Saving: Where to get the best car repair service at the best price

When your car needs repairs, you can take it to the dealer or to an independent repair shop.

But which will give you the best service at the best price?

The cost of the same car repair can really vary depending on who's doing it.

Consumer Reports National Research Center surveyed thousands of subscribers about 120,000 vehicles to find out where you can save money, but still get the job done.

Bringing your car into the shop for repairs can be expensive and frustrating... unless you're the owner of a very pricey, luxury Tesla.

It probably comes as no surprise that in Consumer Reports' survey, Tesla scored higher than any other dealership or independent service center for overall satisfaction.

But overall the survey shows customers are pretty happy with repairs at many upscale dealerships, including Buick, Lincoln, Cadillac, Lexus and Porsche and Acura.

Perks like loaner iPads while you wait and freshly baked cookies at one Cadillac dealership don't hurt either.

But just because you have an expensive car, doesn't mean you'll be totally thrilled with repairs at the dealership.

Simon Slater from Consumer Reports tells us, "Mercedes, Jaguar and Mini dealerships got dinged in our survey for price. The customers feel they overpay for parts and labor."

Are you better off going to an independent repair shop, rather than the dealership?

Consumer Reports' survey finds customers are generally happier with their mom and pop shops. They scored higher for quality, price, timeliness and courtesy.

You may think that car repairs are non-negotiable, but Consumer Reports' survey shows haggling can pay off. Although only 19 percent tried bargaining, most who did were able to save some cash.

The median savings turned out to be $94 at independent repair shops and $120 at dealerships.