New vehicles are becoming more electronically-complex, and it's becoming more difficult for for shops and shadytree mechanics to fix them.
I had a friend trying to fix a frozen top on a convertable BMW, and the thing had something like three different body computers to control the complex open/close functions. Forget about a Prius.
Deal may be brewing on Massachusetts automobile repair legislation | masslive.com
The legislation is being proposed in Massacusettes, but could be a national one.
Independant repair shops say it is necessary for their services to continue, while manufacturers say it forces giving away proprietary information and trade secrets to the aftermarket manufacturers.