Car owners prefer independent garages to franchised dealer workshops. That's according to the findings of a new survey by GIPA, the European market opinion survey company.

Its research of 3,000 owners reveals 56% of motorists would choose an independent garage for servicing and repairs with just 28% opting for a franchised dealer. "Customers need to have confidence in the repair, followed by price and then proximity to their home," says the report.

"They expect a better deal at an independent and find them more convenient to use, while still having the same confidence."

Motorists visit garages on average 1.87 times a year and 38% of these visits are for preventative maintenance with the majority of these visits (70%) coming from used car owners.