Civic - Honda service or mechanic?

In article >, slim > wrote:

> John Ings wrote:
> >
> > On Thu, 19 May 2005 23:50:06 +0100, Scott > wrote:
> >
> > >Hi,
> > >
> > >I've just bought a 1997 Civic 1.5 LS. It has full Honda stamped service
> > >history up to 60,000 miles but 66,000 mile service was missed (optional
> > >service anyway). It's now 70,000 miles and so due for the big 72,000
> > >mile service, and my question is would it be ok to take it to my
> > >mechanic who doesn't specialise in Hondas (but is very experienced
> > >generally) or should I take it to a Honda garage (who will probably
> > >charge me at least double the price). I am on a very tight budget and
> > >would just like to know if I would be making a big mistake not taking it
> > >to a Honda garage? What is the benefit of taking it to a Honda garage
> > >and paying a lot more than may be necessary?
> >
> > I don't have a lot of use for dealers, except for warranty service and
> > to buy parts from. I also don't patronize corner gas station mechanics
> > or chains associated with big-box stores or any other outfit that's
> > got some smiling greeter in a white shirt and bow-tie out front and
> > union mechanics slaving away in the back.
> >
> > What I look for is a privately owned, proprieter operated small shop
> > that specializes in Hondas or at least Japanese cars. A clean, well
> > equipped shop, preferably in an obscure location. Such places cannot
> > depend on walk-in business and need word-of-mouth advertising from
> > satisfied customers to survive. Their rates are usually much lower
> > than a dealer, yet they are often more competent.
> >
> > Check with the car clubs in your area. They often know who can be
> > relied on.
>
> Excellent advice. I could not say it any better.

I can only tell you what I would do if I had a 2005 Honda. I would only go
to the Honda dealership for service while the vehicle was under warranty.
After the warranty runs out--find a local mechanic that you trust and go
to him. If you can't find a mechanic that you trust, continue going to the
Honda dealership for service.

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In article >, says...
>
>
>Hi,
>
>I've just bought a 1997 Civic 1.5 LS. It has full Honda stamped service
>history up to 60,000 miles but 66,000 mile service was missed (optional
>service anyway). It's now 70,000 miles and so due for the big 72,000
>mile service, and my question is would it be ok to take it to my
>mechanic who doesn't specialise in Hondas (but is very experienced
>generally) or should I take it to a Honda garage (who will probably
>charge me at least double the price). I am on a very tight budget and
>would just like to know if I would be making a big mistake not taking it
>to a Honda garage? What is the benefit of taking it to a Honda garage
>and paying a lot more than may be necessary?

If by Honda garage you mean a Honda dealer, don't bother. You should take
it to an independent garage that specializes in Hondas. You will save money
and get service from someone who specializes in Hondas.
-------------
Alex

In article >, Alex Rodriguez
> wrote:

> In article >, says...
> >
> >
> >Hi,
> >
> >I've just bought a 1997 Civic 1.5 LS. It has full Honda stamped service
> >history up to 60,000 miles but 66,000 mile service was missed (optional
> >service anyway). It's now 70,000 miles and so due for the big 72,000
> >mile service, and my question is would it be ok to take it to my
> >mechanic who doesn't specialise in Hondas (but is very experienced
> >generally) or should I take it to a Honda garage (who will probably
> >charge me at least double the price). I am on a very tight budget and
> >would just like to know if I would be making a big mistake not taking it
> >to a Honda garage? What is the benefit of taking it to a Honda garage
> >and paying a lot more than may be necessary?
>
> If by Honda garage you mean a Honda dealer, don't bother. You should take
> it to an independent garage that specializes in Hondas. You will save money
> and get service from someone who specializes in Hondas.
> -------------
> Alex

Alex,
That's great advice for most people. However, millions of people live in
small towns that do not have a mechanic that has an independent garage
that specializes in Hondas. Don't you think that those people should get
their service done at a Honda dealership? I should note that we have such
a mechanic in my town. The only problem is that he is so busy that it
takes him forever to get around to working on the various vehicles setting
outside his shop. I can get my service work done at the local Honda
dealership much quicker since they
have 4 service advisors that set up appointment times for the customers.
The independent mechanic does not handle it that way--he just says--"bring
in your car and I'll work on it whenever I can find the time".
Jason

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