Dealership Mechanics vs. Independent Shops

Owning a Toyota vehicle comes with a host of benefits, however, you’ll have to have it taken into a shop for repairs sooner or later. Los Angeles drivers are faced with the difficult decision of whether they should take their vehicles to dealership mechanics vs. independent shops for repairs.

Both independently owned shops and dealerships have their pros and cons. Independent shops can undeniably offer great deals at marginally lower prices depending on the location of the shop and the make and model of your car. Unfortunately, because they’re working with such a wide range of vehicles, independent garages can oftentimes take longer to address a repair that a dealership that deals with your specific brand could diagnose and fix much faster.

Explore the benefits and costs of going to dealership mechanics vs. independent shops below, or feel free to get in touch with us online or at (562) 521-8635to hear an in-depth explanation of the services offered at our Toyota of Whittier Service Center!

Why Go to Dealership Mechanics vs. Independent Shops?

There’s a ton of advantages that come with doing business with dealership mechanics vs. independent shops, including:

• Warranty – The whole point of getting a warranty is so the dealership, through the manufacturer, will have to fix your new vehicle, under most circumstances. Besides the manufacturer’s warranty, you can buy an additional “extended warranty”. Warranties come standard on new and certified pre-owned vehicles, so if you have one, it’s to your advantage to bring your vehicle into the dealership for maintenance and repair.
• Regularly Scheduled Service – If you’re always trying to keep track of when you’re supposed to go back in for vehicle maintenance, whether it be oil changes, exterior bodywork, or timing belt replacements, then bringing your vehicle into a dealership is ideal. Service Departments are supposed to design a recommended service schedule, contact you when you’re due for an appointment, and provide you with the maintenance records on the off chance you decide to sell your car.
• Discounted Service – Tire rotations, oil changes, and battery replacements are often discounted at Toyota of Whittier, like many other West Covina area dealerships. Service specials are one of the best ways to encourage customers to come back for repeat business!
• Streamlined Trade-Ins – If you’re looking to trade-in your car, then you’re in luck! Dealerships have optimized the process of selling your old car for a new one, thanks to virtual tools that’ll estimate your vehicle’s trade-in value and monthly car payments.

Why Go to an Independent Shop vs. Dealership Mechanics?

There’s plenty of benefits to taking your car into a dealership like Toyota of Whittier. However, there are still a few good reasons to consider taking your car to an independent mechanic for maintenance. Some of the reasons to go to an independent shop vs. dealership mechanics include:

• Discover DIY Repairs – At an independent shop, you’re more likely to get a comprehensive breakdown of what’s wrong and receive encouragement on how to repair it yourself, which might only require at-home equipment, a YouTube video, and a small fee from the mechanic for a lesson.
• Lower Repair Costs – For Puente Hills-area drivers looking to save a few bucks on used car repairs, the most cost-effective option is to find a transparent independent shop. Indie mechanics generally offer lower prices for repairs than dealerships. Keep in mind that if you end up with a mechanic that’s less than qualified or has no experience with your vehicle’s make and model, you might end up spending double on whatever repairs they have to re-fix.
• Shorter Travel – Dealerships aren’t always located in a spot that’s convenient for everyone. In this case, going local can often be a preferable option.

When It Comes to Service, Toyota of Whittier Has Your Back!

When it comes to the dealership mechanics vs. independent shops debate, it’s clear to see that you’re simply getting a better deal for your dollar when you bring your car in for service at a dealership such as Toyota of Whittier. If you believe that a dealership is better suited to handle your needs, then contact us today to schedule a service appointment or find out more about our service discounts and vehicle trade-in process.