Independent Shops cheaper than dealer? Really? IDK

I keep reading threads where folks are encouraged to take their rig to an indie mechanic versus a Satanic Mechanic -- ie -- dealer.

Reason is lower prices. Really?

Maybe it is just me, but in my experience, shops in the USA Pacific Northwest are charging the same hourly rate as the dealers. I guess you may save some change as the independent shops are more likely to use after-market parts, but a lot of times I would rather have the original part from Toyota (or Ford, or Subaru, etal). And I make it known when I want a genuine Toyota part.

For example, decades ago, I went round and round with an indie shop about rebuilt starters. They put them in and they failed in a few days. Finally told them to use a Toyota rebuilt and no issues.

What I do get about independent shops is that:

1) If you have a gripe, you are talking to the owner, not a fourth level down "service advisor" who never really saw your car and whose mechanical knowledge may or may not be....well...

2) I have been told so many fairy tales and untruths by dealers vs. none at indie shops -- guess I am lucky, but I check out indie shops pretty thoroughly before I give them any business. Example: Last fall, took my rig in for differential fluid swap to the Subaru dealer. They did their usual multi-point inspection and told me my brakes were critical -- worn to the danger zone. I had just checked them the week before and they were a solid 60/40 on wear. Looked at them Sunday and they still appear to be 60-ish/30.

And, darn, guess I am getting old, but I just found that I posted a nearly identical rant three years ago....I would nuke this if I could, but...

Anyway: prior rant: Independent Garage vs Dealership | PriusChat

 

I do not think any indie shop has tried to take advantage -- dealers yes.

I can only think of a few times in some 45 years that I did not know the problem before bringing the rig in for repairs. Part of the advantage of being "forced" to work at my uncle's garage in the 1970s each summer as a teen. Of course, I was paid, but would have rather spent the summers at the beach, chasing waves and girls. Maybe it was because I pretty much stuck to Toyotas -- a few Fords -- one Opal -- and now a Subaru, but my cars have been pretty darn trouble-free -- esp. the Prius.

And the dunce photo -- that comes from many years ago when I asked a question on this forum that had already been asked/answered.