I would gladly pay the mechanic for their time if they were performing efficiently.

I repeat, they wanted a FULL DAY of pay for a job they were going to do in a shop, with all the tools, a lift, and years of experience.

I did the same job in 2 HOURS in my driveway with hand tools.

That is indefensible no matter how you try to rationalize overhead, experience, training etc.

I know they have mortgages and kids to send to college, but I ain't keen on paying for a Bel-Air mansion and Harvard.