Mechanic Shop - Indepent or Dealership

[KYG]

I have a Mercedes that I usually got serviced at the dealership and tried an independent shop as I heard you could save some money. My experience was that the savings wasn't that great. Prices for the parts weren't any different and it was just the labour that was a bit cheaper. I got brakes done some time ago and found they didn't last quite as long as when the dealership did them for me. Any similar experiences?

 

[Ray]

I drive a somewhat 'prestige' automobile as well, and I can't imagine going cheap on maintenance.

Leave the domestic autos and the common Japanese cars for the independant shops. I find they aren't that familiar with the Euro electrical systems and the finer details of the Euro imports.