Go with the closest dealer that is an authorized dealer for the brand you chose. After the warranty time frame, unless you have a full maint contract service charges and travel time billings will be a part of all billings. You also have a little more pull with a factory dealer than an independent. Yes phone calls and e-mails to the factory doo seem to work unless it is a Chinese made unit. Stay with the domestic brands or Japanese or Korean dealers. They will work with you.