How reliable are the diagnostic computers?
Since the dealer looks at a lot more of this brand of car, wont they be more likely to check the areas they know has caused difficulties on other Towncars?
Which is more likely to try to sell unnecessary parts, dealer or independent?
Independent. They are the only ones who may remember what to do on an '87 vehicle (no offense).
The dealers focus on the most recent years and I doubt they will give the vehicle the proper attention. Indeed on the newer year vehicles there isn't much of a "tune up" left that you can do.
Depends upon the independent and the dealership. I try to find a really competent independent and stick with him. I get to know him.
I have found few dealerships to be really satisfactory. You often do not know who is working on your car and whether he is competent. Mechanics tend to come and go.
It is a myth that going to an 'authorized dealership' buys you any peace of mind.
Whichever has the more skilled mechanic.
They are as reliable as the person operating them. They give you information about what is going on inside the engine, but it still takes a human being to make sense of that information. A large number of folks today just see the codes that come off the computer and do whatever they normally do when they see that code, without any thought about what it means or what is going on inside.
Maybe, unless you happen to get the intern that day.
Whichever one has the less honest service manager.
--scott
For the most part this is true... HOWEVER, some dealerships may have someone who is a big fan of the older cars, knows them well, and likes to work on them.
You need to choose a _mechanic_ and not a shop. If the good mechanic that knows the car works at the dealer, go to the dealer. If he works at an independant, go there. When he leaves, find out where he is going!
--scott
i'd do it myself if you have little bit of motor skills because just need plug wires plugs,air filter...the only other thing is o2 sensor,gas filter and belt or belts maybe....but if your not doing yourself watch out on dealers..... and i always ask them if they want old parts back.. good luck....
If your area is like mine, you are probably better off at a well equipped independent with some experienced techs. The dealers here tend not to support vehicles over 6 years old with parts or training for the techs. Hell, most of them no longer even have a copy of a service manual over 5 or 6 years old and the parts manuals are long gone. Added to labor rates 30-50% higher, the dealership is generally not a very good deal on an older vehicle especially when you factor in the value of the vehicle itself.
Lugnut
As has been noted, one of the problems with dealers is you generally just get the roll of the dice as to which mechanic works on your car.
A tune up is almost a thing of the past. No offense. A dealer may look at you kinda strange if you ask for a tune up. I would suggest a good repair shop. On a basic tune up not muck diagnostic equipment required unless a engine running problem like a check engine light. A basic tune up would be plugs and filters and if dist base time and dist wire and cap check on yours. Also a good time to look hoses and belts and other stuff over. Tips on finding a good repair shop. Check around Ask around Word of mouth. Family friends coworkers neighbors business people and delivery people. Mailmen and parcel delivery people get around and notice a lot of stuff. Even a good parts house knows what shops are good and not good. Chamber of commerce and better business bureau and city hall. If you find a good referral to a repair shop go look them over and talk to them. Look for a clean looking busy place with nice people running it. Ask a few questions and ask about their qualifications and training. Not all places have trained tech/mechanics. If they do not find a place that does. Even all dealers do not have all trained techs/mechanics. Good Luck MT
Independent is likely better.
The dealers only have 'technicians' these days that only know what a computer tells them. On an 87 with it's primitive computer system they would likely be lost. They are bad for the 'shotgun' approach when lost. Fire parts at it hoping something works.
My son just got a 94 Voyager Van with only 240K KM in mint shape for $350.00 because the technicians kept shotgunning parts at it for a stalling problem. The owner ran out of money after a 'full' tune up, new gas tank, new gas pump, new gas filter, new gas line, etc...
The computer doesn't/didn't pick up silly things like that dirty connection on the CPS.....
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail >
You seem to have missed the fact that the OP's car in question *is* a thing of the past as in 1987 or ~20 yrs old. A "tune up" is indeed applicable and a dealers tech aren't likely to be up to speed on what this entails.
I did not miss the fact just stating facts now days. Yes tune up is still in the book. Minor tune up = Book says check compression replace plugs and air filter check timing and adjust idle speed and check rotor and dist cap and plug wires. Fuel filter is extra and electronic ign check is extra.
In the good old days when everybody done tune ups we also always checked battery cables and belts and hoses and coolant and points fuel filters.
But now days very few people even ask for a tune up and very few mechincs/techs really know how to handle a tune up. Most people that took care of there cars done a minor or major tune up every fall and there car was good foe another year. They just drop in a new set of plugs every 100K
MT
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