Trust in dealerships to do work properly?

[northernchappy]

I have found through painful experience, paying for work to be done by independents "professionals" who make a cobblers of the work.
Some examples : repair to suspension strut and wishbone and hub bearings, and returning it because every single bolt was done up finger tight.. Except for the road wheel bolts oddly enough

So if I can, i do the work myself, not so much to save money but to know it's done properly!
Ive done basic servicing, coolant, oil, brake discs, drums etc
If i run into a job that's beyond my skill level (touch wood) , would a dealership do a better job than an independent regardless of price?

 

[Burnerman]

At least with a main dealer, they should be familiar with and knowledge of that particular vehicle - and also possess any scanning and workshop tools that may be applicable. The service manager should be a vital part of the diagnostic process. This is particularly relevant if the maker has a brand new model.
As for the independent garages, there are good and bad.....one really screwed me and if I talk to them again it will be through a barrister, another who caused damage and then denied it, but there's another (all in Hexham) who I would trust with everything.
Can't beat word of mouth!
John

 

[securespark]

Having owned several brands, I have found the independent specialists are the ones to go to.

 

[Burnerman]

I'd agree with that, particularly if you have a 'specialist' make, where dealer trained mechanics have set up on their own (BMW, Merc, Porsche etc). It was a 'French vehicle specialist ' that let me down Absolutely clueless and the worst garage I have ever experienced.
John