re: Mechanics why are there so few honest ones

I can go for days about a-hole mechanics.

Last car I had I rebuilt the suspension system. New coilovers, sway bars, bushings etc.

Just to get the coilovers installed the "reputable" shop I was recommended to go to was going to charge 1500 for just labor.
They clocked switching out the stock springs and shocks for the coilovers at 10 hours @150/hr.

I, with no prior knowledge, followed a YouTube video we found and got it done in 6 hours with no air tools. It cost me about ~$100 in tools and some busted knuckles.

Tl;Dr most things, short of intense engine work, can be done in one day.

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WTF is a Rotor bug?

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The rotor head/rotor bug. The rotating plastic piece under the distributor cap. Probably a slang term but the parts store knows what it is.

My first truck I had a cracked head on a straight-6. Found a used head at a salvage yard for $25. Had it machined at a shop for $80. Bought a gasket kit for $20.

Total price: $125

Try getting a quote from a mechanic for all that

I understand the mistrust with mechanics but not to be singled out. People that offer a service will take advantage of you in a second if they see opportunity. AC repair, pest control, contractors, doctors, lawyers, you name it. Doctors always prescribe you something you don't need, come back in two weeks for another check up, when you do they find something else that's they need to investigate further and it's never ending. Who's going to question them? There are many other professions that scam the avg Jane/Joe.

I absolutely hate mechanics. I keep trying to find an honest one that I can consistently bring my business to, but no luck there yet. Every single one I've ever brought my car to has tried to rip me off, bullshite me or upsell me at almost every turn. What's sad is that it isn't only the shops but places like Take 5 and so on. Anytime I go for an oil change, they "somehow" find out something wrong with my car and they just HAPPEN to have the part and sale going on for said piece. fricking hate mechanics and it's one thing I wish I could have learned more of as a child.

Theres a few legit ones. Every once in a while if its something I dont feel like doing I'll bring mine to a guy who hasn't screwed me or anyone I know over yet.

Last time I bought my truck in the ABS light was on, I wanted him to change the oil, a lightbuld and a piece of my suspension. I pick it up and the total price was well less than I was expecting to pay.

My ABS light was due to low brake fluid, he could have really screwed me on that.

I recently changed the bearing assembly on my Silverado. It cost me $200 for the assembly, the socket for the hubnut, and a DIY manual. The job took me an hour. The mechanic who I called before quoted me right at $500.

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The Honda dealer charges $45 labor to replace the cabin air filter

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Air filters might be the biggest mechanic scam of all time.

I cringe whenever I see someone pay a mechanic to change the air filter.

This was my reply to some guy in another auto thread who suggested that "you should always take your auto to the dealership because they know the most about that vehicle ."

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Most "technicians" at stealerships are nothing but parts changers. They start changing parts based on what the service manual tells them until they hopefully get it fixed and stick the customers with a huge fricking bill. 

The lazy arse "technicians" at Infiniti of Lafayette wanted to charge me $805 to change a part that wasn't broken. Then they would have most likely changed out the automatic liftgate module for another $800 and said "they fixed it". 

I fixed the vehicle by taking out the part they said was bad (electric liftgate actuator) and testing it with a 9 volt battery. I then unplugged the liftgate module and plugged it back in and it reset itself. 

In summation, they're fricking incompetent crooks.

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Rick's Hi-Tech Auto Care Inc in old Katy, TX was my go-to place.