1993 Legacy LSi with still functioning Air Suspension, 1999 Outback 2.5L 5MT lab Rat
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190 Posts
See Doc I tend to go the other way, in terms of advice. I have met some exceptional Techs both in and out of the dealer and I suggest at least to start try the dealer, or two. Yes some dealers hire less skilled lower cost workers for some things but by and large have at least 1 highly skilled guy in the shop. The problem with the Blame the Other guy attitude is that You call him Crap, he calls you crap, and in the long run nobody trusts either if you.
I prefer to show them my skills and out skill the other guy, Even if "their Guy" is crap I take the more diplomatic approach of explaining to the customer that maybe this particular problem is not in their guys skill set. If they have their own guy that they trust by all means use him, but if he gets lost I'm a phone call away. I have gotten far more business with that approach.
Most of the Manufacturers Dealers I have worked for actually stayed away from the newly minted 240 day wonder techs Primarily because even at the Dealer level the Manufacturers Name is on the building, and thus to some degree their Company reputation. This is especially true with Imports, Japanese and German, in particular.
I'd suggest and interview process with any professional you wish to Employ, whether it be a Lawyer, Doctor, Plumber, Mechanic or what have you. Ask about specific skills, training etc. that he/she brings to the table, especially if you are experiencing a specific problem.
You'll find good people in and out of the Dealer networks, as well as Independents. The Mechanic that inspired me worked at a Texaco Station, back when there were Service Stations not Grocery Stations that sell Gas.
I prefer to show them my skills and out skill the other guy, Even if "their Guy" is crap I take the more diplomatic approach of explaining to the customer that maybe this particular problem is not in their guys skill set. If they have their own guy that they trust by all means use him, but if he gets lost I'm a phone call away. I have gotten far more business with that approach.
Most of the Manufacturers Dealers I have worked for actually stayed away from the newly minted 240 day wonder techs Primarily because even at the Dealer level the Manufacturers Name is on the building, and thus to some degree their Company reputation. This is especially true with Imports, Japanese and German, in particular.
I'd suggest and interview process with any professional you wish to Employ, whether it be a Lawyer, Doctor, Plumber, Mechanic or what have you. Ask about specific skills, training etc. that he/she brings to the table, especially if you are experiencing a specific problem.
You'll find good people in and out of the Dealer networks, as well as Independents. The Mechanic that inspired me worked at a Texaco Station, back when there were Service Stations not Grocery Stations that sell Gas.
