Automotive industry, is a business like anything else. By charging people parts at cost and doing labor for free, technicians wouldn't be able to survive or there would be no tech's around anymore. When you also pay for labor, you get a no-hassle warranty. If something goes wrong, you come back. Tell me your backyard mechanic who saved you xxx amount of dollars is gonna be like "Sure, bring it by right now and I'll get you squared away".

You have to remember, your paying for a service. Not just labor. But I look at it this way, if you can do it yourself and have the time. Do it. I have never once paid anyone to work on my own stuff, except a tech at my shop 20$ to do my rear brake shoes back in the day since I despise doing them.


One more thing, you don't bitch about going to KFC and buying something you could go to Farm Fresh and by for 89 cents and cook your self but in return your paying $8 to a business.