dealer vs independent for service

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clarityplugin

New Member
I usually take my cars to an independent mechanic for service. However, the Clarity has so much new tech, I'm considering only taking it to the dealer for service. I'm worried independent mechanics won't know what to do, even if they get training they probably see very few Clarity cars. What do other PHEV owners like Prime and Volt do? Do they only go to dealers for service too?
 
I have a great mechanic who I introduced to my Clarity. He said he’ll be happy to do all the maintenance work except for dealing with the EV end of things. Hopefully I won’t have any issues that will force me and my hard earned money to go to the dealer post warranty.
 
clarityplugin said:
I usually take my cars to an independent mechanic for service. However, the Clarity has so much new tech, I'm considering only taking it to the dealer for service. I'm worried independent mechanics won't know what to do, even if they get training they probably see very few Clarity cars. What do other PHEV owners like Prime and Volt do? Do they only go to dealers for service too?
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I was thinking the same thing when we bought the car.

I’ll oil changes (one a year?? Lol) but the rest will go to the stealership.
 
I've been trusting my local dealer for service since 1973. In 2000, when I bought the first Insight in Michigan, I was glad that my dealer's service team quickly got up to speed on this newfangled car. Since then we've purchased two more Insights and our Clarity and I am confident our dealer's service staff is up-to-date on Honda's training and service bulletins. Also, they have a direct line to Honda's corporate service support. I'm even listed in their system as "Insightman." What more of a personal relationship could I wish for? For my peace of mind it's worth paying their going rate. It's certainly cheaper than if I'd fixated on something like an Audi or Mercedes.
 
I’m hoping and anticipating that my out of warranty defect repair history with my Honda’s will repeat itself and I won’t be needing much and just take it to the dealer who should be better equipped to deal with all the unique Clarity complexities. Basic ICE and non-EV maintenance could go with my trusted independent.


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I've had so few repairs over the past 10+ years. The only place I've taken the cars for repairs is Toyota or Honda. But for regular maintenance I use Jiffy Lube which at least is quicker, and usually less expensive.
 
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