When your vehicle needs service, one of the first and most essential decisions you will have to make is where you will take it for repair. Unless you’re an avid do-it-yourselfer (which comes with its own challenges), you’ll have to choose between a dealership or an independent mechanic. Independent Mechanics Use Less-expensive Parts The main advantage that independent mechanics and auto repair shops offer usually comes in the form of lower repair costs, which stem from the parts that they use. Instead of using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts like a dealership does, independent mechanics commonly use aftermarket, refurbished and even used parts. The exact type of part they use depends on the particular repair being made, but all of