Is It Better to Have a Dealership Fix My Car?

When it comes to owning a new or newer vehicle, many people find themselves at a crossroads when it’s time to do a repair on their vehicle. They are often asking themselves, “is it better to have a dealership fix my car?”.

Because local car mechanic prices are typically considerably less than the dealerships. However, many consumers are left wondering if the quality of work is lower than a dealership? And if having work done at a shop, rather than a dealership, can impact their warranty.

In today’s Cash For Cars BC blog post we’ll discuss the difference between shop repairs and dealerships repairs, and how either will negatively or positively impact your vehicle’s warranty, value, and re-sell ability.

As a professional used car buyer that has been buying cars across Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and on Vancouver Island since 1998, we can honestly say that we love vehicles that have been well maintained.

However, where the repairs are done and how it impacts what we offer entirely depends on what type of vehicle it is, its general condition, its age, and a few other factors.

Where is the Best Place to Get Car Repairs Done?

Typically, when it comes to servicing or repairing your vehicle, you’ve got three most commonly used options; the dealership, a local mechanic, or do them yourself.

But which one is the best avenue? Well, it really depends on the type of vehicle you drive, how old it is, whether or not it’s still under warranty, and whether you have the mechanical aptitude and required parts and equipment to do the job yourself.

Below we have listed the advantages and disadvantages to each option, to help you decide which one is best for you, your car, and your financial situation.

Advantages to Having Your Car Repairs Done at a Dealership

One of the best things you can do when it comes to repairs or maintenance on a newer vehicle is to have it done at the source; your dealership.

Because new car dealerships keep thorough service records, repair records, and recall notices. Which means that even if you bring your car in for a specific repair or routine maintenance, you might be advised of a current recall that needs attention as well.

Fixing Your Car at a Dealership Means:

• Keeping service records that reflect only the manufacturer has maintained the vehicle
• Get notified of recalls before you’ve even received the notice
• Ensuring that you comply with any stipulations of your warranty
• You’ll have a professional that specializes in your specific vehicle helping keep your automobile in the best running order
• Improves resale value later on

It also looks great when it comes time to resell your vehicle later. Because accurately kept service records are a huge selling point for any used vehicle. But service records that show only the dealership has worked on your car is golden.

Disadvantages to Having Repairs Done at a Dealership

While you might keep a higher resale value by servicing and repairing your vehicle only at a dealership, you might ultimately still lose money out-of-pocket to do so.

Because many dealerships have a higher price point when it comes to both parts and labour for the vehicles they sell and service. But there are also other things to be aware of…

1. More Downtime

Dealerships are notorious for taking far longer than most local mechanics when it comes to both repairs and service.

However, you can usually acquire a loaner vehicle to get you through. But this usually means waiting several weeks for a time slot that has one available.

2. Higher than Average Labour Costs

Due to the massive overhead that a dealership has, the cost of labour is typically $30-$80 an hour higher than many local mechanics. And considering what many local mechanics still charge for labour, this can add up to hundreds of dollars.

Possibly thousands, if you have a major or complex issue like electrical problems or transmission issues that aren’t covered under your warranty.

3. Mark-Ups on Car Parts

One of the most common differences is that people notice between dealerships and private mechanics is the difference in the cost of parts. Because

4. Sales Pressure

The service department will usually try to upsell you on unnecessary parts or accessories.

Also, if your vehicle is in need of big repairs, they will usually try to coerce you into buying something new, despite how much negative equity you might have.

Cash for Cars in Metro Vancouver

This is why you need to consider other factors before deciding where to have your vehicle repaired or serviced.

Because if you intend to own the vehicle long after it would still have any reasonable resale value, it might be a better option to service your car elsewhere at a lower upfront cost.

At Cash For Cars BC, we buy vehicles of every make, model, and year, and in ANY condition. Which means that even if your vehicle is considerably older or has mechanical issues, we’ll likely still make you an offer on it. And NOBODY Pays More!

Advantages to Having Your Car Repairs Done at a Mechanic

One great thing about many local mechanics nowadays is that they keep accurate service records on your vehicle for most, if not all, of the work they do. And this gets entered into a central database where it can be viewed by anyone.

Many people will check this information prior to buying a used car by using platforms such as Carfax. Through car fax, you can see what service records have been logged, any prior collisions, claims submitted to ICBC of any kind, and even if there is a lien on the car.

Some Advantages to Going to a Mechanic Include:

• Lower cost of labour (especially helpful when diagnosing electrical problems)
• Cheaper parts on average
• Usually far less downtime
• Many mechanics also keep and log service records
• Some mechanics are sponsored by NAPA and other parts companies, which means their parts usually come with a warranty
• No sales pressure

Many mechanics nowadays provide accredited services, which means that your warranty will still remain in tact, even if certain maintenance or repairs aren’t completed at the dealership.

Disadvantages to Having Your Car Repairs Done at a Mechanic

Just like anything in life, there are downsides to having a private mechanic repair your vehicle instead of the dealership. Because quality control, among other things, varies shop to shop.

Some of the Downsides to Having Your Car Fixed at a Shop Include:

• Sometimes loaner cars aren’t available or even an option
• Standards might not be the same as a more controlled environment, like a dealership
• The mechanic may not be as familiar with your type of vehicle as the dealership
• If not accredited, repairs or maintenance may void your warranty

The reliability of any local car mechanic in the Lower Mainland really depends on how long they’ve been in business. As well as what their customers say about their service. Check out reviews on Google when trying to find a new car mechanic.

Advantages to Doing Car Repairs Yourself

If you’re mechanically inclined, have all of the tools and equipment needed at home, and don’t mind voiding any active warranty on your vehicle, then the DIY route is for you.

Advantages to Doing Car Repairs Yourself Include:

• Save on labour costs
• Save on the cost of parts (no mark-up)
• You are more in control of the downtime
• You know exactly how the vehicle was repaired, down to the last part

Because there are many affordable car parts available online, both in Canada and the US. Which means that if you’ve already got everything you need to do the work, your only expense will be car parts.

Disadvantages to Doing Car Repairs Yourself

Although there are a lot of bonuses to doing vehicle repairs and maintenance yourself, there are naturally some negative issues too.

Because no matter how well-seasoned you are in home auto repairs, there is always room for error, among other things.

The Disadvantages to Doing Car Repairs Yourself Include:

• Could result in longer downtime for unfamiliar or complex problems
• Voids any active warranty
• If you damage the parts or components used for the repair, you’ll be out the cost to replace it
• Potential for serious injury (especially when dealing with electrical issues)
• Improperly performed repairs or alterations could result in your vehicle not being insurable

As you can see, some of the downfalls of fixing your car yourself are pretty minimal. However, others are catastrophic.

Should I Fix My Car Myself?

A great way to reduce maintenance and repair costs on a vehicle is to do the work yourself at home. However, even the most experienced DIYer can potentially cause more harm than good.

Which is why, as a professional used car buyer that’s been buying cars in the Lower Mainland since 1998, recommend not attempting to do vehicle repairs yourself.

Unless you are a licensed mechanic and have all of the tools and equipment you need at home, we strongly suggest you forego doing automotive repairs and maintenance at home in your garage.

Not only do home repairs leave room for error and catastrophe, but they also won’t be added to your vehicle service records. Making its value decrease when it comes time to sell your car.

Cash for Less than Perfect Cars in the Lower Mainland

It’s true that we are best know for paying the MOST cash for cars, regardless of age or condition. But it’s also our flexibility and adaptability that makes us the Lower Mainland’s first choice for a used car buyer.

Because we buy vehicles from $100 – $100,000+. From scrap cars to Supercars, we buy them ALL. Even if your vehicle has mechanical issues, electrical problems, or even collision damage. We even purchase ICBC write offs!

Just give our used car buying team a quick call and we’ll get a few details about your vehicle over the phone. And if required, we’ll book an in-person appointment to see your vehicle firsthand.

Contact Our Used Car Buying Team Today!

We provide our car buying services 7 days a week, from 8:00 AM-10:00 PM. We also operate on most statutory holidays.

And our car buyers come to you, not you to them. Which makes it incredibly easy to sell your car to Cash For Cars BC. We will gladly come to your home, school, or work.

Once we see your car (if needed), we’ll present you with an instant cash offer right on the spot. From start to finish, we buy most vehicles in less than 30 minutes. Plus, we handle all the paperwork, we come to you, and NOBODY Pays More!