Service at dealer vs mechanics

[Jazzdude]

My car is up for servicing and I was just wondering if it is really worth going to the dealer for a service which would cost me $250 more than if I took it to someone like ultratune etc.?

It's an 80K service, so a major one, but wouldn't they both do the same things? I've never taken my car to a dealer, but because this one is a major service, I'm just wondering. I mean I could find better uses for that extra $250.

What do you guys think?

[aaronng]

I dislike Ultratune. I don't trust them to do anything involved like a valve timing check or fuel filter change.

[jeffske]

dealer = "meant" to do stuff properly, use apprentices
mechanics = qualified mechanics, probably like to cut corners

[aaronng]

Except that Ultratune is not at the same level as "mechanics". If in Sydney, go to Hanny's.

[hoey888]

i've had mine for just under a year, taken my car back to dealer and no problems. done 14k km and its running great. if you do an oil change at the dealers ask for the genuine honda feo, slightly better quality oil than the generic stuff.

[hondajazz2005]

seems like you have the same car as me.... im too almost up for 80K service.... i don't think 250 is sufficient for a dealer.... at least 500-600?? i rem the 40K major service cost like around 600. that time i skip it, but for 80k, i most probably will go back to dealer... or if someone can really recommend a good mech.

[teh_mechanic]

lots of people think that because you go to a honda dealer their car will somehow get better treatment.you need to understand that more that often 4 out of 5 people in the workshop are apprentices and the qualified guys TRY and keep an eye over them.

ultratune i agree is pretty dodgy,also kmart tyre and auto im not too fond of,no offence if any1 works there.

private workshops are usually a guy or 3 working with money from their own pocket doing jobs that their name goes onto.they dont have a service manager to answer to,but if they dont do good work,they dont eat.and they will 9 times out of 10 give you a better price for the same work than a dealership.some arnt good guys,but its like getting a doctor or going to a supermarket,you try a few out and when you find one you like you stick with it

[hondajazz2005]

just a question mech, is there anything better or special with the "computer or electrical" equipment dealer use to diagnose the car???

[aaronng]

just a question mech, is there anything better or special with the "computer or electrical" equipment dealer use to diagnose the car???

Yes, the HDS tester is pretty good. But you only need it if you have a problem.

[shadou]

it's good but some other generic dealerships may have their own form of Diagnostic equipment (doubt it though), I know for a fact that Snap on makes diagnostic equipment and it isn't half bad, still did the normal readings quite accurately

[hondajazz2005]

the only thing that tempted me going back to the dealer is really the HDS, otherwise i rather let mech outside do the major service... for minor service like changing oil, i think i can handle it....

[aaronng]

it's good but some other generic dealerships may have their own form of Diagnostic equipment (doubt it though), I know for a fact that Snap on makes diagnostic equipment and it isn't half bad, still did the normal readings quite accurately

If you are talking about the OBDII reader, everyone has it. And all it does is pull out ECU codes. Nothing much else.

[ahmondjai]

but wouldn't it void your warranty if you take it outside the dealer?

[aaronng]

Nope.

[Sexc86]

everyone is DIYing these days due to the amount of overpriced dodgy crap workshops that call them selves mechanics.... a big **** YOU to all them. My advice learn how to do it yourself... or take it to someone you really trust.... deffinately not a shit place like ultratune or midas etc

[shadou]

nah the snap on diagnostic tool had adapters and connectors for all makes and models cept for sangyong, spent like an hour trying to figure what connector to use as it had a merc engine and the body of a hideous 4wd

[marky53]

I have found that dealers, (especially Honda) are way over priced for both my dc2r and my girlfriend's jazz.... A regular service involving oil change (feo), oil filter and 'a full safety inspection') whatever crap that is have been around $350.

I go to my local mechanic that I have been to for years and with my previous car.... I buy Honda Feo oil for about 30 bucks for 5 litres, he changes the oil filter and oil, stamps my books, and gives me the left over oil for top ups! He charges me $50, all up I spend $80!!!!

Avoid dealers, but speak to friends/family for a reliable trustworthy mechanic that wont rip you off/sting you for unecessary parts!!!!!

[aaronng]

I have found that dealers, (especially Honda) are way over priced for both my dc2r and my girlfriend's jazz.... A regular service involving oil change (feo), oil filter and 'a full safety inspection') whatever crap that is have been around $350.

I go to my local mechanic that I have been to for years and with my previous car.... I buy Honda Feo oil for about 30 bucks for 5 litres, he changes the oil filter and oil, stamps my books, and gives me the left over oil for top ups! He charges me $50, all up I spend $80!!!!

Avoid dealers, but speak to friends/family for a reliable trustworthy mechanic that wont rip you off/sting you for unecessary parts!!!!!

So your local mech doesn't do all the visual inspections that should be done?

[marky53]

Yes he does the inspections, he gives the car a test drive.... Most people dont need a mechanic to let them know their tyres are low, their brakes are going soon, their clutch is wearing out and that you are low on radiator coolant....

I am very skeptical about dealers and their 'inspections' as they are mainly a young apprentice with a clipboard looking at signs of wear and tear which are 'usually' noticeable, and seeing mine/gf's cars are low on k's we are confident that we wont need to worry for a while.... seeing this guy's car is only at 80k, save a dealer service for the 100k

[shadou]

Actually yes most people do need a mechanic to tell them what's wrong and what is low, you'd be quiet pleasantly surprised that not everyone in this world is so mechanically minded. For example I had a friend of my ex-gf who had no idea where the hell the bonnet release was, her car is dead now, something about no coolant and a warped head.

[aaronng]

Yes he does the inspections, he gives the car a test drive.... Most people dont need a mechanic to let them know their tyres are low, their brakes are going soon, their clutch is wearing out and that you are low on radiator coolant....

I am very skeptical about dealers and their 'inspections' as they are mainly a young apprentice with a clipboard looking at signs of wear and tear which are 'usually' noticeable, and seeing mine/gf's cars are low on k's we are confident that we wont need to worry for a while.... seeing this guy's car is only at 80k, save a dealer service for the 100k

They do need to be told about their coolant level/condition, ATF fluid condition, CV boot condition, even whether their tyres need to be changed! My GF ran her Astra til the brake rotors were lipped to hell! Only when the dealer mentioned that (and I confirmed the lipping), did she change it. Of course, dealers might pull dodgy stuff like carbon cleaner, fuel injector cleaner, additives and other rip offs, so there isn't a 100% win situation for the regular car owner who is ignorant about the finer details on servicing.

[marky53]

People that dont know where the bonnet is, thats a worry, I hope they know where the steering wheel and pedals are....In that case, they should pay the extras in making sure their car is looked at thoroughly..... Anyone with half a brain about car maintenance and a car with reasonably low k's can get away with checking fluids on their own, and saving some bucks avoiding dealers.....

[shadou]

Some people don't give 2 shits about wtf is under the bonnet marky53, I think you have to consider these people before you post a reply, yes it's easy but some people don't care just as long as the car runs without problems. The service/owners manuals specifies weekly/monthly and maybe even daily checks but I can assure you something like 70% of the owners don't preform these checks.

[marky53]

This thread was about whether to go to a mechanic or another service centre. Im simply suggesting that you can save a lot of money by going to a local mechanic without all the bells and whistles that the more expensive dealers provide. Im not suggesting that you have to have an indepth knowledge about car maintenance, but go somewhere reputable that will look after you and your car and let you know about it. Like I said, this can all be achieved at a local mechanic without going to a dealer (see Jazzdude's original question in the thread)

Further to that, vehicle inspections ARE important and that they are done by a qualified mechanic, not some young inexperienced apprentice, as I have seen first hand at some dealers. Just find a mechanic that will do the inspection and a service for a reasonable price!!!! That is my two cents for Jazzdude

[ACE888]

My 2003 Jazz has now 135k on it, never been to a Honda dealer except the very 1st 1k "free" service...... been taking it to my local mechanic who really does nothing with the car except change a few parts and stamps my books....

I buy the parts, he installs the goods and charges like $15 for a simple oil change and say $50 for a couple hours of work such as a major'ish service........

The dealer on the other hand is going to charge say $650+ for a major service? which is almost $300 more than my local mechanic even after I have bought my parts...... oil & petrol filters, oils, air element etc.

Haven't had a major problem, except maybe the CVT tranny which slightly jerked at start but now resolved with the newly released specific CVT oils......


Then again, a Jazz is a Jazz and IMO not as technical or computerised as dad's Mercedez E class. They require special attention and my father takes his car religiously to the Merc workshop ...... then when I see the invoices, i'm shocked that some can be as much as 10% the cost of a new Jazz!!!

[panda[cRx]]

I dislike Ultratune. I don't trust them to do anything involved like a valve timing check or fuel filter change.

the ultratune boss that is on the commercials doesnt even get his own car serviced with ultratune :wave:


Yes he does the inspections, he gives the car a test drive.... Most people dont need a mechanic to let them know their tyres are low, their brakes are going soon, their clutch is wearing out and that you are low on radiator coolant....

I am very skeptical about dealers and their 'inspections' as they are mainly a young apprentice with a clipboard looking at signs of wear and tear which are 'usually' noticeable, and seeing mine/gf's cars are low on k's we are confident that we wont need to worry for a while.... seeing this guy's car is only at 80k, save a dealer service for the 100k

i think you are forgetting that car enthusiasts are the MINORITY of car owners. for most people they are a mode of transport, not a way of life or religion lol

i work in a dealer and i see how clueless most people are on a daily basis.
even the people that think they know what they are on about usually have no idea


Actually yes most people do need a mechanic to tell them what's wrong and what is low, you'd be quiet pleasantly surprised that not everyone in this world is so mechanically minded.

word

[aaronng]

My 2003 Jazz has now 135k on it, never been to a Honda dealer except the very 1st 1k "free" service...... been taking it to my local mechanic who really does nothing with the car except change a few parts and stamps my books....

I buy the parts, he installs the goods and charges like $15 for a simple oil change and say $50 for a couple hours of work such as a major'ish service........

The dealer on the other hand is going to charge say $650+ for a major service? which is almost $300 more than my local mechanic even after I have bought my parts...... oil & petrol filters, oils, air element etc.

Haven't had a major problem, except maybe the CVT tranny which slightly jerked at start but now resolved with the newly released specific CVT oils......


Then again, a Jazz is a Jazz and IMO not as technical or computerised as dad's Mercedez E class. They require special attention and my father takes his car religiously to the Merc workshop ...... then when I see the invoices, i'm shocked that some can be as much as 10% the cost of a new Jazz!!!

For your $350, does the mech do a valve clearance check as well?

[Dreams]

that Honda stamps add a piece of mind when someone will be buying your car. meaning no dodgy service as in general.

[fundies]

Im coming up to 40,000km's soon and would like to give the valve clearance check a go myself. I've done it plenty of times on different cars/motorbikes but never on a vtec engine. Has anyone here done it themselves? Is it the same as other engines? Does anyone have a link or info. on the valve clearance tolerances? Cheers.

[ACE888]

For your $350, does the mech do a valve clearance check as well?

No he does not do the valve clearance checks.

I have mentioned it to him and says the Jazz engine's are fantastic and should not have any problems.

Why that trust in him? He owns a Jazz himself.

Why that trust in my Jazz? It still drives like new, still as responsive as new even with 135K kms.

Yes you can put the car under a computer analysis and prove that there is a slight decrease in power but that's another story.

[FAT VTI]

heres my 2cents,
Honda servicing your car is not neccesarily a bad thing, because it does add (as som1 said) peice of mind when selling your car. Also , they do specialise on honda, so theoretically you are paying for expertise.
However, I wouldnt take my car to a honda workshop. Reason being, If i have a problem (which i can't fix) , I take it to a SPECIALISED honda mechanic who is very well known as 1 of the best mechanics for Honda's in Syd. Im sure at least half the ppl in syd who are on this forum at least know of Rob at Hannys, and I have seen about 30posts where ppl are complimenting hannys and reccomending them.

I am not saying hannys is the ONLY decent mechanic i am saying he is a trusted mechanic by alot of people on ozhonda, and therefore its a pretty safe bet they will do a good job.

Now, I will never take my car to ultratune, kmart tyre and auto, and big commercial mechanic, or any pitstop mechanic who thinks they can work around a honda. Reason being, if there is a specialised honda mechanic who only works on hondas, compared to your friends cousins mechanic who works on kia's and fords I would choose the honda mechanic.
Also, places like Hannys are not expensive. They are actually cheaper. They use only honda fluids (or honda equivelent) and are generally pretty cheap.

So if your asking for a mechanic ,LISTEN to the people off this forum, obviously they drive hondas and have trusted mechanics, and if they all reccomend a certain place then go there.

and for a post earlier on, YES most ppl have no idea how a car works. Im still at school, and ppl who get their P's and ring me up and say, oh my interior lights arnt working or, oh this and that dont work, they don't even know how to change a bloudly blade fuse on their amplifiers or in their fuse box.
There are alot of stupid people when it comes to cars, simple as that. Alot of people say they have a problem, and don't research the problem or figure out what it is.
I am a person who always has to know why something doesn't work . A simple "oh the ..... doesnt work" isn't good enough unless I know why. thats just me, im sure alot of car enthusiest are the same.
anyhow, just thought i'd give input.

[aaronng]

No he does not do the valve clearance checks.

I have mentioned it to him and says the Jazz engine's are fantastic and should not have any problems.

Why that trust in him? He owns a Jazz himself.

Why that trust in my Jazz? It still drives like new, still as responsive as new even with 135K kms.

Yes you can put the car under a computer analysis and prove that there is a slight decrease in power but that's another story.
So you can't compare since the dealer is asking $500-600 for a major service, while your mech is charging you $350 for a minor service. I pay $240 at the dealer for a minor service. Add the cost of the airfilter, that makes it about $290-300. So the dealer is cheaper than your mechanic. The only time the dealer service goes above $500 is when a valve clearance is done or they change your brake pads/rotors or the dealer is trying to rip you off (if none of the previous two are done).

[omgzilla]

I work for a big name european car dealership and even though there are many apprentices every inch of their work is quality checked until they can prove that they are competent in carrying out certain jobs. Then, and only then will they be allowed to do it on their own - still after each service etc their work is checked over before sending the car out to the customer.

Apprentices only get jobs that they are competent in carrying out - otherwise it goes to a qualified tech. Regardless to what some people think, most diagnosis jobs go to the techs first!

General basic servicing and brakes etc go to apprentices. You'd be surprised with what they won't trust them with (by themselves) as an apprentice. I was told from day 1 to report on everything! Even if the customer doesn't want it done - you've noted it down and they've been made aware of it!

Well, at least at my dealership anyway! I'm not sure about others as i've never worked at any other dealership.

We get cars in all the time with service history (books stamped) from other workshops. Sometimes they're fine, but the majority of times things are missed and/or not even reported on. Things that the customer wouldn't necessarily know was wrong or operating incorrectly - usually it's a case of the other workshops not knowing certain system operations etc. But then again that's probably more relevant to my case, being that the european cars are getting more reliant on technical electical systems.

All I know is that no one would know you car better than the manufacturer dealer as they have all of the information resources at their disposal and lots of experience with the car make, that other workshops don't.

They may (and usually do) charge more than smaller shops, but you should rest assured that your car is being taken care of.

Flame suit = ON!

[FAT VTI]

Ive heard some very bad stories of the honda mechanic workshop at warrick farm (near me).
Regarding brake pads and how they fkd it up.
It will prob vary between workshops.

[fundies]

No he does not do the valve clearance checks.

I have mentioned it to him and says the Jazz engine's are fantastic and should not have any problems.

Why that trust in him? He owns a Jazz himself.

Why that trust in my Jazz? It still drives like new, still as responsive as new even with 135K kms.

Yes you can put the car under a computer analysis and prove that there is a slight decrease in power but that's another story.

So you're saying that you haven't had your valve clearances checked in 135K kms? Not that I'm doubting that they would be out by much anyway ( my engines as smooth/quiet as new with near 40K kms.)

[omgzilla]

Ive heard some very bad stories of the honda mechanic workshop at warrick farm (near me).
Regarding brake pads and how they fkd it up.
It will prob vary between workshops.

Mistakes happen. You shouldn't judge a workshop from just one incident - if this was the case every workshop would have a bad name.

[ACE888]

So you're saying that you haven't had your valve clearances checked in 135K kms? Not that I'm doubting that they would be out by much anyway ( my engines as smooth/quiet as new with near 40K kms.)

correct, i havent had my valve clearance check in 135k kms........

and yes i have even taken my Jazz onto Wakefield Park in the past too

it's up to you what method of service etc you decide though, so YMMV.

[ACE888]

So you can't compare since the dealer is asking $500-600 for a major service, while your mech is charging you $350 for a minor service. I pay $240 at the dealer for a minor service. Add the cost of the airfilter, that makes it about $290-300. So the dealer is cheaper than your mechanic. The only time the dealer service goes above $500 is when a valve clearance is done or they change your brake pads/rotors or the dealer is trying to rip you off (if none of the previous two are done).

Rread my initial post clearly....i think its #23

re: the cost of mechanic charges for his time

in relation to the $350 that is inclusive of all parts eg. fuel filters, air filter, oils <-- the $350 is an estimate, it's really parts which i buy plus my mechanics labour , say $50.

so yes i'm saving $300 for not checking my valves so there :p

[shadou]

It's really up to the person at the end of the day really, we don't care where you choose, there's 4 pages of advice and experience from members already.

there's no right or wrong answer, too many things to consider to give you a definite answer. Go choose for yourself! Your car, your money, your time.
Hope this helps, I think I summed it up nicely

[ACE888]

It's really up to the person at the end of the day really, we don't care where you choose, there's 4 pages of advice and experience from members already.

there's no right or wrong answer, too many things to consider to give you a definite answer. Go choose for yourself! Your car, your money, your time.
Hope this helps, I think I summed it up nicely


agreed - abt time we get a sensible post.

[my posts were really my situation why i goto a private mechanic.... never suggested it was right or wrong to go either way.]

[claymore]

Asked answered debated endlessly. Closed