[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]

Originally Posted by 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!

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]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

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

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 ....

Originally Posted by 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 .

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by ithos

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

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]

Originally Posted by 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!

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]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

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.