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my experiences
Posted by Liam (more from Liam) on Sun, 28 Mar 2010 15:00:44
In Reply to: You People, John Myers , Sat, 27 Mar 2010 20:05:00
Here's what I can say:
I bought my 9-5 used, but still under warranty. The dealership was okay to deal with (replaced dash due to crack in woodgrain, replaced cup holder, etc). When I went in with my list of Tech2 changes to be made (such as having the fog lights on without the headlights) they gave me a funny look, but ultimately took care of it. When my CEL came on just before the warranty ran out they said it was a random misfire and nothing to worry about. When I returned a week later with the CEL on and the same code they turned it off and said it was due to the Previous owner getting into the wiring for the o2 sensor for an a/f gauge (it had been put back to stock when I bought it). When I told them it was the DI they said no way, and wouldn't replace it. I never went back.

I replaced the DI myself in about 5 minutes and haven't had a CEL since.

My indy did the 60K service for half what the dealer would charge. He washed my car inside and out, had a waiting room with coffee, muffins, and wi-fi, or a loaner car if I needed it. He gave me updates on what I would need, and in one instance even let me bring in the brake pads I wanted to have put on - no questions asked.

I moved, I do some work myself, and I have a good relationship with my dealer and trust their techs to anything with the car, but that doesn't change the price. Here in Vermont there are lots of indy's who can fix it just as well. So the dealer gets it for oil changes since the price is reasonable and I know it will be done correctly, the indy gets it for big service, and I DIY for the stuff I know how to do (fuel filter, air filter, cabin filter, suspension, brakes, and did the CPS and fuel pump once).

I'm lucky enough to have a good dealer, but I'm not rich. I don't think they charge too much, but I think you can get good service elsewhere for less.

At the end of the day I would say that the best car-fixin' experience I ever had was the wonderful folks at Sovereign Auto in Roswell GA. If I still lived there I would have them do 100% of the work. They were FANTASTIC. The most important thing they did was make sure it was right the first time. Anyone looking for a model for their dealership or indy shop should pay them a visit. I went there a half dozen times and never left unhappy with the service done on my car.

There are good and bad on the dealer and the indy side though, so it's more about finding one you are comfortable with. Many times that isn't at a dealership, sometimes you can't even find a good indy!

posted by 24.91.149...
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