Dealership Repair Question

[Mccorm67]

I know I'm asking for it, but just curious if in the experience of Jeep owners, is there a benefit in having the dealership perform repairs? This is a lease, not going through insurance. The leasing group said I'm free to use who I want. Is the dealer always the worst option, as the jokes always say? This is a right front fender repair (new driver in the house trying to negotiate backing out of the garage). Thanks!

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[oldcjguy]

I'd go to a reputable body shop. No need to involve the dealer, it's not something that will affect warranty.

 

[Heimkehr]

I know I'm asking for it, but just curious if in the experience of Jeep owners, is there a benefit in having the dealership perform repairs?

I'd recommend that you first call the dealer to determine if they're willing to perform the requested service(s).

By way of example, my selling dealer refuses to drain and refill the automatic transmission fluid (and by extension, replace the pan filter). When I asked why, they leaned heavily on the "lifetime fill" language evident in the Owner's Manual. I showed them printed proof that ZF themselves recommend changing the fluid at 60K miles, but No Joy. They were dug in and that was that. So, I gathered the necessary supplies and did the job myself, saving hundreds of dollars in the process. Their loss.

 

[Koolkarguy]

I know I'm asking for it, but just curious if in the experience of Jeep owners, is there a benefit in having the dealership perform repairs? This is a lease, not going through insurance. The leasing group said I'm free to use who I want. Is the dealer always the worst option, as the jokes always say? This is a right front fender repair (new driver in the house trying to negotiate backing out of the garage). Thanks!

I would ask first if you have a good relationship with your Jeep dealer? If so go to them if not find a good shop near you remember not always the most expensive is the best do your research ask around find a good shop

 

[Riotfunk]

If it’s like most dealers here. You will have more issues after any work is done. Mine fucked up my rig after an oil change and tire rotation. And then I had to fix myself.

Do it yourself. Don’t let the dealer jiffy lube jerkoffs touch your rig.
If I have some sort of catastrophic issue and I cant fix it, I’d rather trade it than have them “try” to fix it.

 

[Grooster]

Since you're only after repairs to the leased Jeep and not warranty service, like others have already mentioned seek a qualified body shop with a great reputation. Seek quotes and choose wisely. For grins you could get a quote from the dealer for comparison. Or not.

I have an excellent relationship with my dealership. However, using your example I would look elsewhere for service. Many great body shops in my area to choose from. Warranty work? Dealer hands down (for me - I get that others don't have the same relationship I have with my dealer).

 

[Heimkehr]

Coincidentally, my brother just collected his VW from a private service garage after an emissions system component repair. I say coincidentally because his vehicle was returned with a greasy steering wheel, an oily handprint on the headliner(!) and one or two other stains where the employee marked his territory didn't take due care.

FFS. Sometimes, we just can't win no matter where we go.

 

[Mccorm67]

Thanks for all of the helpful responses. My dealer has been good so far, but I've have had limited dealings with them so far. They are a bit far to get to, so I went by my local bodyshop and put a deposit on the new fender. They are close, and they have done good by me in the past. He did mention the looming strike and how that's likely to result in a delay in getting parts, so timing is good.

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