Where do you service your car?

[tonytiger55]

This is more of a three part question.
Where do you go to service your vehicle..? Dealership, independent specialist, independent all make shop. Do it yourself?

Also when purchasing a car, how much is the manufacturer a factor? And do you factor in services costs over the lifetime?

My reason for asking is, I have a good Honda (non dealer) mechanic I go to. I am starting to research what might be my next vehicle. But I have to factor in where the hell will I take my vehicle if I buy a different vehicle that requires a major service? i.e Ford, Jeep, Subaru.
As a example for discussion I am swayed more into buying a Honda again as I don't want the headache of finding a good mechanic again.

Also if one buy a brand that is not as reliable (but has a bit more luxury and fun factor). How many of you factor in frequent or higher servicing costs..?

[firebane]

I've owned 2 Integras, 2 Civics, 3 Jeeps, 4 Chevys, 1 Chevy Sprint, 1 GMC S15 and a Subaru.

Off all of those vehicles the most reliable and solid vehicle driven were the Hondas and Acuras. When we needed to get something reliable for the girlfriend we went to a Honda as well.

Hondas have a reputation for a reason and their ease of being worked on makes it that much more attractive.

I'd say 90% of the work that needs to be done is by me unless it becomes something major like axle work or transmission work.

[benz_890]

DIY on the Honda & BMW

[killramos]

I own a lot of new cars, most of them have had included maintenance.

That and I have no time to drive into an industrial park to drop off my car and then figure out getting to work beyond that. Haven’t owned a car where an independent shop would have benefited me enough to bother.

Plus it’s fun to shop the showroom when it’s quiet while waiting for the shuttle in the morning.

I’m sure I’ve wasted a few dollars along the way but it works for me.

[ExtraSlow]

tonytiger55, I think you are talking about an out-of-warranty used vehicle, and if so, I'd split between doing it myself and and independent shop. Honda is great, but any high-volume model should be fine, since parts will be easier to find, and youtube will have a video for nearly anything. Don't get anything unique if you want simple and cheap maintenance.

[Mitsu3000gt]

Warranty - dealer

Off warranty - try to find a reputable third party shop such as TuneDub

Off warranty oil changes/minor maintenance - do them myself

As for the luxury/fun factor question, I owned two off warranty Audis for many years, and both were as reliable as my Civics as year-round daily drivers with zero problems. I wouldn't hesitate to go down that road again, but I don't see myself doing anything other than leasing for the foreseeable future, the advantages are just too hard to ignore (for me).

[flipstah]

Warranty - dealer

Off warranty - try to find a reputable third party shop such as TuneDub

Off warranty oil changes/minor maintenance - do them myself

As for the luxury/fun factor question, I owned two off warranty Audis for many years, and both were as reliable as my Civics as year-round daily drivers with zero problems. I wouldn't hesitate to go down that road again, but I don't see myself doing anything other than leasing for the foreseeable future, the advantages are just too hard to ignore (for me).

This.

[schocker]

I do most of the typical maintenance and smaller repairs myself. Maintenance I get done at the dealer but I do the oil/filters/rotat da tires myself.
Wont do brake fluid again though, that is my least favorite.

[tonytiger55]

tonytiger55, I think you are talking about an out-of-warranty used vehicle, and if so, I'd split between doing it myself and and independent shop. Honda is great, but any high-volume model should be fine, since parts will be easier to find, and youtube will have a video for nearly anything. Don't get anything unique if you want simple and cheap maintenance.

I hear ya.
I'm just more curious about how people go about the decision making. Is it a factor...? I mean buying car is one part. But maintaining and costs are another. I wondering if people factor that in when buying a make.

[ExtraSlow]

I hear ya.
I'm just more curious about how people go about the decision making. Is it a factor...? I mean buying car is one part. But maintaining and costs are another. I wondering if people factor that in when buying a make.

Beyond is #YOLO all day bro.

[gmc72]

When purchasing I research reliability of the vehicle I'm interested in, and decide if it's worth it. My BMW I figured was worth it as I can do a lot of it myself (former mechanic). Oil changes I take to a BMW specialist, but independent shop (Sheni's). For my Murano, I usually get the oil changes done at a quick lube place, and regular maintenance that I can't handle, I take to an independent shop that I have frequented over the years (actually used to work there). For tires for both I take to the same independent shop.

That being said, my Honda Fit that I used to own has been dead reliable and even recommended my son buy one as his first car. The Fit was "sold" to my in-laws and is still going strong. We're looking at replacing our Murano and seriously looking at the Honda HR-V.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Almost everything myself, however my truck doesn’t fit in any garage I have access to so I recently had a red seal tech buddy of mine put a shift kit in the trans, change both trans filters, remove and reseal the front diff case halves, and replace the pitman and idler arm. He’s considerably cheaper than any shop but it does take him some time to get stuff done.

November 2018 I dropped the entire drivetrain out of my Corvette and replaced the diff, clutch, flywheel, slave, remote clutch bleeder, resealed the motor, put a cam in, pushrods, valve springs, valve seals, timing chain and gears, installed an oil cooler, changed all the fluids a second time and put it all back together with almost no issues afterwards.

[RX_EVOLV]

When purchasing I research reliability of the vehicle I'm interested in, and decide if it's worth it. My BMW I figured was worth it as I can do a lot of it myself (former mechanic). Oil changes I take to a BMW specialist, but independent shop (Sheni's). For my Murano, I usually get the oil changes done at a quick lube place, and regular maintenance that I can't handle, I take to an independent shop that I have frequented over the years (actually used to work there). For tires for both I take to the same independent shop.

That being said, my Honda Fit that I used to own has been dead reliable and even recommended my son buy one as his first car. The Fit was "sold" to my in-laws and is still going strong. We're looking at replacing our Murano and seriously looking at the Honda HR-V.

How come you go to a BMW specialist for oil change?

My X5 just went off warranty and I was just going to bring it to the Independent shop that our family been using for the past 2 decades for standard maintenance like oil changes. They are just your mom-and-pop shop though.. should we be looking at a specialist?

[littledan]

03 gmc 2500 and an 07 range rover sport. Do my own maintenance if its doable in my own garage. Ie oil changes, replace door actuator, thermostat etc. If it requires a lift my best friend is a mechanic that owns a shop and lets me use the lift and helps me out on a weekend. If its too involved then I leave it with him and he charges me shop rate. Pretty good setup.

[flipstah]

I hear ya.
I'm just more curious about how people go about the decision making. Is it a factor...? I mean buying car is one part. But maintaining and costs are another. I wondering if people factor that in when buying a make.

If you want to maintain the car, decide what tasks you're willing to do and see if that car fits your task in the easiest way possible.

Task: I want to do my own oil changes
Requirements: The oil filter must be easily accessible
Solution: Look for engines where the oil filter replacement is on the engine bay and not underneath it; get an extractor to remove oil without draining via the oil plug

[gmc72]

How come you go to a BMW specialist for oil change?

My X5 just went off warranty and I was just going to bring it to the Independent shop that our family been using for the past 2 decades for standard maintenance like oil changes. They are just your mom-and-pop shop though.. should we be looking at a specialist?

On my 3 series (F30) there is no physical dipstick, so I decided to take to someone with BMW experience. It's not really more expensive than the independent shop, but they have the experience with them. That's the only reason.

[Aleks]

I hear ya.
I'm just more curious about how people go about the decision making. Is it a factor...? I mean buying car is one part. But maintaining and costs are another. I wondering if people factor that in when buying a make.

I think this changed since I looked last, but at one point Mazda required 3 oil changes per year on some of their cars. Something like that would be a deal breaker, not because of cost, but because it's annoying and waste of time.

[Mitsu3000gt]

I think this changed since I looked last, but at one point Mazda required 3 oil changes per year on some of their cars. Something like that would be a deal breaker, not because of cost, but because it's annoying and waste of time.

Not to mention how terrible all the Mazda dealers seem to be in Calgary.

[A2VR6]

I think this changed since I looked last, but at one point Mazda required 3 oil changes per year on some of their cars. Something like that would be a deal breaker, not because of cost, but because it's annoying and waste of time.

8000 km or 6 months now for my wifes CX9

[Aleks]

8000 km or 6 months now for my wifes CX9

This is what it was like a few years ago. They made the change since then. Every 4 months is a ridiculous, climate killing, oil wasting mess.

http://i.imgur.com/tVQaWGX.png

[ShermanEF9]

Since 2/3 of my vehicles are under warranty, i will take it to the dealership. my third vehicle i do the work myself. maintenance I do on all three.

[botox]

Warranty - dealer

Off warranty - try to find a reputable third party shop such as TuneDub

Off warranty oil changes/minor maintenance - do them myself

As for the luxury/fun factor question, I owned two off warranty Audis for many years, and both were as reliable as my Civics as year-round daily drivers with zero problems. I wouldn't hesitate to go down that road again, but I don't see myself doing anything other than leasing for the foreseeable future, the advantages are just too hard to ignore (for me).

Ditto. When I was younger I'd attempt to fix everything myself but now nope, ain't got time or patience for it so it's either dealer or third party shop for any repairs and easy maintenance including tire swaps/rotations I'll handle.

[brucebanner]

Truck has warranty, so dealer.

Wife's suv is off warranty, if I feel like tackling the repair, I'll do it otherwise independent shop. Her vehicle needed an oil change last week, took it to a lube shop and was in & out in less than 15 minutes. Definitely worth the extra $20? out of pocket expense vs me doing it myself.

[tonytiger55]

For those that go to the dealership. Are you not put off by the higher servicing costs..? Or is it the ease of it (& free coffee) or have you bought in a servicing package..?

[dj_rice]

Car still has warranty, so dealership. But I work in dealership so I do my own oil changes at work. I bring it to dealership every scheduled maintenance oil change just so that theres a record on file, and very convienient that I work right beside where my cars dealer is. Drive to work, walk over and pick up vehicle when my shift is over. No loaner needed, saves Infiniti money

But yes its still pricy, I supply my own oil and filter when dealership does my oil change, and its still $72 labour. But hey, the lights, rags, free coffee and water bottles don't pay for themselves.

[flipstah]

For those that go to the dealership. Are you not put off by the higher servicing costs..? Or is it the ease of it (& free coffee) or have you bought in a servicing package..?

You have to pay the piper to have little to no issues if you have to make a warranty claim.

[ExtraSlow]

For those that go to the dealership. Are you not put off by the higher servicing costs..? Or is it the ease of it (& free coffee) or have you bought in a servicing package..?
Not all dealerships are that bad of a rip-off. It pays to shop around. I started taking my Hondas to T&T because they were a little cheaper, but also, they are a lot better to deal with. Actually have been quite happy with that dealership for service. Thier parts country guys are nice too.

[bjstare]

I'm 50/50. Similar theme to others, my wife's car is a bit older and I do oil changes/tire rotations myself. Everything else, it goes to Jackie at Balance Auto (same applies for my S2K).

My car is newer and a little more complicated to work on, so only thing I'll do is tire rotation on it. Oil change/minor service is a little pricey at dealer, but it's nice to get a loaner for the day. If anything big goes wrong, or larger maintenance like brake jobs I'll probably compare dealer to local indy shops. I've done brakes before, but I just don't want to spend the time these days (btw, on that note, what is the best local indy for Audi's? Tunedub? I know Haute AG does a bunch of work on German cars, but I'm not the hugest fan of those guys).

[snowcat]

Ditto. When I was younger I'd attempt to fix everything myself but now nope, ain't got time or patience for it so it's either dealer or third party shop for any repairs and easy maintenance including tire swaps/rotations I'll handle.

100%. When I was younger I DIY to learn, save money etc. I don't have time for that, nor do I want to get messy. Everything goes to the dealer, and I'll do tire swaps and clean the car myself.

[FraserB]

For those that go to the dealership. Are you not put off by the higher servicing costs..? Or is it the ease of it (& free coffee) or have you bought in a servicing package..?

I don’t want them moaning about proof of service if a warranty issue comes up, plus they give out a loaner or ride to/from work. Once it’s off warranty, I’ll just take it to a reputable shop for the brand.

[heavyD]

I work with a couple of guys with late model VW's and they get their work done at Tunedub. Haven't heard of any issues using them in regards to warranty.

[chongkee_]

Car is out of warranty and truck is almost out of warranty.
Services are done through the dealerships for both.
I do it out of convenience and I don't always have the time to do it myself.
I just drop off the car in the morning before I head to work and get picked up by the shuttle at the end of the day instead of waiting around at the shop.
I have done repairs myself if I have the tools for it and time.

[Rat Fink]

.

[ExtraSlow]

yup, I'm with Rat Fink , secret life hack, don't own vehicles that have warranty, and free your mind . . .

[Aleks]

For those that go to the dealership. Are you not put off by the higher servicing costs..? Or is it the ease of it (& free coffee) or have you bought in a servicing package..?

At Toyota and Honda oil changes were on par with the places like minit lube. A lot of them will even do it free if you commit to do the rest of the warranty recommended services there.

[speedog]

yup, I'm with Rat Fink , secret life hack, don't own vehicles that have warranty, and free your mind . . .

Ditto, one to do list item is to replace the door hinge pins on my Suburban's barn doors and also replace the transmission. In the past, have replaced water pumps, alternators, starters, fuel pumps, rad hoses, brakes, suspension, power steering hoses, window motors, seat heater pads, broken seat assemblies/rails, broken sunroof assemblies, ignition switches. Geez, I am capable of more than I thought when it comes to vehicle maintenance.