Independent. They are the only ones who may remember what to do on an
'87 vehicle (no offense).

The dealers focus on the most recent years and I doubt they will give
the vehicle the proper attention. Indeed on the newer year vehicles
there isn't much of a "tune up" left that you can do.

Depends upon the independent and the dealership.  I try to find a really
competent independent
and stick with him.  I get to know him.

I have found few dealerships to be really satisfactory.  You often do not
know who is working on
your car and whether he is competent.  Mechanics tend to come and go.

It is a myth that going to an 'authorized dealership' buys you any peace of
mind.

Whichever has the more skilled mechanic.  

They are as reliable as the person operating them.  They give you information
about what is going on inside the engine, but it still takes a human being
to make sense of that information.  A large number of folks today just see
the codes that come off the computer and do whatever they normally do when
they see that code, without any thought about what it means or what is going
on inside.

Maybe, unless you happen to get the intern that day.

Whichever one has the less honest service manager.
--scott

If your area is like mine, you are probably better off at a
well equipped independent with some experienced techs.  The
dealers here tend not to support vehicles over 6 years old
with parts or training for the techs.  Hell, most of them no
longer even have a copy of a service manual over 5 or 6
years old and the parts manuals are long gone.  Added to
labor rates 30-50% higher, the dealership is generally not a
very good deal on an older vehicle especially when you
factor in the value of the vehicle itself.

Lugnut

J J Wrote:

A tune up is almost a thing of the past. No offense.
A dealer may look at you kinda strange if you ask for a tune up.
I would suggest a good repair shop.
On a basic tune up not muck diagnostic equipment required unless a
engine running problem like a check engine light.
A basic tune up would be plugs and filters and if dist base time and
dist wire and cap check on yours.
Also a good time to look hoses and belts and other stuff over.
Tips on finding a good repair shop.
Check around Ask around
Word of mouth.
Family friends coworkers neighbors business people and delivery
people.
Mailmen and parcel delivery people get around and notice a lot of
stuff.
Even a good parts house knows what shops are good and not good.
Chamber of commerce and better business bureau and city hall.
If you find a good referral to a repair shop go look them over and talk
to them.
Look for a clean looking busy place with nice people running it.
Ask a few questions and ask about their qualifications and training.
Not all places have trained tech/mechanics.
If they do not find a place that does.
Even all dealers do not have all trained techs/mechanics.
Good Luck MT

Independent is likely better.  

The dealers only have 'technicians' these days that only know what a
computer tells them.  On an 87 with it's primitive computer system they
would likely be lost.  They are bad for the 'shotgun' approach when
lost.  Fire parts at it hoping something works.

My son just got a 94 Voyager Van with only 240K KM in mint shape for
$350.00 because the technicians kept shotgunning parts at it for a
stalling problem.  The owner ran out of money after a 'full' tune up,
new gas tank, new gas pump, new gas filter, new gas line, etc...

The computer doesn't/didn't pick up silly things like that dirty
connection on the CPS.....

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
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