Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center

European Auto Repair: 5 Key Differences Between Dealerships and Independent Shops

European Auto Repair: 5 Key Differences Between Dealerships and Independent Shops

While a dealership may seem like the best alternative for European auto repair, it’s not the only alternative. A car dealership, while it offers specialized care for your vehicle, is often unable to provide a fast or personalized experience. Building a relationship isn’t usually at the forefront of a high-volume business. Independent shops may not specialize in a specific vehicle, but there are key advantages to using them as your auto care provider.


1. Warranty

Dealerships usually offer manufacturer-backed warranties that protect your newly-purchased vehicle from defects for a certain period of time. However, most service warranties from a manufacturer are honored at independent shops. Call a service advisor at Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center for any questions about your vehicle’s warranty.

Did you know? Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center offers a free 2-year/24,000 mile warranty on all parts and labor provided at our locations. This warranty is included in service and reflects our confidence in the materials we supply and the experienced team we employ.

To experience our service, schedule your visit here.


2. Cost-Effective

Independent shops often offer more competitive pricing for labor and parts compared to dealerships. This usually means significant cost savings, especially for routine maintenance and non-warranty repairs.

Did you know? Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center provides free digital courtesy inspections with every visit. We also provide free shuttles and loaner vehicles, tire plugs, and more for your convenience! Get the full experience today by scheduling here.


3. Faster, Quality Service

Independent auto repair shops may have shorter wait times for routine maintenance and repairs since dealerships have higher volume and limited space. If you use your vehicle often, having a trusted shop that can take care of a repair quickly saves time and, in many cases, money!

Did you know? Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center provides same-day service for general maintenance. We provide shuttles and loaner vehicles so that service doesn’t slow down your day!


4. Variety of Vehicle Brands

Independent shops usually service a variety of vehicle brands, so they can be a one-stop shop solution if you have multiple types of vehicles. This is especially useful once you find a shop you’re comfortable with.

Did you know? Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center provides service for all makes and models, including European, Asian, Domestic, Hybrid, and Electric Vehicles! Our technicians have a wide range of experience with every make, and they work together to provide the best service possible for your vehicle.


5. Personalized Experience

Customers may also find that an independent shop provides a more personalized experience. You can build a relationship with the mechanics and service team, and they may be more willing to explain repairs and maintenance in detail.

Did you know? Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center provides digital courtesy inspections with photos every visit! These inspections make it easy to stay on top of your vehicle’s health and prevent surprise repairs. To get your free digital courtesy inspection, schedule your visit here.


For your convenience, we have five full-service auto repair centers in the Delaware Valley:

Wilmington, DE | Pike Creek, DE | Hockessin, DE | Kennett Square, PA | Swarthmore, PA


Concerned about your vehicle's health? Our team is here to help! Schedule a visit with us here.

Locations in Delaware & Pennsylvania

Wilmington

302-268-9434

Wilmington
Pike Creek

302-304-3341

Pike Creek
Hockessin

302-239-5742

Hockessin
Kennett Square

610-490-8797

Kennett Square
Swarthmore

610-549-4112

Swarthmore
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