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You have plenty of options when it comes to who you trust for your Mercedes-Benz needs. Make the smart choice by heading to a reputable independent repair shop. Many vehicle owners, especially owners of high-end foreign models, assume that for routine maintenance, troubleshooting or intricate repairs, they must return to the dealership service center. But that's simply not the case. Read on to learn the benefits of ditching the dealership.

Key Benefits of an Independent Auto Repair Shop Over the Dealership

Price, convenience and outstanding customer service are the biggest benefits of choosing an independent shop over a dealership. By choosing the right independent repair shop, your vehicle will receive the same qualified, experienced and skilled care as it would at a dealership. The “product" the dealership is selling is the same “product" the independent is selling. The difference is, the independent shop sells this product for less – often, significantly less.

In addition, independent shops are usually more conveniently located due to the fact that many dealerships are located off of busy freeways because they need a high-visibility spot to attract customers. Finally, because independents don't have to answer to a huge bureaucracy and meet production quotas, they're able to provide better customer service. They can take their time explaining procedures to you and simply just getting to know you. It's always better to do business with people who are familiar with your vehicle and its needs.

Is an Independent's Expertise and Equipment Equivalent to a Dealership?

The answer to this question is, absolutely; as long as you choose the right independent shop. It's crucial to make sure that the independent shop you trust specializes in your car make and model, especially when you drive an import vehicle. There are key differences between working on American- or Japanese-made cars and working on European imports.

It might seem like there's a repair shop on almost every corner in Seaside, but not all are equal. Marlow Mercedes-Werks​ is a Mercedes-Benz car dealership alternative you can trust. Our ASE-certified technicians have completed the same rigorous training and possess the same specialized experience as their dealership counterparts. They also have access to the same current, state-of-the-art tools, diagnostic equipment and machinery as dealership techs do.

How do You Know Which Independent Repair Shop to Trust?

Just as you probably do when you choose any service, such as a doctor, dentist, plumber or electrician, do your homework before choosing a repair shop. Stop by the shop and look around. If you drive a newer-model Mercedes-Benz, and a shop's service bays are full of beat-up Hondas and older-model Chryslers, that shop may not be the right fit for you. Does the shop appear clean and professional? That's a sign of attention to detail and pride in workmanship. Ask friends and family for referrals, and ask a repair shop for customer testimonials.

If you are interested in forging a lasting relationship with a shop that provides dependable independent auto repair in Seaside, CA, we invite you to contact us​​​​ at Marlow Mercedes-Werks. Our team of experts specializes in all Mercedes!

Just because you purchased your Mercedes-Benz from a dealership does not mean you have to return to the dealership for maintenance or repair. Many Mercedes owners assume they must head to the dealership for all of their vehicle needs so they don't void their car's warranty. Unless you ask someone at a Mercedes-Benz dealership directly, “Will using an independent repair shop violate my warranty?" dealership employees will not go out of their way to correct the common misconception a dealership is your only option. The good news? It's not.

Benefits of Using an Independent Repair Shop

A qualified Mercedes-Benz independent repair shop​ is equipped with the same diagnostic tools and parts a Mercedes dealership is. The qualified independent shop's technicians are equally familiar with Mercedes vehicles and possess highly specialized training on this high-tech model. The top three reasons to turn to a qualified independent provider for your Mercedes-Benz maintenance and repair are price, convenience and customer service.

Why Pay More for the Same Parts and Service?

When you head to a dealership for your vehicle maintenance and repair needs, you are unknowingly paying a premium for a fancy building and décor. Mercedes-Benz is a luxury brand and has an image to uphold. Dealerships are subject to directives and uniformity requirements from the corporate office. Independent providers don't have to maintain these standards and don't have to pass along the costs to uphold them to customers.

Why Drive Across Town for Something You Can Get Nearby?

How many Mercedes-Benz dealerships are located in the Seaside area? How many of those dealerships are convenient to you? Often independent shops are conveniently located in and around neighborhoods. Whereas Mercedes dealership locations are chosen for maximum visibility, which often means they're in high-traffic areas, independent shops choose their locations for the convenience of their customers.

Why Be Rushed When You Are the Customer?

Mercedes owners who incorrectly believe they must turn to the dealership for their vehicle's service and repair needs essentially have their hands tied. If they experience lengthy delays or rushed, impersonal service, they have little recourse. Independent repair shops are smaller and have no quotas to meet. The people who own them and work in them often choose that path over the dealership because they value customer relationships. At a dealership, you typically will not find technicians who know customers' names before looking at the service slip. Independent shop owners and employees often get to know their customers on a first-name basis.

If you are a Mercedes-Benz owner who has been dealing with the hassle and high price of heading to the Mercedes dealership for your car's repair and maintenance needs, contact us at Marlow Mercedes-Werks​. We are standing by to prove to you going independent is the smart choice!

When it's time to service or repair your Mercedes-Benz, you want to keep the cost as low as possible without sacrificing quality service. Finding a Mercedes-Benz dealership alternative is often one of the best choices to achieve this goal. An independent Mercedes-Benz service and repair shop will help you take great care of your car without spending a lot of money on the services you need. They can typically perform the same tasks for less, keeping your car performing at optimum condition.

Trained, Experienced Technicians

When you turn to an independent repair shop versus the dealership, you will have access to technicians who have been trained to handle any service or repair your Mercedes-Benz may need. They will use the same equipment and parts to perform the work as a dealership, giving your car the ability to continue operating at peak efficiency. As long as you choose an independent shop that specializes in Mercedes-Benz, you can feel confident that your technician can identify the problem quickly and fix it right the first time.

Lower Costs

In addition to ensuring you get quality repairs and service in a shorter period of time, an affordable Mercedes-Benz service in Seaside will charge less for the same repairs and service the dealership could offer. In most cases, they pay their technicians based on an hourly rate versus paying them based on sales, which is usually how a dealership operates. This means dealership technicians are more likely to rush the job and try to complete as many cars as possible. Independent shops also provide the same quality parts as the dealership, but at a much lesser cost.

Greater Convenience

If you've ever looked for a Mercedes-Benz dealership near you, you likely noticed they are few and far between. Many of them are not in convenient locations for most people, despite the fact they are typically located in high-traffic areas. However, if you look for a Mercedes-Benz dealership alternative, you are more likely to find one located right near where you live or work, making it much more convenient for pickups and drop-offs. This will ensure your vehicle can be fixed and waiting for you as soon as you are ready for it.

If you have been considering an independent repair shop versus the dealership, you already know which is the better choice to meet your needs. Not only can an independent Mercedes-Benz service and repair shop handle anything that may come their way, but they will also be able to save you time and money on the service and repairs you need. Their goal is to help Mercedes-Benz owners keep their cars running in peak condition to ensure their safety and the efficiency of the vehicle on the road. When they can do that for less than the dealership, car owners win.