[aigel]

Most people expect to spend serious coin on either a car under warranty or some bigger repairs over the years. Most people know literally nothing about cars. They could not explain to you how a combustion engine works or point to any major components. These people are okay paying for the service. And a little I am sure the Pcar ownership plays into it as well. Most people that are tight don't drive a Pcar or at least not from the dealer.

Not sure if the travel south would pay for you - the hourly rate her isn't cheap either. An independent shop in LA has a ton of overhead and they have to pay their mechanic decent too if that guy wants to live in the area.

G