Hi folks, trance here... alter ego of another PC poster who would like to learn more about what people think about an independent shop without stirring a bees' nest in other areas of life. Since in the other thread, it's not quite as easy as just clicking to vote, I figured I'd offer the quick way out here. Cast your vote and tell me what you think. I know the options are limited compared to real-world situations, but I didn't want to inundate you with a super long list. Feel free to toss in your two cents if you'd like. It would be a tremendous help! Thanks to all.
For the most part I have had good experiences with Toyota service providers. But based on group posts, I suspect that less than half of them consistently please. Guess I've just been lucky. Mostly DIY now, but for a big job I would certainly look at an indie shop. As I mentioned in the other thread, a competent web presence (like Art's Automotive has) might really help getting people in the door.
I have begun to realize that there's a place for Toyota dealer repair shops and a place for independent shops, depending on what you need. They have distinct business models and distinct motivational policies. In particular, if you need a diagnostician to suss out a peculiar glitch, a dealer ain't it. Dealer technicians don't get paid to work on difficult diagnoses, and you're not supposed to bribe them. That's what independent shops are good for, and that's where the good diagnosticians go to work. OTOH, if you want to pay top dollar for the security of corporate guarantees honored all over the country, this is the game dealerships play well. This essay was an eye-opener: Ridiculously Expensive Hybrid Repairs! | evtalk In short, we need both! --Gil
Did I miss the option in favor of independents? (I hate it when the poll is scewed so you can't vote)
I'm taking Priapus in today for his 75,000 fluids work. For this, he's going to the Toyota dealership. There are a few other things, non-hybrid related, that I would like to have done for which I will go to a friendly mechanic I know. So I agree with Gil. There are things I go to Toyota for and there are thing I go independent for. It's a hybrid car and I have a hybrid repair approach.
Since I spent $2,500 on the platinum warranty anything that I can't do myself I still go to the dealership for everything. Other than that though I'm a big DIY'er or dealership type anyway. Like it was mentioned I like the comfort and coverage of a large corporate entity
