Why Choose An Independent Garage Instead Of A Dealership/Chain

Choosing where to get your vehicle repaired can sometimes be a daunting decision. You will want your vehicle repaired quickly, reliably and cost-effectively. You will also want to know that you can trust the garage you choose. This article outlines five reasons to choose an independent garage instead of a dealership for your vehicle repairs.

Choice Over the Parts Used

You will obviously want your vehicle to be repaired using reliable, high-quality parts. However, most people will also be looking for a cost-effective option and do not want to spend more than is necessary to get their vehicle repaired to a good standard. Independent garages will often give the customer a choice between using generic parts and branded parts.

Generic parts, although not designed and produced specifically by the manufacturer of the car, can still be of high quality and are perfectly adequate for most vehicles. Dealerships, however, will usually have an affiliation to the manufacturer and therefore are obliged to only use branded parts, which may be more expensive.

Greater Special Offers

Independent garages are more likely to have a more flexible pricing structure, meaning they may be more willing to give special discounts for multiple repair jobs or regular customers. You are less likely to get this through a dealership, which will usually have a more rigid, computer-based pricing structure that is generated centrally.

Flexible Booking Options

Independent garages may have a more flexible approach to bookings, especially for regular customers. They may be more likely to accept last-minute bookings and the owners (who are likely to be self-employed) may be more prepared to work late to finish jobs, where dealerships will most likely have more rigid booking systems and be unwilling or unable to work late as they may be restricted by employment law and other regulations.

Excellent Customer Service

An independent garage is more likely to have a small team of mechanics who you can speak to directly and build a rapport with. Dealerships, on the other hand, may have a higher number of mechanics who may not necessarily consult directly with customers. Customers are more likely to instead deal with administrative staff, who may only have a limited understanding of mechanics.

Strong Local Reputation

An independent garage will have built up a reputation in the local area, possibly over many years. The garage may have been passed through several generations of the same family, and staff may also have a stake in the business or have been working there for many years.

The garage will want to maintain a positive local reputation, and it will be easy enough to ask around for reviews and testimonials. A dealership, however, will be part of a large chain or franchise, and the staff are less likely to have a direct stake in the business. Although dealerships may seem likely to offer a consistent service throughout all their branches, in reality this may vary significantly from branch-to-branch.

Why Not Choose An Independent Garage? – Hook Xpress 

Hook Xpress is an independent garage providing MOTs, BOSCH servicing, tyres and vehicle repairs. We work closely with our customers to ensure they are kept informed and our experienced mechanics will consult with customers to ensure they receive the best value for their money.

To enquire about any of our services, simply fill in the contact form or call us on 01256 224 876.