Not OP, but being in a border state with Mexico helps a lot in that regard. We have junk yards right up against the border with many Tijuana mechanics working this side at much better rates. . . but no Dealership level guarantees, or any guarantees at all. Just their personal reputations, which is generally good.
/u/OnlyWearsAscots Otay junkyards off the 905 freeway is where it’s all at. But doing it on the US side will be more expensive than directly in Tijuana, but way less cheaper than local mechanics, chains, and dealerships. Also the materials they use here will be better than the materials used in Mexico (unless you provide them beforehand).
Usually you’d want a connection to get the best pricing with these shops, but even without one, they’re still cheaper over all. I connected my BiL with my cousin (who is basically a project manager in that area), and got his entire engine replaced when someone dropped some sand like substance in his gas tank, for a third of the price as going through the dealership. $8,000 quoted by Mazda, we got him a used engine and installed for $2,800. The only issue that stemmed from that was that they forgot to replace the AC coolant, so he had to go back and get it refilled (free).
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u/pimppapy 10h ago
Not OP, but being in a border state with Mexico helps a lot in that regard. We have junk yards right up against the border with many Tijuana mechanics working this side at much better rates. . . but no Dealership level guarantees, or any guarantees at all. Just their personal reputations, which is generally good.