Dealerships? Really?

Do most of my own work in my shop, but when it comes to engine issues i take it to the kenworth dealer. If there was a independant shop around i would probably try them but i dont know of any in my neck of the woods.

 

Cause no one really knows how to work on my engine.

 

I only take my trucks to 2 dealers. 1 is NH pete never bin overcharged and very happy with there service and the other is Cat in Ct happy with them to. I do most of my work myself but there some things i just dont have the tools for or want to mess up. There are realy no good independent small shops around me that i trust and the ones there are are not that much cheaper then the dealer.

 

My dealer charges $5/hr more than the only local worth his salt and will get any work done in half the time. However for something like a rebuild that would not be covered under warranty I would have to talk with them both before making a decision.

And come to think of it the guy I trust the most I would have to get from him that he would make it a prioroty. He does work on our farm trucks on the side but not if you need it in a hurry.

 

I take my truck to the dealer. Being a Mack (Mack engine, Mack transmission, Mack rears), there really isn't any better place TO take it. An independent shop would still have to get the parts through Mack, which only means another markup on the price, and if they don't see many Mack trucks in that independent shop, they won't be nearly as familiar with them, which means longer repair times and not as likely to be done right the first time. Most of the guys working there have been there for quite some time and know their Mack trucks inside & out.

 

Agreed on that one...... learned it the hard way on some a/c stuff. Mack reminds me of Sears whom modifies the original design to force you back to their parts dept.

Being said though, sometimes only dog will do.......

And while here, a rant !!! I had an issue today so after a Beacon wash I rolled over to the Petro shop for a safety analysis of the problem...not a repair ! Just wanted the mech. to look at what I saw and rule it safe enough to get home.

Counter gal quoted me the ridicules rates of $95 an hour so I said I'll take a half figuring that if he can't give me a look see in 30 mins then I don't need him anyway.

Ok so I sign up and he comes outside and looks..... I tell him the problem and we run a few checks. ( steering components) He rules it safe enough for the trip home so I cash out. Gal charges me half PLUS $2.33 for shop supplies. What supplies I ask???
She says " computer does it automatically " Really ? Your computer automatically steals from the customer?? She fumbles for an answer but nothing comes out.....

Aggravated, I learn my lesson and leave. I will smoke the managers arse at 0800 on Monday....... stinking thieves !!!! That's what the $95.00 per hr. is for, to cover rent, gasses, rags etc. The mechanic certainly don't get that !!!

 

One reason I do it is I have a volvo If they work on something and I get out to TX and it break again I can take it to any dealership dont cost a dime do that with an independent shop. Yet I do have some work done at an Independent shop I have to choose which work to have done where. Sometimes its worth paying a few dollars more

 

Including the Volvo Dealers!

 

I just use my local Pete dealer for major repairs, that way if it breaks, then like stated above, I can roll into any Pete dealer and have it repaired. If you work only locally, and don't go OTR then a local shop would be the best. But for an OTR guy, I have to say the dealership is the way to go, if not just for the warranty.

That all being said, i do most all my own repairs except for brakes since i don't have a large enough jack to lift the truck. And all my internal engine work is done there as well. Other things, such as turbo, fuel pump, tanks ect I just fix in the driveway myself.

Living right by Chicago, all the shop rates around here are all $100hr+, so the $105 hr the Pete dealer charges isn't a big deal.