I have a habit of not liking car payments, so I tend to keep cars as long as possible. While it is nice not having to write the monthly check to the car company, a result of this strategy is that I spend more time than I would like in the repair shop. Having become a bit of an involuntary expert, I have noticed that there is a wide range in the quality of service that you receive at such an establishment.
I have recently found a place that has figured out how to focus on the important things. They DON'T have Starbucks coffee and donuts in their waiting room. Actually, they barely have a waiting room. What they do have is great record-keeping. They know the cars like a doctor should know her patients. What they do have is great service. Even if you just come in for an oil change they will do a free engine evaluation for you. But most importantly, what they do have is trustworthy, believable personnel. I have had them recommend against doing a repair. I have had them tell me to wait to get something fixed, or to go somewhere else where a service would be cheaper. Because of that, when the DO recommend something, I tend to believe them more. I also come back when I need service.
Honesty, integrity and service always have been and always will be the best marketing strategy there is!
