Good Miata mechanic in Dallas?

I eagerly wait a reply, having just spent $1500 at Town North Mazda. Not that I have any complaint about the service (yet), other than the squeaking fan belt I left with that I didn't come in with! To be fair, I got no sense of them trying to foist services on me that I didn't need. For example, I had the 60,000 mile service (at 75,000 miles) which included the timing belt change. In response to my question about whether they thought I should to the water pump and engine seals, they said they base their recommendation on an inspection, and don't feel automatic replacement is warranted. And in the end they did not do the pump or the seals. They could have.

The cost of the 60,000 mile service (including the timing belt) was about $800 parts and labor. I think that is high, but perhaps not outrageously so. I wonder what a good independent would charge. FWIW, other stuff I had done include leaking valve cover and distributor gaskets, a radiator hose damaged by said leaks, all belts, master and slave clutch cylinders, and state inspection. Not bad for the only service, other than oil changes, the car has had since 30,000 miles.

A good independent mechanic would've charged considerably less. They don't have the overhead to pay for that dealerships do. Whether or not you like it, when you pay for dealer service, you are paying their service writers, parts department guys, cashier's, some of their accounting department, and probably to keep the lights turned on on the showroom floor.

An independent mechanic doesn't have any of these added fixed costs in their labor rate. It saves you lots of money in the end.

The problem is finding a good reputable independent mechanic. They are out there though, because this puts more money in their pocket as well.

AnthonyS

Did they buy you flowers first? Just for comparison, Performance Buyers Club in Chantilly Va (Miata specialist) did my timing belt, water pump, valve cover gaskets, cam and crank seals, timing belt tensioner, all belts, flush and fill cooling and flush and fill hydraulics (brakes and clutch) for $786.00 and they aren't the cheapest guy in town, just one of the best.

Tom

recommendation on

That's nice for you. You'll notice that there have been no replies yet about a good Miata mechanic in Dallas. I'll be the first in line when a name surfaces. To be fair, for my $1500, I didn't get the water pump and seals that you got, but got everything else you did plus a radiator hose, master and slave clutch cylinders, plug wires, 4 wheel alignment, and state inspection.

There must be a Dallas chaper of the Miata club, look them up, attend an event and get recommendations. There are speciality shops out there for almost every vehicle of interest that's ever been made. I wouldn't mind paying the dealer prices, if they did quality work but it is often spotty because their mechanics often aren't trained specifically on the Miata. Good luck in your search.

Tom

Well the reason you probably don't have a name yet is all about sample size. There are maybe 20 active posters on this NG, and I'd bet none live in Dallas. So what are your odds? There are probably plenty of good Miata mechanics in Dallas, you just need to look around some more.

AnthonyS

Well you could call the Regional Headquarters for Mazda in Sugarland, TX and ask the Regional Service Mgr which Technician is winning all the Awards for Best Technician.

Dale P..............