re[2]: Mechanics

[Mathew]

In my opinion the expensive, impersonal, poor quality service you tend to get from the dealerships is due to the fact that their mechanics answer to the foreman/head mechanic who (in most cases) has no financial ties to the business (other than his pay cheque) and all hes worried about is getting through the jobs and keeping the books okay so the corporate bean counters don't get on his back. He's (or maybe she) is not concerned if you are not satisfied as it doesn't effect his paycheck.
On the other hand, the mechanics in the smaller workshops have to answer to the person who (in most cases) owns the business and they realise that if they piss you off, they'll not only lose out on your future business, the business of people you talk to.
Although I must admit that I have had dealings (usually only once) with a lot of small businesses who charge you an average fee for a very below average job.