.95 synthetic oil from my Toyota dealership, ends in 30 days.

Small print says: "Excludes 6 and 8 cylinders." I have a 6 cylinder. :22yikes:

Ya got'a watch'em like a hawk. :police:

[Stu from NYC]

I got an oil/filter special mailing for $54.95 synthetic oil from my Toyota dealership, ends in 30 days.

Small print says: "Excludes 6 and 8 cylinders." I have a 6 cylinder. :22yikes:

Ya got'a watch'em like a hawk. :police:

Next they will exclude 4 cylinders as well.

[Stryker]

do you have a favorite mechanic?

We have been bringing in our Subaru Forester to the dealer in Leesburg and it always seems expensive.

Thank you!

I have had multiple bad experiences there. An oil change where they forgot to put the oil back in. Ridiculous charges, and no accountability. I found a great service center that is fair, honest, and will do what is needed because they care about the customer. I’m replying to this because I know what you experience is like. Go to Sumter Tire. They are the best.

[tjboxer79]

Use the NAPA mechanic in Summerfield. (Near Darrel's)

[Babubhat]

Dealers create their own fake maintenance item list which does not correspond to the manufacturer list. There recommended 50 dollar gas treatment was a 5 dollar bottle of Techron. They slapped their own label on the bottle

[retiredguy123]

Dealers create their own fake maintenance item list which does not correspond to the manufacturer list. There recommended 50 dollar gas treatment was a 5 dollar bottle of Techron. They slapped their own label on the bottle
LOL. I ignore both lists. I change the oil every 5K miles and replace tires, brakes, and battery when they wear out. When the car stops working, I buy a new car.

[DaleDivine]

This takes the cake. Took car to dealer for oil change on car. Got long list of other items needed. Saved the list. Next time they gave a list of other items and the prior list was marked good. Dealers exist to empty your Wallet

I have a brother in law that worked as a mechanic for Cadillac and Oldsmobile dealer.
He didn't get paid by the hour or a salary. All of his pay came from telling people they needed extra work done on their car.

:agree::cus::cus:

[Wildbill50]

Agree 100%

[ohioshooter]

I have a brother in law that worked as a mechanic for Cadillac and Oldsmobile dealer.
He didn't get paid by the hour or a salary. All of his pay came from telling people they needed extra work done on their car.

:agree::cus::cus:
If It was work they didn’t really need, then it was the wrong dealer. I spent 20 years in a dealership service business. If it was work they really needed then he did the customer a favor.

[Stu from NYC]

If It was work they didn’t really need, then it was the wrong dealer. I spent 20 years in a dealership service business. If it was work they really needed then he did the customer a favor.

Some dealers run an honest service dept but unfortunately many try to talk customers into unneeded services. Bottom line is we find an honest and fair mechanic and stay with them.

Unless the problem is very specialized local mechanic who keeps up can do the vast majority of the work just as well and cheaper.

[ithos]

So where does the majority of a dealership's profit come from? It's not from car sales, at least not directly. It's from the service and parts department, which accounts for the other 49.6% of the dealership's gross profits, according to NADA.

www.edmunds.com/car-buying/where-does-the-car-dealer-make-money.html

That might not have been the case for the last year or so where they gouged customers with huge markups.

[chrissy2231]

I also have a Forester and I bring my car to Sumter Tire on 301. Used to work at dealerships and know how they work. Service writers get paid commission ( in addition to salary) on whatever they can sell to the customer ( needed or not ) I only bring my car to the dealer for necessary warranty work....which is free to the customer

Do you get oil change there? What is Cost, do they perform 22 point inspection & tire rotation?

Thank you

[laryb]

----

[laryb]

I own a Lincoln that is just under one year old. My first oiled change and tire rotation was $179.95 plus tax. That was the last oil change that a dealer will ever do for me. They did give me “points” that I could use for service. It just barely paid for that oil change. One and done for me.Prepare yourself for their $350+- 15000 mile checkup. Loved my Nautilus, but couldn't stand paying for routine maintenance, so I traded it in.

[OhioBuckeye]

Oh man, I would never ever take my car back to whatever dealer that was. Oil change cost me to do it myself cost between 25 & $30. tire change must of took them 15 mins. tops, & no money involved except maintenance. So
I’m guessing they charged you about $70. for that too.I would be more interested in who did this rip off work. I worked for Ford for 38 yrs. & they wanted to do just an oil change for me & they wanted $70. so I did it myself for about $25.

[patfla06]

The first 4 years when it’s under warranty we take it to the Dealer.
After that it depends.
The last 2 cars went to our Son so he loves when we get a new car,
the mileage when he gets them around 60K.