According to a recent Consumer Reports survey, more people are satisfied with independent repair facilities than with dealerships – although both scored relatively high on maintenance procedures.
When searching for a quality repair facility you basically have three choices:
Independents (locally owned and operated shops)
Chains (e.g., AAMCO Transmissions, Car-X, Jiffy Lube, Firestone, Meineke Car Care Center, Midas)
Dealerships (e.g., Toyota, GMC, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Nissan, Mazda, Volkswagen, Lexus, Chevrolet, Honda, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Buick)
Another method to find a quality repair facility is to use AAA’s Approved Auto Repair network. To review AAA’s stringent guidelines, click HERE. AAA also has an online search tool to find a repair facility near you.
The Motorist Assurance Program has a handy brochure on “How to Pick an Auto Repair Shop“.
The key is to find a local repair facility and build a rapport with the service writers and technicians.
What do you think? What type of repair facility do you use?
