Bob Howard Auto Mall in Oklahoma City: Multi-Brand Dealership with Separate Service Department

Bob Howard Auto Mall is a multi-brand new-car dealership spanning multiple locations across the Oklahoma City metro, with the flagship operation on the city's north side housing inventory for several manufacturers under one roof and a dedicated service department that handles both warranty and out-of-warranty repairs.

What Bob Howard Auto Mall Actually Is

Bob Howard operates as a dealer group rather than a single location. The main Auto Mall consolidates showrooms for multiple brands, allowing shoppers to compare vehicles across manufacturers without driving between separate dealerships. The service department functions independently of sales, meaning customers can bring any vehicle for repair regardless of where it was purchased. This separation matters for service scheduling and pricing transparency, since technicians aren't incentivized to upsell unfamiliar customers on upgrades tied to a sale.

Services and Pricing

The service department handles routine maintenance (oil changes, filters, fluid top-offs), tire service (mounting, balancing, rotation), brake work, suspension repairs, engine diagnostics, and transmission service. Labor rates run approximately $100 to $150 per hour depending on the vehicle and job complexity; verify current rates by phone since these shift seasonally. Diagnostic fees typically range from $75 to $150 for initial computer scans. The department performs both manufacturer warranty work (often covered under service plans or manufacturer recalls) and paid repairs outside warranty periods. Appointment scheduling is required for most services; walk-ins are accommodated only when bays are available, which is rare during morning and early afternoon hours.

The dealership offers service packages for new vehicle owners, including scheduled maintenance plans that bundle oil changes, filter replacements, and inspections at a fixed price over a set mileage interval. These plans vary by brand and model year; pricing and coverage details are available through the service department directly.

How Bob Howard Compares to Other Oklahoma City Repair Options

Bob Howard's primary advantage over independent repair shops (such as Firestone or Valvoline locations) is direct access to manufacturer-specific parts and technical bulletins, plus technicians trained on the exact vehicle systems. This reduces diagnostic time and guesswork for complex issues. The trade-off is higher labor rates and less negotiation room on pricing.

Compared to other franchise dealerships in Oklahoma City (Toyota of Oklahoma City, Ford of Norman), Bob Howard's multi-brand setup eliminates the need to visit separate locations if you own or service vehicles from different manufacturers. However, if you own only one brand and prefer deep loyalty to that brand's dealership culture, a single-brand dealer may feel more specialized. For general maintenance on older vehicles or budget-conscious repairs, independent shops like Guthrie's Auto Repair or regional chains undercut dealership labor rates by $20 to $40 per hour, though they may lack dealer-level diagnostic equipment for newer, electronics-heavy vehicles.

Who This Suits and Who It Does Not

Bob Howard's service department works best for owners of newer vehicles still under warranty, drivers who prioritize manufacturer-trained technicians, and those who value convenience of one location for multiple brands. It suits people uncomfortable negotiating prices at smaller shops or those whose vehicles require proprietary diagnostic tools.

It does not suit budget-conscious owners of older vehicles (pre-2010) without warranty coverage, since independent shops will be 20 to 40 percent cheaper. It also does not suit customers who want transparent, negotiable pricing on repairs; dealership rates are fixed, and you have less leverage than at an independent shop where labor and parts mark-up are often open to discussion.

What the First Visit Involves

Call ahead to schedule an appointment; provide your vehicle's year, make, model, and mileage. At drop-off, describe the issue in detail. The service advisor will photograph your vehicle, note any existing damage, and give you a written estimate before work begins if diagnostics or major repairs are needed. You can wait in the lounge or request a loaner vehicle (subject to availability). Turnaround is typically same-day for routine maintenance and brake work, 1 to 3 days for engine diagnostics and transmission service. You'll receive a written invoice detailing all parts replaced, labor hours, and costs before pickup.

Hours, Parking, and Logistics

Bob Howard's service department operates Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; verify Saturday hours as they occasionally shift. The lot accommodates customer vehicles in designated service parking. The main Auto Mall location is accessible from N. MacArthur Blvd. with adequate free parking. No appointment is required for service lounge amenities like coffee and Wi-Fi, though you will not have vehicle access during service work. Call ahead to confirm current hours or holiday closures.

Bob Howard's service department fills a clear role in Oklahoma City's repair landscape: dependable access to manufacturer expertise at standard dealership pricing, without requiring brand loyalty to a single-brand showroom.