[epl0822]

Do you get your car serviced at a general auto service centre or go to the one that specifically does your brand of cars? I've been getting my Mazda serviced at Mazda but they charge more and I'm wondering if it is worth the extra money? Or can I go to any general auto centre?

[Mrs Mc]

It may void any warranty you have, but thats it i beleive. Make sure you go to a place that you trust.

[JuliaD]

My DH services my car - but it's not under warranty and its 12 years old.

If your car is under warranty I would check the conditions of the warranty. You may have to get it serviced at the dealership. If not, I would actually prefer to use a general auto service centre - they are generally better mechanics, in my experience!

[Therese]

It depends on what your warranty says. If it's out of warranty I don't think it makes a difference.

[countrymel]

Is it still under it's new car warranty? I'd check to see if changing mechanics voids that - usually doesn't - but if the dealer has their own warranty it can.

Otherwise - of course - go elsewhere!

I have a relationship with my mechanics - one of our vehicles goes to an 'expert' in the marque (elderly VW) because he is an expert and enjoys working on them, most mechanics hate them - air cooled, cramped, etc.

Our other vehicles go to my regular mechanic - his Dad used to be my mechanic but now the son has taken over, I think a good relationship with an individual is more important than a brand name on a glossy sign.

I went and asked their opinion before I bought my new (second hand) car - they gave me a list of ones I was 'allowed' to buy and told me to bring any I test drove in for them to look over before I purchased.
In the end we got one from 2 hours drive away so I didn't - but I took it in to show them as soon as I got it, they looked it over and reassured me I had got a good deal and a great car. (all for no charge obviously)

[PrincessPeach]

If your car is within it's new car warrenty period, then I'd go back to the dealer - no matter what. If you need something done under warrenty, they can easily pip you for not using one of their service centres.

After warrenty, I'd only go back to the delaers for the major service (for most cars this is the 5 year/ 100,000km service), simply because of the work that has to be done.

Though if you are in North Brisbane I can give you the name of a Mazda mechanic who has his own shop & is reasonably priced.

[Apageintime]

I used to go elsewhere, but I've found Mazda in my local area really good. It won't void your warrenty if the mechanic you use is a a qualified mechanic.

The other local mechanics always used to sneak in 'extras' (like wiper blades) that I didn't want, Mazda never do that, they always call even for the most minor things. I also found I got better trade in if the cars have been serviced there.

[AllegraM]

I recently purchased a new Mazda and the saleswoman specifically said she was legally obliged to tell me I did not have to use the local Mazda service centre in order to keep my warranty. I have found them really good though, but I will return to my old mechanic after tye 12 month service.

[Kalota]

It is definitely cheaper to go to an independent mechanic, however, I've always gone to the dealership that makes my model car. This is due to the fact that they are likely to be specifically knowledgable in THAT model car, know of any common problems, and have the parts readily available. Also, some things can ONLY be done at a dealership, such as setting a car's computer or programming a computer/central locking remote, etc. Plus, because they are large companies/dealerships, I find they are more accountable. When we had a problem with a big dealership a few months ago, we contacted "higher forces" of the company and got somewhere with our complaint. You wouldn't be able to do this as easily with a small, independent mechanic.

However, be wary that different dealerships are also run by different people and can have different standards. DF and I bought our Subaru from a country Subaru dealership and they were awful - attempted to rip us off when we bought it, lied to us, didn't know ANYTHING about the car (to the point where we took them to VCAT and won). So we have ended up getting the car serviced at another Subaru dealership closer to town that are fantastic - fantastic service, know the car well, always have the parts readily available, and the car is running like a dream.

This post has been edited by Kalota: 08/01/2013, 01:17 PM

[casime]

I'm pretty sure I read that your car warranty can not be legally voided if you use another mechanic. It would be restriction of trade.

I used to go to Holden religiously with my car, until it broke down and I had to take it to a another mechanic. Turns out that something they were doing (using the wrong oil) ended up costing me $7500 in repairs. (It's undergoing legal action now). The dealer is not the be all and end all of car servicing. All they really care about is getting you to buy your next car.