Independent vs. Dealer

It's an age-old question: Where do you go for service after your warranty runs out - back to the dealer or to an established independent shop?

Its easy for me to appear biased toward the independent shop (I am), but most of our customers know that we're as objective as we can be and that we are genuinely concerned for the health and safety of their Volvo.

Having said all of that, here are some dealer tactics to watch out for:

• Low bid, up-sell: This one can be a real killer. Be sure to request the complete repair estimate, and not just the initial diagnosis. If its a maintainence issue, be sure they do the minimum services on the factory list. You can find this in the owner's manual.
• Bait and Switch: Does the low price estimate sound too good to be true? Is is significantly lower that the other estimates you've received? How does it compare to shops that work on everything? How does it compare to a Volvo specialist?
• Slanderous opinion of other repair facilities. Are they disparaging your previous choices for service? How ell do they know your driving habits, you family, or your business?
• Berating the Customer: Have you ever felt pressured into making a repair decision? Is the service writer doing cartwheels and laughing hysterically on his way to tell you the bad news?

We know there are some very good car dealers out there, but there are a few that can try one's patience. SOmetimes it feels like the dealer servies the factory and not you. Yes, I am biased - but I also speak from the experience of our customers.

Thanks, and happy driving!

Robert