Dealership vs. Small Mechanic: Who Should Fix Your Car?
Dealership versus a small mechanic? Which solution is best for you? Depending on your vehicle, the amount of money in your pocket, and sometimes, even your attitude, you might be able to walk off with a great auto repair deal or used car purchase. But the services you get from a dealership won’t be exactly like those you get from a small mechanic. You have to know when it’s the right time to choose a dealer or small mechanic. Often, that choice begins with understanding yourself. Read on for more details.
You Don’t Have Much Time
If you’ve got to get back on the road quickly, you won’t have time for a mechanic with plenty of other customers. Often, a dealership is simply bigger and has more money. Meaning, a dealership’s trained group of specialists can work on your car at a faster rate than the small group at your local mechanic. Additionally, the dealership folks who work on your engine and transmission have been certified and reviewed. Stick with a dealer if you’re in a rush. Remember, every year, there’s about $60 billion worth of vehicle maintenance that doesn’t get done. That means people are not getting auto repairs because they’re worried about the expense. They may even instead choose to wait forever or fix their cars on their own and increase the damage. Avoid this mistake. Get your car fixed at a dealer if you’re short on time.
You Need Something Close By
Want to know what details makeup 30% of insurance claims? Damaged auto glass and windshields. For those issues, do you really want to go for a long drive to a dealership that might not be in your area? A mechanic might be your best if you need to get auto repair services rather closer to your home. That could, of course, be because you’re pressed for time. But you also might be thinking about the distance it takes to get to the garage if you’re own vehicle isn’t in the best of conditions. If you need something close by, there are plenty of mechanics, but only a few dealerships. And, because it’s better to stick with the dealer from which you purchased your vehicle, you can cut down on choosing more conveniently located options and skip the distance. Go with the mechanic, and you might even save yourself from having to pay money in higher labor costs.
You’re Particular About How Much Money You Spend
A mechanic will be cheaper than visiting a car dealer. If you’re particular about the money you spend, you should stick with the mechanic. Leave the dealership for when you need repairs done that you’re confident will require greater expertise. That’s not to say a mechanic is less proficient than those at the dealership. But saving money is about understanding how much money you’re willing to spend. Equally as important is why. For a moment, think of personal injury law. Only 4% to 5% of personal injury cases go to trial. At least 95% of personal injury claims are settled pre-trial in the United States. That means, if you’re willing to take the risk, you can spend less on a mechanic. If the mechanic knowingly does a poor job and you get hurt, you have a much easier shot at pursuing a case against a mechanic than a dealership.
The decision to choose between a car dealership and a mechanic isn’t an easy one. But getting your vehicle back on the road as fast as possible should always be on the top of your priorities. The service you choose usually depends on whether you’re in a rush or intend to spend only a little bit of money. Even when you simply need something close by, you have to know whether to choose a mechanic or a dealer. As long as you’re thinking about your car and not just your wallet, you’re more than likely to make the best decision.