Civic - Honda service or mechanic?

You haven't actually checked the prices, have you.

Stop guessing, and call around. Honda's aren't rocket science.

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.

John Ings wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com:

How right you are, my friend. How right you are.

If you have a trusted mechanic, go to him. Good mechanics have contacts to get them through unfamiliar areas and know enough to send you to a specialist when they're over their heads.

Mike

Excellent advice. I could not say it any better.

In article , slim > >history up to 60,000 miles but 66,000 mile service was missed (optional

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.

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