Couldn’t agree with you more. I’d like to find a regular mechanic but I’m never sure about what makes a mechanic good. I do all the regular maintenance myself, oil changes, plugs, wires, belts, etc., and have even done some more complex jobs like water pump and alternator. Thank God I have had very few major issues. I’ve had the transmission replaced, but that’s about it. Part of the problem is that I never know whether I’m getting an honest assessment. I’m not one of these people who, like SteveF implies, thinks that mechanics are cheats, but lets face it, there ARE those guys out there who DO try to take advantage of those less knowledgable, and I think, for me at least, the embarrassment of being taken outweighs any monetary loss I might suffer. Any tips on finding a reliable “regular” mechanic?