after subtracting for parts, the remainder is twice the minimum my dealer charges for routine service/get it working right again - regardless of make or model. so here are the questions:
how long did it take to identify the problem, remove the defective parts, and to replace them?
once you subtract the repair-specific labor, what's the remainder?
how complicated is it to service your make and model? how long does it take, on average? how does your shop's bill compare to the going rate for routine service at other shops in your area?
when i look at the numbers, the cost of routine service seems awfully high. that's especially so when - in the case of my older economy machines - it adds up to more than i either paid for the machine, or the price i could get if i sold it. when i remember that it extends the useful life of any machine, however, and compare it to the cost of a decent replacement, i feel better.
the cost of a new transmission will give you a heart attack. the cost of a whole new car will give you a heart attack, a stroke, and kidney stones to boot.
it's all in how you choose to look at it. :lol: