Dealer Service vs. Independent Shops

My X has been humming along nicely and it's now due for the 30k maintenance. I noticed a HUGE difference (about $250) in price between independent shops and the dealer service shop for this particular job. Is it worth the extra $$$ to take it to the dealer to have this done? I know they then would have the record for the warranty, etc. and I'd be assured that they're using genuine Nissan parts, but can an independent shop give equally reliable service for less $? Is the shop labor rate higher at a dealership?

------------------
Netshark11
2000 Super Black XE 4x4

It's tough to call. It depends on whether you trust the dealership. I am sure they have a lot more experience working on Xterras than some independent shops, but that doesn't mean the independent shops would be bad. Personally I would go to a dealer that can be trusted.

------------------
"it seems like everytime I try to learn from my mistakes, I get information overload"
2001 XE Silver Ice 4X4

It varies. If you find a honest independent shop. If you are not sure take it to the dealer. We did our 30K service at the dealer and they found 2 different things wrong, and they went ahead and replaced them free under warranty

------------------
"I can make it over any obstacle, I just might not be able to make it to the next one."

Good to know - there's one dealer here that I've seen mentioned in the Dealerships forum that is actually pretty close to me. Again, they're the ones that quoted me $550 for the 30k maintenance. I had my last truck's (a Ford Explorer) 30k done for $350 at an independent shop. Maybe I'm too wary - I've been screwed by dealer shops so many times that I vowed never to return, but then I wonder if my independent shop really knows Xterras. Quite the conundrum. Does having the 30k done at a shop other than the dealer void any warranties?

------------------
Netshark11
2000 Super Black XE 4x4

Does having the 30k done at a shop other than the dealer void any warranties?

[/B][/QUOTE]


No it doesn't.


------------------
"I can make it over any obstacle, I just might not be able to make it to the next one."