Not only do we love our cars in the San Fernando Valley, but they are absolutely necessary to make it through daily life. The Valley is huge, and a reliable vehicle is necessary for everything from commuting to Los Angeles to meeting up with friends in Malibu.

In just ten years, the average age of vehicles on the road in the United States has grown by 17%. It’s no wonder people are keeping their cars longer, considering that in 2022 alone, dealerships charged, 10-15% over MSRP for new cars sold.

For most families, the most economical option is to keep their car on the road longer with regular maintenance and repair services.


Let’s break it all down and look at the best (and worst) automotive repair options out there.

Franchise Automotive Dealerships

According to J.D. Powers Customer Service Index, vehicle owners trusted automotive dealerships most to get complex jobs done right.

While dealerships rank high for initial trust, they rank dead last for taking responsibility when things don’t go as planned. On top of poor service, the average dealership visit can take anywhere from four to six hours. Factor in San Fernando Valley traffic and it’s no surprise that some people can waste an entire day waiting around.

Dealerships are also pricey. On average, a dealership will charge 40% to 60% more for the same exact repair than an independent repair shop. Let that sink in.

Independent Repair Shops

Thanks to lower overall costs for the same work, independent repair shops are a better option than overpriced dealerships.

Independent repair shops can have a reputation for being “shady”, and unfortunately, there are plenty of unscrupulous shops here in the Valley. In order to find a great mechanic, you’ll have to put some work in and analyze online reviews or ask your friends and family for recommendations. You also need to deal with waiting for your car, and the additional hassle of finding a ride to get you back home or to your office if the repair is lengthy.

Better than a dealership? Yes. Ideal for busy San Fernando Valley vehicle owners? No.

A Better Alternative

Companies like ServiceUp are fundamentally disrupting the auto repair industry by offering a convenient vehicle service experience at a fair price.

Designed for the modern world, ServiceUp allows busy vehicle owners to get a quote for their automotive maintenance or repair needs right from their smartphones. From there, owners can schedule an appointment, and ServiceUp will pick up the vehicle and drop it off after the repair is completed. ServiceUp only works with vetted independent repair shops and they specialize in all major automotive brands, including Toyota, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. 

On top of incredible convenience and quality repairs, ServiceUp also provides a 2-year/24k mile warranty for peace of mind, and financing from Wisetack to help with large repair costs.

There is a better way and ServiceUp is it. Visit serviceup.com to get a free estimate for your next repair or maintenance.

(Sponsored Content)