By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
Its never good to be a Mets fan, the bad thing about being a Mets fan is that the Mets are your team.
Eamus Catuli.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I use an independent mechanic because he is convienent (he is on the way home and walking distance from home), he is less expensive than the dealership in most cases, and he is honest.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Not always the case but believe me, I know from many years in the field.
And, yes, dealerships can screw up too. The difference of using 10-30 vs. 5-20 in your car wouldn't make the slightest bit of difference in the life of your engine. Maybe .0004 MPG less...maybe.
Ever since 1969 I have this sympathy spot for the Cubs. You'd be pleased that at the first game in Citi Field a cat made an appearance. You would not be pleased that it wasn't a black one passing bythe dugout. Those are reserved for the Cubs.
The other thing that will always make the Cubs special in my book is that the best baseball story ever was written about the Cubs - The Dying Cub Fan's Last Request by the late great Steve Goodman - the ultimate Cubs fan. That and Wrigley Field which I've been to several times.
My BMW had pads and rotors replaced at around 25,000 miles...and remember, it's on their dime.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
Not that the indy mechanic is not honest-- Just that modern cars especially the imports are more electronic,complex and more computerized with very specific fluid and part needs which the indy guy does not know about.
My rule of thumb is for cars 2002 or newer -- dealers are better and for the older cars indys may be the way to go but never ever a fast lube or retail chain store.Modern cars are getting very very sophisticated and complex.
Also for eg. if the indy guy messes up the electronic or engine stuff big time-- he has no recourse-- he will ultimately ask u to take it to the dealer.
Personally ,MHO is that the dealer is best for all services,maint . except tires and wipers
Chain stores and fast lube chains--- biggest rip offs,,,incompetent technicians,,have no idea whatsoever about the car and I seriously doubt they do much service...absolute mystery as to why folks flock to these clueless and scam stores.
An example -- for a brake pad install-- dealer labor rate was 180 and the indy labor rate was 110.But dealer used oem parts and had warranty.Indy used aftermarket parts with no warranty.
So the summary i got from all your posts is -- we just cannot tell whether the dealer has done the required flushes or not unless the dealership service area has a transparent bay and we watch our car the whole time it is there.Even then he can connect the car to a flush machine and not use it and we would think the service has been done
So good faith and belief and trust in mankind is all it boils down to .There is still some good left in the world!!!
I never said that or came close to saying that. I said, “If you can’t trust the place where you go for service you should go elsewhere”.
You said, “ask to see the RO” and I answered that by saying, “they can be doctored”. So, to me that isn’t the proof I’d be looking for. The only way you know what is done and HOW it is done is to do it yourself. I know that is becoming much harder to do with the cars today but the simple stuff like oil changes and other fluid changes are still doable by most car owners and the time saved by not being inconvenienced by taking the car to a shop and then picking it up after service, alone, is worth the effort to me.
Now for my PA inspection tale:
Like I said I took the 05’ XG 350 with 31,438 miles on it in for state inspection on Friday. I was past due for inspection (it should have been done by the end of March. I forgot, OK ). I called the shop I’ve dealt with for years on Thursday to see if I could bring it in first thing on Friday and wait on it. The guy said, “sure jmonroe, bring it in and we’ll take care of you”.
They are doing me a favor so I stop at Dunkin Donuts and buy a dozen fat pills for the shop guys. They take me right away at 8 AM. Twenty minutes later the owner, who is doing the inspection says, “you need front pads”. We walk out to the garage and he shows me the pad he pulled on the left front and I thought the pad looked pretty good. He said, “see how it’s wearing more on this edge than that edge” as he’s pointing at the inboard pad. I said, “your getting pretty picky, that pad is not bad and you know it. Look at how much pad is left. The sounder isn’t even close to the wear surface of the pad.
If you want to change the pads it should be because of the other pad (outside of the caliper). When I looked at that pad before I brought it in I noticed that pad was showing more wear but even it is still good”. He then said, “what do you want to do, I can let this slide because I know you’ll change it in a couple thousand miles”. I said, “what are you going to charge me to do it”. He said, “$105 and that is for quality pads (Wagner) that I’ll guarantee forever. If they go bad I’ll replace them for $45”. I said, “knock yourself out, order the pads”.
That is the first time I can remember having someone do brakes for me but I knew what was being done, who was doing it, what parts were being installed and the price was right.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
You must be driving too fast in the city...and making lots of fast stops.
It is my understanding that newer model bmws, mercedes etc., do have brake pads that wear down faster. They are very efficient brakes but they go sooner since they don't use asbestos. Seems they like to do everything at once so they change the rotors etc too....but, like you say, it is covered under the warranty.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Did I just hear the ka-bang of a frying pan hitting a skull?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Fortunately you know your car parts very well. It does make sense at this point to get new pads for $100 and get another 30,000 miles of carefree driving as far as brakes are concerned. But, what would he have charged if you weren't knowledgeable? I think he gave you a break on your brakes (Richard note, they must have a name for that - alliteration+) because you caught him, and at that point he gave you a deal you couldn't refuse....probably to keep you quiet.
So, now, how much do you trust your mechanic?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My family has three generations of experience with my indie guy. This is for one reason--TRUST. I've brought my car in with problems I think it has only to be told "No, it was just a loose wire" saving me hundreds. Once when I thought my indie guy wanted too much for a repair I brought it to a competitor and got an estimate for TWICE what my regular guy wanted.
The only down side is that he's so popular you have to wait a week to get your car in.
I've had all the service on my new Eclipse done at the Mitsu dealer so far because he keeps sending me free coupons. It hasn't needed anything but oil and rotations so far but I'd have no trouble with my regular guy when it does.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I have used indie garages and if I found a good honest one I stay with them...they are truly worth their weight in gold. The main problem is they are usually very busy.
Dealerships are the next best choice if you don't have a reliable indie. They have an ad on the radio right now for tires, cost $120 at the tire company store, $108 at an indie shop, and $90 at Mr. Goodwrench. Same with my snow tires. Set of four was about 30% less at the dealership. I think these days the car dealers are smarter and they are using their buying power to their advantage, at least on some items.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I’ve been going to this guy for a number of years and he knows I know more than just the basics of a car and because of this he also knows I take care of my cars. I pay particular attention to safety items and brakes are at the top of my list. I’m much more of a believer in the 60-0 time than the other way around.
So, now, how much do you trust your mechanic?
For the most part this guy is very good and honest but as times are getting tougher even he is looking for ways to maintain his income and to recommend doing something that is marginal should be expected. I’m just a little surprised he got that picky with ME.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I am very trusting of most people - until they do something distrustful.
Since he has been a good mechanic you will keep wanting to go back, but I am sure you will watch him a little closer these days. I think you are right, in these tough times there are more scammers out there than usual, so you have to be even more careful.
Now go back and polish up your car for today.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I believe it was changed late summer/early fall of last year, so no it wouldn't make much difference. But, if I recall my owners manual correctly, you're not suppose to put the heavier oil in during the cold months of winter (below freezing), as it is not good for engine start ups.
When my Toyota blew a head gasket the mechanic who fixed it said that the Toyota antifreeze had corroded the head. And didn't GM have problems with their "official" antifreeze rotting out various gaskets? OEM might not always be the way to go.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Yeah, that would be the 5 years/100,000 mile Dexcool. It was the upper intake manifold gaskets that had problems. Affected the middle to late 90's to early 2000 Buicks/others.
And..it was actually on your dime. They build this into the price you paid for that BMW.
Sounds good though!
Of course it is built into the price. But, they are confident enough to pay for all repairs for 4 full years, including servicing. You are paying for it in the cost of the car, but bmw believes enough in their cars they will fix anything during that time period. It is piece of mind. The thing is, it isn't a scam, the extra cost is minimal for the car, for the extra amount a bmw costs over say an Accord, you are getting a lot of superior engineering and content. Nothing wrong with an Accord, it's a great car, dependable and very nice to drive, but some people will pay extra for the bmw because of it's true value, not because they are getting "free" brakes or oil changes.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Hail Sire! Your wish is my command. You are dealing with something like "He who laughs last, laughs first." Alliteration is using words beginning with the same consonant sounds/letters to emphasize a point. In your case, you are also dealing with homonyms---words that sound alike but have different meanings and homophones---words that sound alike but have different meanings AND spellings. You did a nice job of combining all of this into one thought.
Considering the person to whom you were addressing the thought, it was a waste of a good technique. :P
Richard
I am still laughing 10 minutes later....and I had to go back to see whom I was addressing.
Yes, it was clever, but probably a waste of valuable resources.
Just a note. I am off to London UK tomorrow for 1 week, so for all my fans who are watching for my sage bits of information and linguistic skills, I should be around (will have laptop with me), but won't be around too often, but will try to check in when possible.
Thank you R for letting me know how smart I am, even if it was by accident.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Ordinarily, I would agree with you, but things are changing. My dealer is offering some very good deals on top grade tires. Example: Buy 3, get 4th one free and a $60 rebate coupon. I checked with my usual tire dealer. He can't beat that deal on the same set of tires. With the economy in a slump, I guess dealers are becoming more creative.
Richard
Unfortunately, I just checked my hotmail account and learned that I already won a Hyundai and lots of money on an international drawing. I guess that goes with the BMW I won earlier this year.
Congratulations on winning a new Hyundai and BMW. Have you sent in all the taxes owing so you can pick up your free cars?
One more chance....if you haven't seen the best warranty in the business, even covers your sleeping accomodation if you lose your home........
Best warranty ever
(it's only 30 seconds long so watch it right through)
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Richard
Perhaps it was a dining room chair. If so, she can get the new furniture.
Richard
Thank you for your good wishes. We go twice a year for business and to see our daughter who lives there now. I love going there, it is so unique. A lot of history everywhere and yet very civilized. The streets are always busy, and there is so much to see and do. My favorite part is getting on a double decker bus, sitting at the front on top, and watching all the people, scenery, and traffic.
Keep up the good work everyone. I am still around today.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Of course, nothing is ever free but it makes for a good closing tool when they sell the cars.
I've owned two BMW's and I agree, they are great cars. They are also troublesome as they age and they are very expensive to fix.
Any they are worthless in the snow!
All these loans were backed by the value of the houses. Now the value of these houses may have gone down 10% but they did not go to zero. So I don't understand why the banks lost trillions of dollars and the value of their investments went to zero.
We have some smart people here so someone please explain this to me.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I'm no genius, but I think that is part of it.
Appraisers who were realistic and tried to do the right thing were simply not used.
Same thing with home inspectors. the ones who ferret out every tiny problem won't stay in business for long.
Agree, it is ingenious marketing, because not too much should go wrong in the first 4 years. Also, repairs are done in the dealers garage at wholesale prices for oil etc (I know, even though the garage will techincally be billed at full price). It is good because most of the people buying a bmw want the convenience of just taking their car back to the dealer and not shopping around for cheaper repairs.
They are also troublesome as they age
True, but just lease for 3 years or buy and trade when you start to have problems. I only do 10,000k a year, so hope to keep it for 10 years. We have a garage nearby that specializes in prestige cars, and that's where I'll go if I over pay at the dealer.
Any they are worthless in the snow!
Last year, I would have agreed with you. My wife has AWD and she was fine. I got 4 snow tires this year and they made a huge difference.
I haven't calculated it yet but I imagine if you keep a bmw for 6 to 10 years, calculate the depreciation and repairs, it probably isn't much more than any other car. If you trade a cheaper car more often you take a hit on depreciation and pay sales tax more often.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I agree. Most techs there are either fresh out of tech school and learning, and working for close to minimum wage. You can't expect top notch service when you pay a tech $10/hour.
My previous car, an out of warranty 01 Mercedes C240 I had, I took to an indy mechanic specializing in german cars, and not the MB dealership, or even the Nissan dealer I worked at while I had the car.
I received better service at the indy mechanic, there were no mysteries about any work being done or not, he had all the up to date computer equipment, and this guy was usually booked a few days in advance cause he was so good. He's an older german guy who even wrote out the invoice in nice handwriting with everything done to the car instead of printing it out on the computer. His prices were close to dealer prices but the old school honest good serivice is what keeps many people coming back.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6818822549790279537
Inspectors work the same way. They want the business from the agents, so they "overlook" certain things. In my last house, the jacuzzi tub in one of the upstairs baths wouldn't work. I tried to have it repaired, but was told that it probably wouldn't pass inspection. I dreaded the day of inspection. When the inspector came, he passed by that particular bath and winked at me. Evidently, he had a little talk with the agent who knew of my problem. I had used that same agent for most of my houses.
Between the appraiser and the inspector, I sold the house for $65k more than it was worth. It's just like the car business. Some people are more trustworthy than others. Unfortunately for the housing industry, my situation was more the norm than the exception.
Richard
I thought that it meant an independent mechanic who owned his own shop. I could be wrong.
Richard
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
That's a mechanic that makes your car run so good that you go out and enter it in the "indy" 500.
Also a term used to describe an independent repair shop.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Richard
LOL!!! That was good1
Richard
$300,000. homes that are now worth $90,000? Or $1,000,000. homes now worth $300,000? Any of you guys seeing home prices going down by this much where you live? If they were down this much there would be a stampede of people wanting to buy them.
Gotta be something else going on here !
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Without the asbestos, you don't get the brake dust either. That is a big help when it comes to the appearance of the car. Does the BMW use ceramic pads?
Richard
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Richard
Back in the '90s when the regulations were loosened to allow for no document loans and for loans were you ability to pay was only based on the pre-adjustment period interest rate. The new availability of credit drove demand and prices through the roof.
Housing prices are down in some places by 40% - just call someone you know in Michigan or Naples, FL. Couple that with the fact that people borrowed 80%+ and then leveraged the additional equity with a second mortgage or a HELOC with the drop in demand for housing, its no surprise people are upside down as they are.
Funny thing is - you don't see your Realtor telling you to sell that upside down house for a new one and just roll the negative equity into a new loan!!
Now, the thing is the automotive industry "promoted" this practice for years in order to sell cars. Upside, NO problem - we will finance you so we can push metal. Eventually you have a consumer in a 72/84 month loan 15K upside down. Well this becomes 30% of your market, the buyers will disappear.
I once heard that 81% of GMAC loans were for terms greater than 60 months!!
Richard