I received an interesting question, asking for a recommendation of local dealerships, from a service standpoint. I feel service should be a consideration when buying a new vehicle. I also have a different view point of how service might best be obtained.
Dealerships are fine for warranty work, but an objective advisor is quite valuable to assist with service. The average person may own several vehicles in their lifetime. Needs change and experience is a great teacher. This can lead to looking for a new dealership for service, every few years. Why not instead find a trusted life-long service provider and have them assist with any vehicle(s) you own? An independent auto repair shop is a far better choice for maintenance and out of warranty repair, in my opinion.
I feel this approach offers several advantages:
Once you find that trusted shop, they can maintain your vehicle(s), cradle to grave.
Changing vehicles does not mean finding a new service shop.
Independent shops have no bias for one brand of vehicle.
A trusted shop can advise you on service histories of vehicles, before you buy.
An independent shop can advise you on things that should be covered by your warranty.
You have an unbiased advisor to assist you with warranty problems.
An independent shop can verify if warranty work has been properly performed.
There is no incentive to try to sell another vehicle, when repair may be more logical.
Proper maintenance, by an independent shop, will meet all warranty requirements.
