Where Do You Get Your Saturn Serviced?

[Charlie]

I saw a similar topic in the S-Series forum, and thought it would make a good site-wide poll: Where do you most often get your Saturn serviced for routine maintenance? Do you take it to your local retailer, a national auto repair chain, a small independent shop, or do you do it yourself? Why? Post your thoughts.

Thanks!
Charlie

[2NDSOUT]

As funny and weird as this may sound...I use my retailer (I'm good friends with the Service Managers...they have helped me out a great deal in the past)...to get just oil changes done. If they tell me something needs to be replaced...I'll look it up in my Factory Service Manuals and repair/fix it myself. I'll usually buy the parts from Rockauto.com for a price discount too.

[Saturn#5]

I didn't always go back to my dealer for service until one morning when my 95 SL2 didn't start and I took it to my local gas station. I figured it was something like the battery or alternator. After leaving it with them for the day they called me and said that both battery and alternator checked out find and there was no outward reason for the car not to start. They assumed that the timing belt snapped and that they would have to take apart the engine at a cost of several thousands of dollars. I called my local Saturn dealership and told them the story and without a moments hesitation Bob, my Saturn Service person, told me he was 100% sure it was not the timing belt and that I should not let the gas station touch my car. I asked him how he could be so sure without looking at my car and his reply: "Saturn's DON'T have timing belts, you have a timing chain that cannot break! By this time it was 4:55pm and the Saturn service closed at 5pm, Bob told me that they would wait for me to get the car there and I immediately had it towed to Saturn.

Turns out it was a $25 sensor that had burnt out preventing the car from starting!

I go back to my dealer because I am treated right by them and they are really the only ones who know Saturns!

Other GM dealerships take note! Saturn owners don't put up with just being another number...

[bryanm326]

I use my retailer because I work for the retailer. Drop off the car, go sell cars, pick up car later. Good deal, everyone's happy.

[ChgoBlues]

I use a retailer. I liked the treatment I experienced when I was in for service. It was always nice seeing a friendly face and felt confident that I would be taken care of. I eventually went to work for a retailer and during that time, saw how some independent shops messed up one of the easiest vehicles to work on, the S-Series. Now that I live in a new city and not knowing anyone, I immediately went to a retailer. That way all the work is stored electronically and if any issues come up with my vehicle, I have a better chance of it being fixed correctly and timely. Plus I have extended coverage on both my Saturns so why go anywhere else?

In addition, the relationship one builds with a facility both service and sales wise can create some great rewards!

[angelaw]

We do most of it ourselves. Alignments to the dealer as well as some dealer only parts. Have a local shop for stuff we don't want to mess with. So 90% us, 8% local, 2% dealer since they're the furthest away.

[yogi]

I go to get my service done on my Outlook at my Local Saturn dealer(Saturn Of London) where they treat me with the utmost courtesy and always greeting me by my first name there service department is 2nd to none . Always get it right .I hope this doesnt mean the end of them.Will miss them greatly.

[chops]

I used to have my girlfriend drop it off at the retailer that's just down the street from where she works...until it shut down abruptly about a month ago. :no:

Since the nearest retailer now is about an hour away, she and I have basically decided to save them only for warranty work. I have enough confidence to be able to change my own oil, and for the rest there's a small shop next to where I work.

My dad basically takes his LW300 to a local shop for most non-warranty stuff. They've never done wrong by him and he gets a good deal.

[DIYguy]

As my moniker implies, I do it all myself with the sole exception of smog checks (which I would do if it were legal for me to do so). So my mix is 99.75% me, 0% dealer, 0.25% state smog inspection stations. This includes basically every vehicle we have owned for the last 30 years, not just the Saturn (yes, the BMW too).

I could cite literally dozens of examples of why I do this, but the bottom line is that I'd rather spend almost any amount of money on the proper tools to do a repair job and then do it myself as opposed to paying (and trusting) someone to do it for me.

At least I know precisely what was done (and how) and then I own the tools for next time. Moreover I learn why something failed, why it might fail again, and possibly how to improve upon it so it won't fail as soon.

And if it gets messed up the first time, I have no one else to blame.

But that's me......:)

[jmplt]

I used to get my Saturn serviced at the dealership. However, after my last two experiences, the only time I'll go there again is for warranty work. The first time was an oil change and they tried to charge me for 10 quarts of oil, 5 quarts of synthetic and 5 quarts of regular plus 2 oil filters. Against my better judgement, I went back the next time (I had a coupon for $75). This time I was quoted a price of $85 for the oil change, but when I got the bill it was for $125! They were clearly trying to rip me off. I will never go back to a Saturn dealership for service, and it looks like I won't have to worry about ever buying another Saturn.

[k1rod]

Anywhere but the dealer. At $110/hr + 15% shop supply fee, I can only inerpret that as gouging. I take it to the local Meineke where they charge me $70 /hr and use NAPA parts which are half the price of OEM parts. Recently, I've had them do motor mounts, radiator, and even had them install my new transmission valve body. Good work at a fair price.

[athynz]

At the local dealer where I bought my Vue... the service is excellent and the people there go the extra mile to make sure things are right.

[Johnny84]

I won't take my Aura anywhere but my local Saturn retailer for the following reasons:

• Our Shopping experience was great!
• We are always greeted with a smile and treated with respect.
• Their service prices are reasonable
• They are less than a half mile from my office.
• They are open until midnight Monday–Thursday
• Complimentary shuttle service: They will drop us off and pick us up at home or work
• Complimentary car wash and vacuum after service
• They give us a follow up call the next day to make sure we are completely satisfied.

I know enough about cars to know when I'm being ripped off. I have had some terrible experiences at other GM dealers in the past but feel I can trust the team at Saturn of Dayton. I will use their service department as long as I can.

[davidsky]

The maintenance has been done by me.
The two warranty issues have been fixed at the dealer.
From now on all repairs/maintenance will be done by me unless I can't do them.

[SW2Muck]

When I had my Saturns, I was still living in apartments, so it was a good cross between my local dealer and some place like Valvoline or Pep Boys. I did my own tranny flushes with some help from Unkle Bik.

[SinCitySaturn]

I saw a similar topic in the S-Series forum, and thought it would make a good site-wide poll: Where do you most often get your Saturn serviced for routine maintenance? Do you take it to your local retailer, a national auto repair chain, a small independent shop, or do you do it yourself? Why? Post your thoughts.

Thanks!
Charlie

I take our Saturn's to our local Dealership (Saturn Of West Sahara) because I have a great relationship ( and trust) with my service writer and whatever the issue is, it's handled the first time correctly:D

[EricSaturnSC2]

When I lived in Terre Haute, I would let Saturn of Terre Haute do all of my oil changes and what-not, because I am just not a "car" guy. I drive 'em, but I dont work on 'em. I could get an oil change for $21.95, any day of the week, without an appointment... just drive on in and get 'er done. They'd even offer me a loaner for the afternoon if it was going to take more than about 30 minutes. I had a fantastic 4 year relationship with Saturn of Terre Haute, and I miss it dearly.

I have since moved to Indianapolis, and have let Saturn of Indianapolis so far do my oil changes and service work. Unfortunately, I am going to start going elsewhere for my oil changes. Earlier this year it was about $32 for an oil change, which was higher than Terre Haute, but I "lived" with it. However, my past two oil changes have been $37.95 -- Ouch! I want to support my local dealership, especially in this time of uncertainty, but I just can not justify the high cost.

Ohwell, I still love my SC2.
~~Aryq~~

[VWCarcrazy]

I was taking it to the local Saturn dealer down the block from my office, where I purchased it. They closed November 26. For warranty work I now plan to take it to the local Chevrolet dealer, just across the street from my office. Or I will do it myself. I was doing oil changes at the Saturn dealer for the convenience. I will now take it to Valvoline, where I have my other cars done. I was purchasing parts and accessories from my Saturn dealer. I have been now ordering via the Internet. I will not drive the additional distance to the next nearest Saturn dealer, it is just not worth the effort. I work at an office location with over 10K employees, and there are literally hundreds of Saturns in the lot - including at least 3 new ones in the past few months parked within 100 feet of my spot. Saturn is losing a LOT of business by closing this dealer. I just heard that an Indian motorcycle dealer bought the dealership and is remodeling it to open in a few months in time for the spring cycling sales season. It will be right next to one of the largest Harley Davidson dealers in the Midwest.

[davidsky]

I have since moved to Indianapolis, and have let Saturn of Indianapolis so far do my oil changes and service work. Unfortunately, I am going to start going elsewhere for my oil changes. Earlier this year it was about $32 for an oil change, which was higher than Terre Haute, but I "lived" with it. However, my past two oil changes have been $37.95 -- Ouch! I want to support my local dealership, especially in this time of uncertainty, but I just can not justify the high cost.

To be fair, the price of oil did rise considerably this year. I paid about $22 just for the oil and filter when I did it myself in November.

[EricSaturnSC2]

To be fair, the price of oil did rise considerably this year. I paid about $22 just for the oil and filter when I did it myself in November.


I do understand that... but Saturn of Terre Haute still offers a $24.95 oil change. Big difference from $24.95 up to $37.95. :) At least for my wallet.

~~Aryq~~

[dj1111]

I've done all my own repairs myself. Ironically the only time I took my Saturn into the shop (actually 3 different shops including Saturn) they all failed to fix the problem, a persistent SES light. I then purchased my own code reader and in 15 minutes found the problem and fixed it. There is only one shop in town I trust, and only use them as a last resort.

[Uzzy]

One of my best friends is a Saturn Tech, so if I can't do it, it goes to him. He he can't do it in his driveway, it goes to another friend of mine, that's a more experienced Saturn tech and has a hoist in his pole barn. Anything that can't be done by them (or was warranty, back when my 2002 SC1 had one) was done at Saturn of Windsor.

The only time any of the Saturns in my family were handled by someone other than those two guys (either at the homes or at work) was after they put a new front sub-frame in my sister's car. One of the local Ford dealers had an amazing deal on alignments and they recommended I take it there. Of course, they totally messed up the alignment the first time and it was worse than when the techs eye-balled it in the garage :hmpf: but I raised a bit of a stink and they fixed it for free.

[MikeNW]

"I do you do it myself"!?!?!? :eek:

Since becoming a member of this forum, I can do "almost" all repairs myself.
I carry extra temp sensor and CPS in the glove box. Would not hesitate to fix anything on this car (1997 S).
Once I get my next house built, with a flat slab in the garage, I will even try wheel alignments!

[Charlie]

"I do you do it myself"!?!?!? :eek:

Oops, that's what happens when I'm half asleep...

Thanks for the tip, it's fixed now.

Charlie

[mike08vue]

I take the VUE to Saturn of Lexington, they get me in just about whenever I need service with or without appointment, they take less than 20 minutes, they check everything and let me know if anything is amiss,the charge is 30.00 or less(they usually have coupons for a discount on service) I get a free wash, my salesman Roy always gets me a loaner to drive if I don't want to wait for longer services,repairs. They have never tried to add unneeded repairs or charges to the bill. In my case, its basically a no brainer--I really don't have the time or the place to do my own any more, even tho I used to work as a part time mechanic and body person at a used car lot when I was in school many years ago.

[chops]

"I do you do it myself"!?!?!? :eek:

I do, you do, we all do? :tounge:

[macbox]

I've done all the minor stuff and this year worked on the alternator and struts, this saves a lot of dough. When my 96 was smashed up by drunken mexicans in a van while it was sitting still on the street - in a hit and run, I had to get a different S-series and perform the usual maintenance that needs to be done, and rather than pay through the nose I get to accumulate tools and learn maintenance. I do take it to the dealer sometimes, but usually end up going there for parts.

[dennis marshall]

I take my 2007 ION sedan to my dealer Saturn of Totowa NJ. I have known the service manager since he was a service writer at the dealer where I purchased my previous Saturn a 1997 SL 1 automatic off-lease back in 2000. He recommended the ION and I am glad that he did. The work is always done right and I get straight answers. Anytime I have a question or concern I can pick up the phone and call. I hope that Saturn has a future because this service department is a prime example of the Saturn philosophy of putting the customer first.

[sdsubzero4]

I take it to my dealer. I figure they know the car and I usually get good services there. So far, I only had to go back for scheduled maintainance.

[wilnaylor]

i take mine ('02 LW200) to the local Petro-Canada Certiguard garage eh, they're 1 of the few shops that actually have a smoke machine so and they're CAA certified/recommended

[brucesing]

I go to my retailer. They know that I'm a loyal customer and treat me very well. That is why I have stayed with Saturn even though one of my Saturn's was very problematic.

I have also used other brands as my company car and their service was pitiful in comparison. (Buick, Cadillac, Jeep, Ford, Chrysler, Pontiac):us:

I hope that Saturn stays around and becomes the US brand for Opel vehicles!

[1994Saturn]

I saw a similar topic in the S-Series forum, and thought it would make a good site-wide poll: Where do you most often get your Saturn serviced for routine maintenance? Do you take it to your local retailer, a national auto repair chain, a small independent shop, or do you do it yourself? Why? Post your thoughts.

Thanks!
Charlie

Good Question Charlie!

Well I dont, i do everything that i can DIY myself. If i had to take it to a shop to get the oil changed or to clean the TB, The car would not be worth it. :cry:

[AuraDrvr89]

I have my Aura serviced right at the Saturn retailer. From Oil Changes, to tire rotations.

I really enjoy their service and have decided to give them the extra business. They treat me very well, some of the people at the Saturn dealer even know me by name!

They do wonderful work! Everything has always been done correctly and neatly. The warranty work is done beautifully.. Usually quickly as well, and if it isn't they provide a rental for me.

Saturn of Orchard Park is definitely an awesome retailer.

[wlhawk]

If I cann't do it myself, the dealer would be my next choice:D

[Biohzrd1]

I do what I can myself...from there I'll get someone that knows how to do it or take it to a shop

[first amendment]

up until my warranty expired I took it to the dealer. Now I just do it myself.

[whatsupfromcali]

my garage! just did oil change, spark plugs, replaced shocks struts, springs, rear sway bar. took tires in to be done, everything else I do.

[saturnsctwo]

if i can't do the service it's off to Saturn Of Mentor...

[Warren]

I am a true "all thumbs guy" when it comes to auto repairs. Indeed, I once took a course in small engine repair and the instructor said I was the first guy he had ever met that couldn't get a three piece engine back together. This being said, I therefore always take my 08 Vue XR/AWD purchased in Oct of 07 back to my retailer, (417 Saturn, Ottawa, Canada). They know the vehicle and they know me. So far, just regular servicing which is such a treat from my former dealer (Toyota) where even when I took the vehicle in for an oil change (they had a quick lube that was competitive with the "oil changers"), they (the dealer) managed to find something that needed immediate attention - cost 200 to 500 dollars.
Love my Saturn Vue

[saturnsl293]

pretty much I do everything within reason myself (figuring no major special tools required that would be used once then never touched again). I have yet to find a shop since moving to Az though I haven't needed anything I can't do myself until recently (more not comfortable with trying over unable to do). I haven't talked to a local dealer but have asked them about a few prices (parts that I could handle).

though I've met a good group of Saturn owners out here that are pretty supportive and some really know Saturn's better then me so I'll probably be asking them for help (when needed) or using their shops (if the job is far enough over my head).

[adventureoflink]

So far, just regular servicing which is such a treat from my former dealer (Toyota) where even when I took the vehicle in for an oil change (they had a quick lube that was competitive with the "oil changers"), they (the dealer) managed to find something that needed immediate attention - cost 200 to 500 dollars.
<troll>Heh wow... so much for Toyotas can run forever and ever when you always get someone to find some problem with it and it costs hundreds of dollars eh :snide:</troll>

That being said, it depends. if I can do it myself, I'll do it myself. If it's something that I cannot do for any reason, I'll take it to a Car-X (which is now my prefered shop of choice.)

[Señor Ramos]

I always do it myself. If I can't do it myself, I call as many people as I can think of to lend me whatever tool or space I need to do it. Especially since I have so much to learn about cars in general, I'd rather go through and learn it myself. Before I got my car, I didn't know how to do much outside of gapping spark plugs and changing tires. Oh, and refueling! I got pretty decent at that. Now, though, I know plenty thanks to doing it myself and not paying someone else. It gets even better. The money I would have spent to service it, I ended up spending on groceries, bills, etc. etc. etc. Frankly, though, I don't make anywhere near enough money to even have someone replace my brakes for me. Not a complaint, though, because it has forced me to learn which is far more valuable to me.

[intravino]

At the $tealer

[velleguy73]

My '01SL gets all maintenance in my two car garage. My experience has been that I can't trust shops to do much more than oil changes without jacking it up. It seems craftsmanship cannot be purchased at any shop anymore.

This has chalanged me to learn more, buy more tools, manuals, and research this forum to help diagnose any issues.

The only downside was replacing my engine in January <in Detroit>. It was friggun cold and my electric space heaters could barely keep up. I used craigslist to buy a cherrypicker, stand, and load leveler. When the project was done, I sold all of the tools and made 20 beans. Much better than renting a hoist.

There is alot of satisfaction knowing your 183k mile car is in like new condition and reliable to go anywhere..... as long as I bring my tools with me.

[saturnsctwo]

At the $tealer lol! stealer is right! but i will say this, the stealer usually gets the job done right & fast. i usually get to sit in the waiting room, eat free munchies & drink free beverages while i wait, & if the job's not done i get a free ride home, so i guess it's worth the extra money to go there. as more time goes by it seems like the dealer gets even more of my business even though i'm perfectably capable of fixing these issues myself. i once had 4 cars & a motorcycle, so i was always under one car or another as i always loved cars & working on them. it was my most favorite hobby growing up since high school, but i guess now it's more of a hassle than a hobby nowadays as time goes by. it seems like any car problem arrives during a rain storm or freezing cold weather....

[Warren]

I have been having my 08 Vue XR/AWD serviced at the retailer where I purchased the vehicle. They have given me excellent service and I have no complaints with respect to their charges. I am worried however as to what I will do in the future as I expect my retailer will close once Saturn fades into the past. I am taking my vehicle in for service next Thursday and hopefully will get an update on what they see in their future.

[mudawg]

when money is tight I do it myself

[MikeNW]

Too late for the poll but...

"In my own garage" except for alignments.
This completely avoids the stress and hassle of wondering if the oil plug is tight, whether they filled the new oil, what imaginary new "problem" they found, then there is the hassle of getting a ride there and back or waiting for hours... Oh and paying for a new timing belt (hee hee) :eek:

Oh yeah, I don't get paid $70 an hour why should I pay someone that much to do mostly unskilled work.

Same for my motorcycles- even more important to know it's done right. :D

[vuefrommidwest]

I have my 2005 VUE serviced at the dealer, because of the warranty.
Once the warranty runs out, I will take it to an independent garage.

I used to do this myself, but by the time you collect all the stuff, clear a space, and dispose of residue..you've wasted a lot of time..

The only thing I do anymore is change brakepads...

[TortoiseMe]

I got my last oil change done at a minute-lube place down the street, but only because the retailer I bought my car from closed in April, and the dealer I took my car to for the first servicing closed in May.

[crystal scan]

depends :D, if you just want to keep it boring old stock then auto repair chain or dealship you want to play with it, then local repair shop- friend or your self

[unkle bik]

I got my last oil change done at a minute-lube place down the street, but only because the retailer I bought my car from closed in April, and the dealer I took my car to for the first servicing closed in May.
DIY.
It's a piece of :cake: on this car.

A freakin monkey can do it in 15 mins...

[*cAm*]

My service is all usually done at the local Firestone shop. The manager of the shop is a future client of our office and since we aren't really charging him (because he isn't a client yet) he usually gets us some pretty steep discounts on everything. The service there is great; they've been taking care of my last two cars and I've never had any issues.

[Spaz]

I used to take it into the dealer. (I plead temporary insanity.) I got tired of them calling me later on with a laundry list of other things that needed to be done. The last straw was when they quoted me 2,550.00 to repair my A/C which I ended up having repaired at an outside shop for 640.00. (2 years later it's still working fine.) I do all my own repairs now. I plan on using Goodyear or other independant shops for the stuff I can't do or don't feel like doing myself.

[jaman]

I recently had work done at a Kia dealer that use to be a Saturn dealer just a short time ago. They did good work and I would be willing to bring it back to them for additional work in the future ( Kia of west 78 ) in Oceanside CA .
Most of the people working at the Kia dealership were all prior Saturn employees from service to the mechanics . :usa:

[Chefrubeo]

The dealer, allways.

[beermonkey]

i do all my own work to save money and learn more about my car. the only time i took my 94 sl1 to the dealer was to get the seat recline thingy replaced because of the recall.