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.