Dealerships vs Auto Body Repair Shops: Which is Better?

It’s one of the oldest dilemmas that car owners face: Should I take my car to a dealership or to an independent repair shop?

Whether it’s a fender bender or collision repair after an accident, deciding where to get your vehicle’s repairs done is a big decision. 

There’s no easy answer to the question of whether dealerships or auto body repair shops are better. People have strong opinions on both sides. Some like the convenience of dealerships, while others prefer the expertise of independent repair shops. 

The important thing is figuring out what the right choice is for you. 

In this post, we’ll break down some of the differences between dealerships and auto body repair shops, and tell you everything you need to know to make an informed decision. 

Collision Repair: Dealerships vs Auto Body Shops

Dealerships can perform the same types of repairs as auto body shops. The biggest difference between both is how they get those repairs done.

Can Dealerships Handle Collision Repairs and Body Work?

Yes. Dealerships have their own service departments with trained technicians that can handle repairs and body work for the makes and models they sell. However, not all dealerships do that repair work in-house. Due to time and cost constraints, many dealerships will outsource collision repairs and body work to third-party repair shops. 

Dealerships are usually driven by profit margins. They focus on quick turnaround times and are incentivized to get repairs done quickly. If you’re looking for detailed, thorough repairs, you may be better off looking for an independent auto body shop that takes the necessary time to get repairs done right.

Are Dealership Mechanics Better Than Auto Body Shops?

It can be tempting to assume dealership mechanics are more suited to work on your vehicle because of their brand-specific knowledge. It’s true that dealership mechanics are trained to work on specific makes and models, but that doesn’t necessarily make them better mechanics. 

In fact, many independent body shop technicians have the same factory training, plus the additional experience that comes with working on a variety of different vehicles. They tend to have more technical know-how when it comes to repairing any type of vehicle. 

Body shops can also be certified as official collision centers by many automakers, like Subaru, Honda, and Tesla. This means they’ve received specialized training and meet the automaker’s strict standards for quality repair. 

So while dealership technicians might know your specific car brand inside and out, independent shop technicians bring broader experience to the table, making them just as capable to repair your vehicle. 

Key Differences: Price, Experience, Parts

When deciding between a dealership and an independent body shop, it really comes down to three main factors:

• Price

• Experience

• Parts

1. Price

If you want to save money, you’re typically better off going to an independent shop. Because of their higher overhead costs, dealerships often charge higher prices. 

At a dealership you’ll be getting service that’s specialized for your vehicle, but that doesn’t necessarily equate to better technicians. And if you go to an auto body shop that is an authorized repair center, you can be confident that the mechanics have received the right training.

2. Experience

Dealership mechanics have specialized knowledge. They have specific training to service the makes and models that the dealership sells. For this reason, if you need a very brand-specific repair, going to a dealership could be a better option.

Independent body shop mechanics, on the other hand, often have a broader range of experience with multiple brands, making them proficient in a wide variety of repairs.

Both dealership and independent technicians can hold certifications, such as I-CAR or brand-specific certifications. Be sure to check the qualifications of any shop you’re considering.

3. Parts

In general, dealerships have quick access to original equipment manufacturing (OEM) parts. Since they’re directly connected with automakers, many parts are more readily available. If you need a specific part, and fast, dealerships will usually be able to meet that demand – especially for newer cars. 

Independent shops can also source OEM parts, but they might take a little longer if they don’t have them in stock. Alternatively, they can also offer aftermarket parts which can be more affordable options. 

If you want to use OEM parts, both dealerships and independent shops can source them for you. When comparing options, be sure to inquire about availability and pricing.

How to Decide Between a Dealership and an Auto Body Repair Shop

Choosing between a dealership or an auto body shop is a personal decision. It’ll depend on your priorities and situation. To help make a decision, it can be useful to ask yourself some questions before deciding, like:

• What’s my budget for this repair?
• Does the shop offer a warranty or guarantee?
• Am I in a rush to get this fixed?
• Do they have technicians trained on my vehicle’s make and model?

1. Speed vs Quality

As we’ve mentioned, dealerships often prioritize speed to boost profit margins. Your car might be returned faster but repairs are also often outsourced. If you’re concerned about quality or want a more thorough repair, an honest independent shop will take the time to get every detail right. 

Ask yourself how fast you need your repair finished, how much you’re willing to pay for that speed, and how important a thorough repair is to you.

2. Warranty and Service Guarantees

Dealership repairs often come with a built-in warranty, especially if your car is still under a manufacturer’s warranty. This can provide peace of mind that the work is covered if something goes wrong. 

Independent shops may also offer warranties, but they can vary in terms of length and coverage. Be sure to ask about warranties and guarantees wherever you decide to take your vehicle.

3. Find a Service Shop You Can Trust

Life happens. And that means from time to time you’re going to need repairs and body work done. Regardless of whether it’s a dealership or an independent shop, look for a service shop you can trust. Look for reputable repair shops with good reviews and ratings.

How to Pick the Right Auto Body Shop

Treat finding an auto body shop like you would any big purchase. Do your research. Take a little time to make sure you’re getting your repair performed by technically qualified professionals you can trust. 

• Compare Prices: Get estimates from different shops in your area. Compare pricing and the value each offers.

• Check Certifications: Look for shops with certifications like I-CAR and automaker-specific repair certifications.

• Read Reviews: Read reviews on Google, Yelp, and other platforms. Ask your friends and family for recommendations. 

• Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions about a shop’s experience, parts, and repair process before making a decision. Answering customer questions is a big part of providing old-fashioned service. 

Repair Your Vehicle Right the First Time

While there are costs and benefits no matter where you go, it’s ultimately your choice about where to take your vehicle for repair. Dealerships may have more knowledge about your specific vehicle, but independent shops may be less expensive. The important thing is to do your research before making any decisions and choose the option that works best for you.

If you’re in the Portland, OR area and in need of body work done on your vehicle, consider choosing Mackin’s Auto Body to get your collision repair done right, the first time. Our network of 10 auto body shops have served the Portland community since 1945. Call us to set up an estimate, or read our thousands of reviews here.