The difference to me is consistency. I go to my local shop with the same owner for the past 20 years who is still turning wrenches in the garage vs going to the dealership where I do not know anyone. Do people stay at the same dealership for a long time? I'm sure, but not like someone who owns the business.
Regrettable dealership experience from someone who rarely complains
- Thread starter wemay
- Start date
Yes it's best to find a good one and stick with it. The independent I worked at was small enough that we knew all of our regular customers. It's much easier dealing with someone you know, on both sides.
Been going to a local mechanic for years, but he retired this year, sold his shop to a local used car dealer, gave me some referrals before leaving but nobody wants to touch an 83 Silverado with a carburetor. Where have all the old mechanics gone?
SammyChevelleTypeS3
$50 site donor 2023
I had found a brand new dealership. Met the Service Manager and we hit it off good. He showed me the shop and I was amazed. The shop area was immaculate and all the techs were in new uniforms and did great work. Brought both vehicles to them for 2 years. All of a sudden I called to schedule and was told "that Service Manager no longer works here." So I drive by one day and the place has a new name and is under new management. I drove up to the Service area and was greeted by NO ONE. Got out and walked in office to find NO ONE. Looked in the back for the techs and they were all new guys who were all in street clothes, sitting around smoking and clowning around and did not look impressive at all. You can see when guys have an "attitude" almost like "****ed it ! another car to work on!" kind of looks. Well I had to move on and found a different dealership and Service Manager who so far is ok. There has to be a reason no one stays at these places. The wages are supposed to be very good
so I don't get it.
so I don't get it.
Tiny salary plus Commission for the service writer
SammyChevelleTypeS3
$50 site donor 2023
Thats a shame with the prices / profits they bring in for the company. No business owners seem to value good employees enough to pay them and attempt to keep them there.
Madness. Free oil changes were supposed to be free, not buy your own oil then subject your vehicle to those hacks who pick at everything trying to find billable services and end up leaving the vehicle molested. It's not the worst possible outcome but it's close, BEFORE they upsell another oil too!
On the other hand, I get not wanting to take on the burden of documenting the oil changes yourself to preserve the warranty, so I would have just kept out of it and after the 9 free changes, making sure she didn't pay more for their "upgrade" (which in this case, they might have charged without doing anything different at all!), THEN offer her the oil and DIY change it.
If you let innocent people be exposed to non-innocent, the best that can happen is minimal bad things. The average that happens is a few bad things. I'd be more invested in her vehicle to change the oil myself with whatever random oil that meets spec, rather than some *special oil*. The key being don't let the vultures near her or the vehicle.
I'm not trying to stereotype all people at all shops, just recognizing the risks vs rewards for these services that are free... which aren't if it averaged out to bays being taken up without billable hours and parts sold. The shop has to make a profit to exist... just reality.
On the other hand, I get not wanting to take on the burden of documenting the oil changes yourself to preserve the warranty, so I would have just kept out of it and after the 9 free changes, making sure she didn't pay more for their "upgrade" (which in this case, they might have charged without doing anything different at all!), THEN offer her the oil and DIY change it.
If you let innocent people be exposed to non-innocent, the best that can happen is minimal bad things. The average that happens is a few bad things. I'd be more invested in her vehicle to change the oil myself with whatever random oil that meets spec, rather than some *special oil*. The key being don't let the vultures near her or the vehicle.
I'm not trying to stereotype all people at all shops, just recognizing the risks vs rewards for these services that are free... which aren't if it averaged out to bays being taken up without billable hours and parts sold. The shop has to make a profit to exist... just reality.
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