A study has confirmed a fact that we’ve been telling you guys for a while—it’s more expensive to get repairs done at a new car dealership.  And it’s not just a little more expensive, according to the study released by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) “vehicle repairs for parts and labor averaged 34.3 percent more at new car dealers than at independent repair shops.”

And be happy you don’t live in Los Angeles. The study shows that consumers there "…pay as much as 46.8 percent more at dealerships than independent repair shops for repairs. The cost to consumers of specific repairs also varies widely. For example, the average cost for radiator repair for a foreign nameplate vehicle, including parts and labor, is $325.99 higher at a dealer than at an independent shop; and the cost to purchase and install front brake pads on a foreign nameplate vehicle is $138.92 more at a dealer than an independent shop.”

And remember, you don’t need to have scheduled maintenance performed by a dealership to keep your car under warranty. With MilestoneMaintenance, we can identify and perform all services the manufacturer recommends for your model and mileage. And speaking of your warranty, Gatto’s can do most warranty work—see a sales associate for more details.

Read more about the study on the AAIA website.  http://www.aftermarket.org/News/031109.aspx

You’ll save money at Gatto’s. You have my word on it.

Pam