What a dealership does well
Dealers are good at what they do. Their techs train on one brand. They have the newest factory tools and the latest software. If your car has a recall, the dealer is the place to go.
Dealers also see the newest models first. If your car is only a year or two old, they may have seen the problem already. That counts for something.
A dealer also has to pay for a big building, a showroom and a large staff. That is part of why dealer labor rates run high. It is not a knock on their work. It is just the cost of the setup.
What an independent import shop does well
At an independent shop, you talk to the person who works on your car. At Athens Import Auto Repair, that is James Miner, an ASE Master Technician. He has worked on foreign cars since 1972. The shop has been on Winterville Road since 1991.
An independent import shop sees many brands. That is a plus when a problem crosses brands, like a part that Audi and Volkswagen share. We use factory-level scan tools for the cars we work on. And our labor and parts often cost less than the dealer.
What federal law says about your choice
Some owners think they must use the dealer or they lose coverage. That is not true. A federal law from 1975, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, protects you. You can use an independent shop for service and repairs and keep your factory warranty.
The maker cannot deny a claim just because a dealer did not do the work. They would have to show that the outside work caused the failure. So keep your receipts. Use the right fluids and parts. Follow the service schedule in your manual. We do all of that for you.
When to choose the dealer
None of these are knocks on an independent shop. They are just the jobs a dealer is set up to do.
- Your car has an open recall.
- The fix is a software update only the maker releases.
- The car is very new and the maker is paying for the repair.
- You have a service plan that only the dealer honors.
When to choose an independent import shop
Most of our customers in Athens, Clarke County and Oconee County fall in this group. Many drive BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Honda and Toyota. Some drive older imports the dealer no longer wants to see.
- Oil changes, brakes, tires and the regular service schedule.
- Your car is past its first few years.
- You want to talk to the tech, not a service writer.
- You want a second opinion on a big estimate.
- You want the same shop to know your car for years.
How to pick a good independent shop
Look for an ASE Master Technician. Ask if the shop focuses on imports. Ask what scan tools they use for your brand. Check the BBB rating. Then ask for a clear estimate before any work starts. A good shop shows you the old parts and explains the fix in plain words.
Not sure who to trust with your import? Call us at 706-353-3880. We are BBB Accredited with an A+ rating, and we are happy to answer your questions.
Key takeaways
- Dealers are best for recalls and new car software.
- Independent import shops often cost less and know you by name.
- Federal law lets you use an independent shop without losing coverage.
- Keep your receipts and use the right parts and fluids.
- Pick a shop with an ASE Master Technician and an import focus.
