Getting vehicle serviced

[GreedyMonkey]

I'm a relatively new owner of a 2022 Ranger XLT. I noticed that the oil "life " is at 25%. This got me wondering: to get regular service and maintenance, do you go to the dealer or an independent shop?

The shop I've been using has alwa+ys done a good job for me. (I think my power train warranty is still valid- approx 33000 miles.) But all the other stuff is covered by an aftermarket warranty. Of course warranty work is different than routine maintenence.

Dealer or independent shop?

Thanks.

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[AzScorpion]

I've used both for service and have had both good and bad experiences with dealers. I do prefer my local shop which I just had change my oil, diff and transfer case fluids and lube the driveshaft. I would go with whoever you feel comfortable with and have a good relationship with. If you DIY or use a local shop just keep all your receipts in case you ever need warranty work you'll have proof.

 

[TxOTRRanger]

I have my truck serviced at Quick Lane in Sherman every 5,000 ish miles lol. I don't always hit the service intervals right on the money. They have a record of every time it's been serviced by them. My 2 cents.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Nice looking Ranger Kelly. Reminds of mine when it was stock, with a cap - before I found this forum and spent all my money on modifications.

When it comes to regular scheduled maintenance, if you have the time, the skills, the location, and the tools, do it yourself, document it and keep the receipts for the stuff you bought. (oil, filters, etc.)

If you use a trusted independent shop, great, just keep your receipts.

If you have a dealer you like, awesome, give them your business.

Either way, you’re covered from a warranty standpoint.

Enjoy your Ranger!

 

[NotBudule2]

Get under there man ! Bond with your truck !

 

[Griswald]

My own 2 hands...

 

[got3fords]

I get The Works at the dealer every 5k. The inspection, rotation etc. makes it worth it to me. I just bring it in and wait for it. Pretty quick. And if its within a month of state inspection, I'll have it done so I can save a trip.

 

[dozxab]

I always do my own but my last choice would be a dealership. Ask around for recommendations for a local shop, preferably one where the name ends in “& Son”.

 

[Jason B]

I always do my own but my last choice would be a dealership. Ask around for recommendations for a local shop, preferably one where the name ends in “& Son”.

Maybe you mean the last place would be YOUR dealer.

I always take it to MY dealer. I make an appointment. I'm in and out within an hour.
They will even pick up my truck from work, take it to the shop for service, then return it, at no extra charge.

 

[dozxab]

Maybe you mean the last place would be YOUR dealer.

I always take it to MY dealer. I make an appointment. I'm in and out within an hour.
They will even pick up my truck from work, take it to the shop for service, then return it, at no extra charge.

Dealerships in general. I have worked at repair shops as side work for 25 years and every mechanic I worked with that worked at a dealership advised against taking a car there ever. I have heard horror stories of heads being "torqued" with an impact gun to the 17 YO with the broom getting sent to the lube bay to figure out oil changes. You will get actual pride in workmanship at a successful small business. I am sure there are dealerships that do a good job, I am speaking generally. Your odds of quality service improve.

 

[got3fords]

Dealerships in general. I have worked at repair shops as side work for 25 years and every mechanic I worked with that worked at a dealership advised against taking a car there ever. I have heard horror stories of heads being "torqued" with an impact gun to the 17 YO with the broom getting sent to the lube bay to figure out oil changes. You will get actual pride in workmanship at a successful small business. I am sure there are dealerships that do a good job, I am speaking generally. Your odds of quality service improve.

I always see the same people at my dealership, which says a lot. Never saw a 17 year old. It's a small place in the country. Kind of mom & pop feel. Yes, I have had issues but they always made it right.

 

[dozxab]

I always see the same people at my dealership, which says a lot. Never saw a 17 year old. It's a small place in the country. Kind of mom & pop feel. Yes, I have had issues but they always made it right.

There are exceptions, just a general thing. I have a good friend of 50+ years and amazing mechanic. I have worked for him on and off for 30 years. He worked for a local Ford dealership for about 6 months and left to open his own shop. He hated flat rate and the sub-standard work that is encouraged to make a good pay check. It really depends on the dealership. There are good ones. I just feel your odds of finding a good Mom & Pop are better than finding a good dealership.

 

[Msfitoy]

I'm a relatively new owner of a 2022 Ranger XLT. I noticed that the oil "life " is at 25%. This got me wondering: to get regular service and maintenance, do you go to the dealer or an independent shop?

The shop I've been using has alwa+ys done a good job for me. (I think my power train warranty is still valid- approx 33000 miles.) But all the other stuff is covered by an aftermarket warranty. Of course warranty work is different than routine maintenence.

Dealer or independent shop?

Thanks.

I would DIY if possible...it's not hard at all...if not, avoid quick in/out and go to known reliable mech shop or dealer...don't rely on oil life indicator...they're set for 10K miles...that means you've gone 7,500miles...use trip odo to track and change before 5K miles...

 

[dtech]

I always see the same people at my dealership, which says a lot. Never saw a 17 year old. It's a small place in the country. Kind of mom & pop feel. Yes, I have had issues but they always made it right.

I've only been to the dealership once to use Ford points for a wheel alignment, considering I'm 74 and have given some pause to ending self service and the dealership I went to - well an added consideration was an attractive pleasant lady service writer. I know dream on........

 

[got3fords]

I've only been to the dealership once to use Ford points for a wheel alignment, considering I'm 74 and have given some pause to ending self service and the dealership I went to - well an added consideration was an attractive pleasant lady service writer. I know dream on........

That's a perfectly good reason. The new receptionist at my chiropractor is a motivation for a healthy spine. You should see her walk! Been seeing her a lot lately since I wrenched my back. Also, did I mention my cataract surgeon is hot? I gave her a hug yesterday on my one week follow up.

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