People often ask – Is Car Dealership Service Worth It?

When it’s time to service your car, you’re faced with a choice: take it to the dealership, or head to an independent mechanic or chain shop. Customers and Clients of Contemporary Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram find that our Car Dealership Service is Worth It.

So, is it worth it? Let’s break it down to help you decide. Our customers here at Contemporary Automotive tell us that they travel further from their home and pass the plethora of service shops because they find our prices and quality of service better.

Why Choose Contemporary’s Service?

Car Dealerships have some unique advantages that can make them appeal to certain drivers:

• Specialized Knowledge: Dealership technicians are typically trained specifically for your car’s make and model. They know the ins and outs of your vehicle, which can be crucial for complex repairs or newer models with advanced tech.  At Contemporary, we have Certified Master Technicians experienced in all brands of vehicles and cumulatively have over 180 years of service/repair experience!
• Genuine Parts: Dealerships use OEM or OE (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, ensuring that replacements match your car’s specifications exactly. This can be a big deal for maintaining performance and resale value. (link to parts page)
• Warranty Coverage: If your car is under warranty, dealerships are often the go-to for free or discounted repairs. Here at Contemporary, our technicians have access to proper diagnostic and repair tools.
• Access to Updates: Dealerships often have the latest software updates and recall information straight from the manufacturers, keeping your car up to date.

As consumers, we have all been to dealerships and independent service centers. Gone are the usual reasons you might hesitate to book a service appointment at our dealership:

• Convenience Factor: Independent shops might be closer to home, but turnaround times have typically been the same at some Dealerships and sometimes shorter, depending on the service. At Contemporary Automotive, we often have same-day availability and convenient hours of operation. A team member will always be available to schedule your appointment, or you can schedule your appointment online.  Schedule your appointment with our Service Team.
• Parts – MOPAR and BPro: We have our own full-scale parts department that not only provides service to our shop but to our customers.
  • Mopar parts are factory-grade components designed, engineered, and tested specifically for Stellantis vehicles (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, FIAT, and sometimes Alfa Romeo). They include: Maintenance Parts: Oil filters, air filters, spark plugs, wiper blades, and brake pads to keep vehicles running smoothly. Performance Parts: Crate HEMI engines, suspension kits, and exhaust systems for boosting horsepower and torque, especially for muscle cars and off-roaders. Also, Collision Parts, Accessories and Restoration Parts.
  • BPro brand is a line of high-quality, competitively priced aftermarket car parts, with a history of success. BPro targets the independent aftermarket with replacement parts for a wide range of vehicle makes and models, both major domestic and import brands, old and new. A solid choice for cost-conscious consumers needing high-quality aftermarket parts with broad vehicle compatibility and a strong warranty. For critical components or peak performance, some may prefer OEM parts like Mopar, but BRProauto’s OE-backed standards and affordability make it a compelling option.
• Tires: We stock all mid-range tires in most brands and can order any tires in all brands; Bridgestone, Toyo, Cooper, Goodyear, Michelin, Firestone, Pirelli, and MORE. The purchase of your tires will include mounting, balancing, wheel alignment, Price Match Guarantee, and a Tire Warranty (mileage, workmanship, ride disturbance, Customer Satisfaction™ program such as “90-Day Buy and Try”).

• ‘Upselling Pressure’: Shops may push additional services or repairs that you might not need. Our Service and Sales Managers never pressure our customers. We pride ourselves on transparency and customer retention. If our Technicians notice something that warrants mentioning to the customer, our Service Managers will inform the customer at pick-up in addition to any regular service options that may be due.  In most cases, if a problem is found, the customer will be provided with a video from the technician showing the problem or potential issue down the road.
• ‘Less Personalized Service’: Some Independent mechanics often tout building long-term relationships with customers, but at Contemporary, we have tenured, engaging, and knowledgeable staff who stand by our top-notch customer service policy and expectations. Many of our customers from not only New Hampshire but from New England and beyond, have been with us for decades. Both private and commercial customers.

Final Thoughts

When asking yourself, Is Car Dealership Service Worth It?

Choosing between a car dealership and an independent shop comes down to what matters most to you. If you value peace of mind, warranty protection, genuine parts, and specialized and friendly expertise, Contemporary Automotive could be the perfect choice for you and your family. Our Service Team of certified master mechanics, with nearly 200 years of combined experience, delivers top-notch workmanship – you will find our prices to be competitive and, in some cases, BETTER, blending the best of both worlds. Ultimately, consider your car’s needs, your budget, and the service required to make the right call.

• What’s your experience with dealership service? Drop a comment below—We would love to hear your thoughts or any tips you’ve picked up!