Originally Posted by oledoc2u
I have and had friends who own dealerships. When ran properly, they are cash cows. The service adviser will make you plenty of money. Smile, agree with you, give you a loaner, get you a cup of coffee, wash the car, and smile all the way to the bank. When I come in, it's write up what I have already diagnosed, and keep their mouth shut. My Chrysler dealer is on his 3rd service mgr in a year. He let the good service writers go...the dealership is a joke, overpriced cars, overpriced labor, and they have attitudes, which gives me an attitude. If it weren't for warranty work, he wouldn't be working...I have a private mechanic, and two other privately owned shop I use. Unless it is warranty work, a dealership will never touch a car of mine.
well doc, you just said it...on the other hand, my 5* dealer has been in business over 50+ years. very little turnover, same family, same sales staff, same service manager, etc. they even have an old desoto sign in one of the bays. i've had to pay very little out-of-pocket and i feel exactly how spud does. a little bit of knowledge and tact goes a long way (like not being ashamed your car has a chrysler badge on it...fiat dino, anyone?)
