Many people think dealerships only provide loans to purchase cars. But, as their service departments have become popular destinations for car repairs, many have added loan options to cover those expenses. As with the loans to purchase a vehicle, most dealership lending options take place through a third-party company that provides application options in person or through the dealer’s website. In most cases, you can apply for a loan and get a decision within minutes. If approved, the dealer will likely start the repair process at the earliest available time. Before you pull the trigger on that application, though, consider the differences between using a dealer versus an independent mechanic. Both have their pros and cons. Dealers often charge far more for repairs than independent mechanics do. A dealer offers parts and services built and backed by your car’s manufacturer. The dealer also has higher overhead costs and typically charges much more than an independent mechanic. An independent mechanic has a smaller business and can provide after-market or off-brand parts that often cost less than the original manufacturer parts used at a dealer. That said, these mechanics often have to order the parts, which can take time.