There are many who assume that local repair shops charge significantly less than the dealer for auto repair. While at times they certainly do; it’s not something one can bank on, nor compare – easily anyway. What type of service, parts, and quality of workmanship are you getting for your money?
Local shops can easily under-price a dealer by using aftermarket parts, for example. This is not to say dealers don’t have their issues - they’re often horrible, inept hacks - but we need to consider for "what" are we paying.
During a recent interview, a woman stated that she called her dealership for a quote for front brake pads and rotors. Since the price from her local service center was the same, she had them do it. She was happy that, in her mind, she got a fair deal.
In fact, the local repair shop used aftermarket disc brake pads and rotors. The labor rate was less. The parts were less. But she paid the same. She paid the same price, but got inferior parts installed on her vehicle. Her repairs may not necessarily be unsafe. The parts may work fine. However, does it make sense (for the same money) to do this? Did this woman get a good value? No – she got ripped-off. It happens every day….
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