Honda Service: Dealer or Local Gulf Station?

I keep getting ripped off by my Honda dealer service department. I
believe they are too agressive in recommending work to be performed on
my Accord and Odyssey when in actuality - it is not needed.

So I'm switching to a local Gulf shop. Haven't used them yet, but my
neigbors have an Acura and claim that they are really good. Of course
the dealer says "I'm going to have big problems", "they don't use Honda
parts", "they don't cut the rotors on brake jobs", yada, yada, yada.

What is your opinion?

 

In the middle. Find one with a AAA approval or an independent Honda
mechanic. I used to go to the dealer until I realized... duh... one of
the mechincs opened his own shop. I took my cars there for 17 years.

 

You betcha.

So have them do only what your owner's manual recommends. Who cares
what they say.

Compare their prices for the same work against the prices from your
local service station.

 

AAA stamps of approval don't mean a thing. The best recommendations come
from other customers.

 

just have the Gulf mechanic use Honda parts.
I keep getting ripped off by my Honda dealer service department. I
believe they are too agressive in recommending work to be performed on
my Accord and Odyssey when in actuality - it is not needed.

So I'm switching to a local Gulf shop. Haven't used them yet, but my
neigbors have an Acura and claim that they are really good. Of course
the dealer says "I'm going to have big problems", "they don't use Honda
parts", "they don't cut the rotors on brake jobs", yada, yada, yada.

What is your opinion?

 

gulf gas station?

they might be. there are other honda/acura independants out there as
well as other dealers. worth a shot, though.

they probably go through a place like NAPA. if NAPA had a reputation for
selling junk, they wouldnt get any contracts from mechanics. mechanics
HATE doing work over again for free.

i dont cut the rotors either. no biggie. just makes em warp faster.

 

"AAA can help keep your car or truck running strong all year long! It's
the perfect way to enjoy more peace of mind on the road."

- AAR facilities employ Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or
manufacturer certified mechanics.

- AAR facilities make a commitment to fix your vehicle properly the
first time. All repairs are guaranteed for a minimum of 12 months or
12,000 miles.

- AAA will step in to resolve any concerns regarding the service.

- AAR facilities offer a complimentary 38-point maintenance inspection
upon request. Show Your Card & Save® 10 percent at participating
locations.

- AAR facilities are located throughout the United States and Canada,
AAA's Approved Auto Repair has a network of more than 35,000 certified
technicians to take care of all your automotive needs on the road
Quality maintenance and repairs and more."

 

It is just like finding a doctor - there are good ones and bad ones.
(Then again, aren't doctors are just like car mechanics, but with an
advanced degree?
Just because one works at a dealer, doesn't mean they know what they
are doing.

If you find a good mechanic at a local shop, use him/her. Be sure he
replaces parts with original Honda (OEM) parts, though - OEM parts can
make all the difference most of the time.

Remco

 

--
KWW

<snip>

So what? One of my local Honda dealer never turns the rotors when they
replace the brakes either, and they charge an arm and a leg for service.
They were bought out by a national dealer chain (Sonic) and now they lowered
the wages of the mechanics, push the service writers to write up extra
services, and raised the cost of service.

I do most of my own service now, but since my in-laws have a fairly new
Accord, I finally got them to go to one of the other local Honda dealers for
service (Rusty Wallace).

 

Why not "just say no"?