Adam@Home by Rob Harrell for July 24, 2013

At least they are honest about stealing!

Had the “check engine” light come on so took the truck in for a check. The check normally is about 90 bucks, but when the mechanic found out what the problem was he told me “no charge” and how I could fix it myself.

Labor now is 60 to 100 dollars per hour, and parts are marked up 20 to 40 percent. Most jobs that give a $500 or higher quote can be done yourself for $150 or less.

All you need to replace parts is a good set of wrenches. YouTube and Google can help you figure out which part to replace. A Haynes book pays for itself the first time you use it.

Reason 2895 why I love my car guy! Not only does he talk to me as if I understand what’s going on (and I usually do) but he’s never cheated us. We’ve been going there for 8 years with various vehicles, and he’s always done right by us. I’m confident enough to leave a car there, say “Check it over and let me know if it needs anything other than an oil change” and come back to a bill for an oil change only.

Paul, if you’re reading this, you da man!!!!!

FAIRCHATMOM: those places are few and far between. I used to have one of those places, but, the owner died and the placed closed up.

Time to hit the Car Talk website and look for recommendations of trusted mechanics in the area.

Mmmmmm…single malt Scotch!

I have a fab and honest mechanic, Sam Lee. When I bought my Lexus, the dealer charged me $600 just for the 30,000 mile check up…and I never went back. Sam services it every 5,000 mies for about $100… It’s got 93,000 miles and performs like new!

So do what I do and just skip past his recipes. I’m sure there are lots of people who use them.

My boss drinks scotch. I drink beer. Whatever’s on sale, at that ..