Steve, I can see what you are saying about getting a mechanic to do it on the side. I know that employee loyalty is part of it, but I do like to shop around just like the next guy. If I can get the job done for hundreds less, Im all for it. Kind of like telling all of these DIY'ers not to bother trying to save money doing it themselves...and that only a mechanic employed by the dealer is authorized or should be authorized to do it...kind of Nazi regime if you ask me.

I am a novice when it comes to cars...but I do have substantial skills when it comes to computers. In fact, I make my company hundreds of dollars an hour for network fixes and installs, and travel the country to help businesses get their networks up and running, or to fix problems that hurt productivity...I have seen the amounts charged for my expertise, installs per computer range anywhere depending on complexity from 90 to 500 dollars.... and when you are installing anywhere from 25 to 1000, it quickly adds up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. I dont expect anything more than my salary, which is adequate.

Of course, I too have used this knowledge on my own time...And thats what I see it as, my time. Sometimes i do it for free, sometimes by barter, and sometimes for a little extra money. This forum is a great resource for DIY'ers, and it has been helpful. Is altruism dead? I wouldnt go that far. But I wouldnt also go as far as saying that one shouldnt consider all options. I dont see any reason to knock these guys or the people that enlist them.

__________________
1994 S320
131K miles

1998 ML 320
126K miles

1994 Blue C220
122K miles

Im going to Grad School @ the University of Iowa
Go Hawkeyes!!!