Ok so we all know the troubles that go hand in hand with dealer service but is it a necisary evil or a big scam. As far as the parts go your are getting genuine GM parts but their not always the best. I know that when it comes to oil, filters, air intake systems, exhuast sytems, shocks, tires, rotors, pads, calipers ect. that there are much higher quality aftermarket parts available. But with dealer service you get that wonderful maintenance record. Even if I do the service and call them and tell them I did it they don't care.So according to "the record" my service was never done. So how do you all feel about dealer service? Are you the "lifer" who wouldn't install a scented airfreshinger unless the dealer did it for you or did you drive off the lot and swap out every thing wrong with the car? Also lets hear about records. Is there anyone out there who deals with classics and thier records? Whats the best way to keep records? What will make the car more valuable in 50 years, the dealer record or something we all don't quite know about?

 

well my cars on its second engine...so no lol no maintenence record lol

 

My '06 is still under the factory warranty (and afterwards what everyone claims is worthless) the extended warranty so if need be it's going to the dealer.

 

my dad used to be a mechanic... so what i don't know how to fix, he cna tell me what to do. my parnets suburban got 250,000 miles on it.. my dad can't find anything he wants to replace it, so we just keep on fixing it (its exhuast smells wonderful btw). btw, don't replace your alternator with an auto zone alternator, lifetime warranty or not. we've changed it out 4 times in like 60,000 miles... thats probably my best trick by now, i can change a fricken alternator on a 5.7

 

I have the extended warrenty and service plan so everything on my 06 goes to the dealer. I am so happy I had this as a few months ago I had a sidewall puncture and since I had the tire protection the $350 cost of replacement and labor paid for itself.

 

I work at a dealership, and I say, if your car is under warranty and the problem you are having is warranty covered, go to the dealership. But, if you are going for routine maintenance, then you need to compare them with all the local service centers.

It is important to keep records. An accordion style file folder works great.OIL/FILTERS/TIRE ROTATION, ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, SUSPENSION, ELECTRICAL, MISC, JOURNAL

The Journal is the KEY. You need to record everything that was done to your car --what was done,where was it done, when (date & mileage), and if you want to be picky, the mechanic's name and license number (for proof the car was only worked on by certified mechanics).

Again, if you do not care about getting FREE warranty repairs, go for it! Replace all the OEM with Superior Aftermarket. Just know, regardless of how superior the aftermarket product is, the appraisal value of your car will go down if aftermarket products are on it. Same in the classic car arena.

 

Having worked for dealerships (sales) back in the late 70's, and for 3-months in 2005, I agree with most of what you say. Your observation about aftermarket products is generally true, but it depends on the model, and what the aftermarket parts are. For example, the aftermarket manifold-back exhaust system I had on my ultra-low mileage 02 Mustang added hundreds of dollars to it's trade-in value. The same is true for wheels - again, depending on the product and the car.

In my opinion, a few bad apples have given "dealerships"in general a bad rap when it comes to maintenance. Like any other retail enterprise,it all depends on the dealership you're involved with - some are fantastic,and some suck.

Luckily for me, the dealership I do business with is one of the good ones. Located in the small town near where I live, they sell/service every GM product, from Cadillacs to Cobalts to Corvettes. Fortunately, they sell a lot of Cadillacs, so I suppose their service department is geared towards Cadillac owners. In any event, I'vebeen treated like a king every time I've visited, and I could notask for better service. A few years ago, we went through some rough times when I was having some very strange problems with a 97 Aurora. Althoughthe crap I was getting was fromGM itself (regarding the factory warranty), the dealership stood by me through thick and thin - and eventually we prevailed.

My Monte recently had it's first oil/filter change (since I've owned it) at this dealership, and the chargewas$24.99. For that price, they checked I don't know how many things on the car, and gave me a detailed written report on everything.Considering the5.3takes six quarts of oil, I was a happy camper indeed at that price - I don't think I could have done it myself for less.

 

here is how i deal with mine and the dealership.

I change my oil to all synthetic. . Motor,tranny,brake,and anything else i could find that needed to be upgraded. this was all done with in 4090 miles of the car being brand new.
The only thing i didnt change witch is done now was the antifreez. it was dexcrap till warrently went out. now it still is but i dont have the factory crap in it with the pellets that make it black/brown looking.

I keep verry good records on all of the project cars i have and even the monte carlo and the wifes POS neon. I do this threw a spread sheet in excel and also Word i keep writen records. in simpel tabels and spreadsheets.
nothign to fancy. basically you need
date, place,milage,mechanic (if not you) and also i do a parts write up so i know what was replaced or just repaired etc..
I keep all of this so i can print it out in a heart beat. SO if they ever say i dont have this or that done i have proof of it.
I also keep every reciet for the car to include oil and filter changes at the base hopbby shop. when i get it i write the miles on the back side of it and filter number and anything else that will make sure it can show this was done at this time.

ALso i take tons of photos of the car anythign i have done before or after. This will also show that something actually has been done. if i can i do a photo of the inbetween also.