White- you are silly, we both know that is a cove not a bay!

Actually, ahem, I don't have a ton of "local pride" and I just wasn't thinking and then decided to try to riff and be funny. Apologies to anyone who lives in a different but geographically similar area...

So, back to the topic:

So, a shop with ASE Certified mechanics will be *good* and for honesty we just look to referrals. I like the "do they drive a dodge" idea. I don't suppose we see a lot of dodge specialty places do we? Anybody true believers in the dealerships?

Thanks,

 

Again depends on what you need done......Are you looking for just general mechanic..tune ups....oil changes...etc.... do you need suspension...exhaust...transmission... some places may specialize in certain areas... Obviously ask around from friends family....angies list...BBB... etc...

I am not living in CA anymore so I may not be much of a help on where to go......However I can definitely recommend places NOT TO GO based on previous experience......That infamous distinction goes to PEP BOYS.....

Ask around locally and again it depends on what you are looking for....each have their own pros and cons.......local mom and pop shops may have lower prices and get you in with a reasonable wait times.....national chains...may have higher prices but may offer nationwide warranty in case you break on the road....I travel a lot so nationwide warranty is important as well as computer data base of work.

I also recommend signing up for Durango Owners Club..... there is at least one maybe two members I can think off the bat from the bay area (Your SAN FRAN bay area....lol!!) they may be able to help..

You have to consider cost but also value.

Good luck......remember if you find a place let us know....you never know when another member might as for recommendations... likewise if you have a bad place also give us some details.

 

Around these parts, you'll be hard pressed to find anyone who believes that bringing their vehicle to the dealership for any kind of service. Mostly you'll find members who will (grudgingly) go to the stealer to get a "dealer only" part to help with a repair. Unless you personally know the dealership owner or if they are CLOSE family, you'll have better luck and a bigger wallet going to an outside garage. BUT, if you have a new car and have the warranty/guarranty for X years or XX,000 miles, bring that puppy to the dealership for every little thing! Like all other members have said, do research and some ground work. Go to the prospective shops you are interested in and see if they are busy. Stick around and ask questions to the customers, mechanics, heck, even the owner/manager. See if your neighbors have stories to tell you about their shops, good or bad. Good luck in finding a shop for your D!

 

Ahem, Dan I believe you had a typo. Here I fixed it for you...

But yes I totally agree to stray from a stealer if you don't have a warranty unless you're going to get a stealer only part. Try even looking on Angie's List for a quality mechanic. People review everything on that website and chances are you'll find your answer on there.

 

yup we will all recommend that you stay far away from the stealerships as much as possible

 

boney....you never did answer..... what are you looking for general service...specialized repair....etc....?

 

oh sorry, got distracted...

I am looking for a generalist.

I used to do a lot of my own wrenching. Did a full springover on my old scout- installed lots of lifts on jeeps, replaced a couple clutches... But, in the past couple of years my memory has just fallen apart. I'd like to get back to doing more of my own work- but I want a regular option for when I can't afford to risk the truck being out of commission for days while I figure something out. Also don't have access to my garage at the moment and the weather is ****.

Oh, I probably should have started with- my check engine light is on and nobody around here will give me the codes without charging me. Harbor Freight sells a tester that I think works, but not sure...

anyway, so want a good all around shop I can trust and use for things that either scare me or I need done in a timely fashion.

 

Most auto parts stores will check the codes for no charge. Every time I've asked at either Autozone or Advance Auto they've been more than happy to do it.

As for finding a good shop, word of mouth really is your best bet. Personally, after moving to this area I had no idea which shops were good and which were bad. Broke down one day and got lucky enough to get an awesome tow driver. He's now the phone call I make any time I need a referral for some work. The guy has saved me probably 4 grand in repair bills over the past several months (I'm also temporarily without a suitable place to do my own work while the weather is like this...).

 

California might be a little more strict but ask AutoZone or Advance....they might at least be able to let you borrow their tester and or read the codes for you......There is a way to read it by turning the keys a series of times but I do not for the life of me remember what it is.....Only thing I know is to go to AutoZone or Advance.....if A/Z or Advance not in your area try Kragen...Checkers whatever the regional chain is........I VERY STRONLGY RECOMMEND AGAINST PEPBOYS......make that VERY.....VERY...STRONGLY...yes 2 stronglys..........

Again CA might be more strict but wouldnt hurt to ask them.....if they read the codes they should provide a print out with possible areas to start troubleshooting.

Good Luck!!

 

You turn the key on, then off, then on, then off, then once you turn it on, it will show your your CEL codes in the odometer area. Keep in mind when I say turn it on, just to the point where it primes the fuel pump, don't turn to start.