I agree with phantoms, that most shops and mechs are not out to rip you off, but to be paid appropriately for their time and skill. However, some mechs are better than others, and some jack up their prices more than others, and some just try fixing things rather than do diagnostics, because they are trying to save hassle and money. Why this is the case prbably has a lot to do with experience, training, and personality type.

Cazzidy, I'm so sorry to hear about your problems. I had a lot of problems with my car too when I first got it, and am now doing a better job a tracing them problems than $2000 and the mechanics did. Definietly talk to them and try to get a discount. Be your own advocate, don't worry about being a pest, you are a customer and need to feel satisfied about this situation or you won't be their customer any more. Yes mistakes happen. How this mechanic deals with the situation will tell you a lot about whether you want to continue to deal with them. There are other good mechanics in Santa Cruz, don't forget. Give a call if you want to chat.