Trusted Dealers for car maintainance

[EvoX_ChampR14121]

Just want to see what people have to say about their experience with dealers and car service.
Ive read some stories how the dealer's service dept has got stains on seats, or scratches etc.
My first oil service is up and need to schedule it.
I was wondering if there are some dealerships we should avoid? Are there some that really take care of your car while they service it?
I am in So Cal area - Los Angeles/SFV
Or am i overthinking it and just take it to the dealership where the car was purchased?

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[optronix]

You're not overthinking anything. I take my sons' Civics to a local Honda dealer and I would not want to take a car I was serious about to that place.

I have a Type S, and honestly the service experience for Acura is indeed a complete 180 from Honda; i.e., they try to at least pretend not to barely tolerate the fact that you exist. They are actually right up there with other luxury brands (I've had experience with BMW, Audi, and Porsche) from an experience perspective, at least at my local dealer... but I'm not so convinced on the techs themselves. I've had to take my car back 3 TIMES for faulty work; once after the OEM heated steering wheel was installed at delivery and the horn didn't work, and two times associated with ruining tires when they were dismounted that I intended to use again. It is important to note though that In all cases they did everything they could to make sure I was taken care of, including replacing both tires (FWIW it was easy though, I bought the tire replacement package when I bought the car but I think they would have eaten the cost even if I didn't have that...).

But it has got me second-guessing if I want non-warranty work done through the dealer at all. I'll probably be re-investing in a good set of tools and getting my hands dirty again, or finding a good independent shop to do stuff I can't/don't want to do.

 

[EvoX_ChampR14121]

You're not overthinking anything. I take my sons' Civics to a local Honda dealer and I would not want to take a car I was serious about to that place.

I have a Type S, and honestly the service experience for Acura is indeed a complete 180 from Honda; i.e., they try to at least pretend not to barely tolerate the fact that you exist. They are actually right up there with other luxury brands (I've had experience with BMW, Audi, and Porsche) from an experience perspective, at least at my local dealer... but I'm not so convinced on the techs themselves. I've had to take my car back 3 TIMES for faulty work; once after the OEM heated steering wheel was installed at delivery and the horn didn't work, and two times associated with ruining tires when they were dismounted that I intended to use again. It is important to note though that In all cases they did everything they could to make sure I was taken care of, including replacing both tires (FWIW it was easy though, I bought the tire replacement package when I bought the car but I think they would have eaten the cost even if I didn't have that...).

But it has got me second-guessing if I want non-warranty work done through the dealer at all. I'll probably be re-investing in a good set of tools and getting my hands dirty again, or finding a good independent shop to do stuff I can't/don't want to do.

Thats what i am afraid of, the techs that are careless and end up staining the cars interior. When i was shopping around for the car, one dealer was using super shady tactics so i wouldnt feel comfortable taking it there.
Just wondering if anyone near my area had any good or bad experiences at dealerships.

 

[Integra23]

You're not overthinking anything. I take my sons' Civics to a local Honda dealer and I would not want to take a car I was serious about to that place.

I have a Type S, and honestly the service experience for Acura is indeed a complete 180 from Honda; i.e., they try to at least pretend not to barely tolerate the fact that you exist. They are actually right up there with other luxury brands (I've had experience with BMW, Audi, and Porsche) from an experience perspective, at least at my local dealer... but I'm not so convinced on the techs themselves. I've had to take my car back 3 TIMES for faulty work; once after the OEM heated steering wheel was installed at delivery and the horn didn't work, and two times associated with ruining tires when they were dismounted that I intended to use again. It is important to note though that In all cases they did everything they could to make sure I was taken care of, including replacing both tires (FWIW it was easy though, I bought the tire replacement package when I bought the car but I think they would have eaten the cost even if I didn't have that...).

But it has got me second-guessing if I want non-warranty work done through the dealer at all. I'll probably be re-investing in a good set of tools and getting my hands dirty again, or finding a good independent shop to do stuff I can't/don't want to do.

I second the Acura dealership amazing service. Each time I have gone with my ITS they even ask about having it washed which I decline and they put a no wash tag in it.

 

[Chilly613]

Just want to see what people have to say about their experience with dealers and car service.
Ive read some stories how the dealer's service dept has got stains on seats, or scratches etc.
My first oil service is up and need to schedule it.
I was wondering if there are some dealerships we should avoid? Are there some that really take care of your car while they service it?
I am in So Cal area - Los Angeles/SFV
Or am i overthinking it and just take it to the dealership where the car was purchased?

Every dealer will be a little different, but I've taken my car to my local Honda dealer without any issues. They take a quick video and pictures when I arrive to make sure the car is in the same condition it leaves in when it arrived.

You can always check Google Reviews or Yelp to see what others have said about the dealer you go to.

 

[TurboZed-R]

I take my Amg to the only Amg service center in Pennsylvania. As for my Type R I'll take it to PRL because they are only a 30 minute drive from my house. It's entirely possible a local dealer will have a quality service manager, advisor, and mechanic.

 

[EvoX_ChampR14121]

I think i am going to take it to the Stealership i purchased the car from for the first oil change, then i will look into other shops.

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