Dealer service
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Mechanicsburg PA
Dealer service
I had heard the mechanics at GM dealerships do not like to work on Corvettes because they are compact and tough to work on. Since the mechanic gets paid a flat rate per task they can not make as much money on vettes as they can on other models. As a result the more experienced ( and better ? ) mechanics will pass on vettes and let the newbees in the shop have the pleasure.
I had also heard that some shops charge vette customers 1 1/2 times the normal hourly rate to enable them to give something more to the mechanic.
Any confirmation or opinions on the above?
Thanks in advance.
I had also heard that some shops charge vette customers 1 1/2 times the normal hourly rate to enable them to give something more to the mechanic.
Any confirmation or opinions on the above?
Thanks in advance.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,037
Likes: 24,727
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Some dealerships may do that, but the one I go to does not. If you find a shop that operates like that, maybe best if you look for another one.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 0
From: St Marys GA
Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
Some dealerships may do that, but the one I go to does not. If you find a shop that operates like that, maybe best if you look for another one.
The shop I use has a couple of guys who can do basic oil changes, but for other work has a "Corvette guy." Recommend you go to your local club or the CF regional forum for a recommendation on who to/not to use.DBD
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 3
From: Southern NH
Originally Posted by AMERICAN_HP
Chevy dealerships are required to have a certified Corvette mechanic in their dept. Not all chevy mechanics are allowed to work on them.
A dealer can't just assign anyone to work on these cars since they are significantly different than other GM cars, i.e. multiple control computers, sensors, drive by wire throttle, etc.If a dealer wanted to play the game of using "rookie" mechanics, it will definitely end up costing them more because the chances of doing the job right the first time is low.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Coral Springs Florida
dealer work
. despite opinions of most, my dealer's service department has been great. I've actually had mod's done from print outs from CF, like lowering, and I mean low! The cost of having a dealer do the work is off set by the assurance that,they have a lot to lose, should you not be happy. The local guy just looks cheaper. It's perception. If your dealer is a hack, that's too bad, move on or write GM.
Corvette owners are considered a pain in the *** by most service departments. We are fussy. Find one that understands the nature of someone who is "keeping" his/her car, as apposed to the 80% that lease. There is the problem.
but I digress
Corvette owners are considered a pain in the *** by most service departments. We are fussy. Find one that understands the nature of someone who is "keeping" his/her car, as apposed to the 80% that lease. There is the problem.
but I digress
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,179
Likes: 2,306
From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
Originally Posted by NoWalnuts
I had heard the mechanics at GM dealerships do not like to work on Corvettes because they are compact and tough to work on. Since the mechanic gets paid a flat rate per task they can not make as much money on vettes as they can on other models. As a result the more experienced ( and better ? ) mechanics will pass on vettes and let the newbees in the shop have the pleasure.
I had also heard that some shops charge vette customers 1 1/2 times the normal hourly rate to enable them to give something more to the mechanic.
Any confirmation or opinions on the above?
Thanks in advance.
I had also heard that some shops charge vette customers 1 1/2 times the normal hourly rate to enable them to give something more to the mechanic.
Any confirmation or opinions on the above?
Thanks in advance.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,346
Likes: 5
From: Mustang OK
I haven't heard this before. I know my dealership always keeps at least 2 certified Corvette mechanics onboard and they are the only ones allowed to work on Corvettes. If your dealer's shop operates using those type practices, then I too would say its time to fine another shop. 
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
Likes: 30
From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I've never heard that rumor. The dealership that I use puts their most experienced and trained mechanics on Vettes.