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Path: utzoo!watmath!sunybcs!kitty!larry
From: larry@kitty.UUCP (Larry Lippman)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: Auto Transmission - Help!
Message-ID: <173@kitty.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 29-Jul-85 21:58:32 EDT
Article-I.D.: kitty.173
Posted: Mon Jul 29 21:58:32 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 31-Jul-85 02:55:32 EDT
References: <3339@drutx.UUCP>
Organization: Recognition Research Corp., Clarence, NY
Lines: 52

In this article Paul Given seeks advice on where to get his car repaired:
> Now then, what's the preferred way of getting ripped off?  A) Chain
> store? B) Dealer? C) Independent mechanic?  I've heard it said that
> Chain stores specializing in auto  trannys  instantly  go  for  the
> rebuild   job,   whether  or  not  yours  needs  it.   Dealers  are
> notoriously expensive  (witness  one  recent  posting  regarding  a
> Dodge).   Independent's  may  not  know what they are doing when it
> comes to the tranny.
> 
> A) may cost less, but you might get work you didn't  need,  or  pay
> for  work  you  needed but didn't get.  B) is expensive but usually
> get charged only for what they do and they usually do only what  is
> needed.  C) may just send it out to A) or B) and charge a premium.

	In 20 years of owning cars I have tried all of the above, in addition
to choice D) Do It Yourself...
	I am firmly convinced that going to a *LARGE* dealer is your best bet
in the long run for the following reasons:

1.	A large dealer has no real personal motive to rip you off.

2.	A large dealer has the proper tools and trained mechanics to solve
	your problem.  This is especially true in areas like computerized
	ignition systems which require special test sets.  No way is your
	local gas station or even independent service agency going to have
	the specialized test sets necessary for this kind of troubleshooting.
	No independent mechanic can compete with a dealer mechanic who works
	on the same make vehicles every day.

3.	A large dealer will have most model-specific parts in stock, whereas
	an independent will not.  Furthermore, an independent may well order
	and install more parts than necessary so as to 'cover his bases' and
	do it all in one order.

4.	Sure a large dealer may charge more, but it will most likely be
	repaired properly the first time.  If you do have further problems,
	you are less likely to get mumbo-jumbo BS from a dealer if you take
	the car back and complain.

	One other observation: the absolute worst incompetent 'mechanics' (I
use the word loosely) I have even seen have been in chain stores.

	Larry Lippman
	Recognition Research Corp.
	Clarence, New York
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