[FORKEDUP]

SPEED
QUALITY
PRICE

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you get the idea

[R/C-PILOT]

I've worked for a few dealerships, writing service and as service manager, over the last 20 years.  From Ogden Lincoln Mercury in Westmont/Oak Brook Illinois to Precision Toyota  and Holmes Tuttle Ford in Tucson back to Ogden Lincoln Mercury/Kia in North Aurora Illinois.  Lots of different leadership, between these dealerships.  Precision Toyota, was by FAR the best dealership, to work and buy from. Our standards of conducting business were very high at Toyota, then we come to Lincoln Mercury/kia of North Aurora Illinois.  There were times we'd have a vehicle on the trans flush machines (5 times in fact) that the machine provider would come in an unhook and take the machine and what was left of my chemicals for the machine, for lack of payment. I do know that the $105 per hour labor rate does pay for sending my techs to school every 6 mos or so and there union wage, as well as lights and electric. At Toyota, we had 22 techs that were sent to school all the time. Ogden Lincoln Mercury's way of "saftying" a used vehicle was unbelievable. Never wanted to put a dime in them, but sold them for top dollar. I felt dirty working for them. There are good and bad dealerships, and I'm happy to have forgotten most of the bullsh*t.

[jet boat performance]

Most of you don't know that I/we are deeply "invested" in the automobile business statewide (as well as JBP) and I am a ASE certified Master Tech.  I personally have 30 plus years in the retail Automotive (and related Auto Bus) as a Line Tech, Warranty Admin and Service advisor & Service Manager (I'm also a licensed CA auto dealer & we still own an licensed CA auto repair business).  We work regularly for each of the "Big Three" as well as a multitude of other MFG's and a plethera of Auto warranty administrators, insurers & legal types as a technical consultant and expert witness  So that said, I would think it safe to say I have some experience in the field. Yes you'll find higher prices on parts and labor at the "Dealer", yes, generally the staff and techs are better trained.  As a rule IMO you'll get good solid knowledgable service at your Dealer svc dept.  Not to disparage the many good independant shops out there (there's lots of good ones, and a few bad ones).  Yes they will be less money (they don't have the overhead and costs associated with a big business). I won't tell you you can't find bargains and good techs that will take care of you.  You will find alot of good independent techs are from dealers but found life more appealing on their own, myself included. You as a consumer have the legal "right" in Cali to an comprehensive written estimate of costs.  You have the right to say no thank you.  You have the right to an explanation and question any and all costs or charges you may have agreed on (and as " a pre condition") demand to see ALL the old parts used in your repair!  You also have the right to a comprehensive and detailed invoice clearly spelliing out what exactly was done.  I am very familiar with the procedures, rules and laws and if I can ever help any of our SCJB brothers j ust say the word.  Tom