Dealer vs local shop

[Kaliona]

My 04 Pilot is due for the 105K timing belt/water pump/drive belt replacement. I also have an 86 Accord and a 90 Civic which I'd like to have their timing belts and water pumps changed also. The Pilot is no longer under warranty and neither are the other two (obviously). I obtained quotes from the Honda dealer and a local shop which specialized in Hondas and says they only use genuine Honda parts. Going to the dealer will be about $200 more compared to the local shop for doing the same work on all 3 cars.

Is there a benefit to having the work done at the Honda dealer. The local shop has a good reputation and they're located 2 miles from my home as opposed to 15 miles to the dealership. I always try to support the local shops from hardware to appliances as long as the price is close to the big named stores. I figure as long as I'll be getting genuine Honda parts I might as well try to save a few bucks.

Any opinions on who does the major maintenance work on your Pilots (or other Honda models for that matter)?

[sblvro]

the dealer might warranty their service if something bad happens. hard to say with your local shop.

[ptsmh73]

The dealer works on Hondas ALL the time. While the local guy may be good, he does not have the same amount of experieince on your Honda. That just my thoughts.

[samc]

I would go with what I know. Such as I know a guy who specializes in european cars. I personally would trust him more then the dealerships, seriously.

Ask around and find a good shop. Make sure work is warrantied.

[jl_ss]

A local shop that specializes in Hondas or your local dealer that will try and higher the cheapest help they can......................

Our CRV timing belt was changed by the dealer and 3 weeks later the crankshaft bolt snapped because they re-used the original corroded bolt. They fixed it at no cost, but it was an inconvenience.

[Kaliona]

I feel comfortable with the local shop. They've done work on one of my Hondas before and have never tried to sell me anything I don't need. If they warranty their work I'll probably go with them.
Thanks for all your input

[rockman19762001]

I use the dealer on my Honda for timing belt and water pump, the local dealership has a 12 month or 12,000 mile warranty on their work. I also use a local mechanic all the time, Mark, if it something he does not feel comfortable doing he tells me. Such as the water pump and timing belt.