No they are not monkeys, actually you can use there advice as they can see under the car where you cant.Just take what they tell you , check it yourself and do your own work.Thats why I like speedy they check it for free and tell you what you need.Its like a second opinion , or first.

Just to clarify something -- your belt did not snap and take out the water pump. The water pump siezed, the belt continued to ride on the frozen pulley until it overheated and snapped. So...you're close, but the water pump seized and took out the serp belt, not the other way around.

Last time I had my oil changed (38,000 miles) they said I should get a tranny flush, new spark plugs, and my rotors turned, estimated at close to $400. I said no for everything but the rotors since I did have pulsing and I knew they had to be warped to some extent. He did those for $40 less than the estimate.

I don't think they honestly thought the tranny had to be flushed and plugs had to be replaced at 38,000 miles, I find it hard to believe. I figured they were trying to make some easy money.

If you don't feel right about something just don't let them do the work. I've heard some places that really try to push you, but you just have to stand your ground. If it'* something major, you'll probably know it, if not, you can always get someone else to look at it, or do it yourself.

My son works at one of the instant oil change places...one of the better ones. If your told at that shop that something needs to be done to your car, it needs it. However, the one about a mile away, same company, will push unneeded things on the customers - it depends on who the manager is. So, it can be a toss up. If it doesn't sound right - do the second opinion thing.

A while ago my GF went to take her now deceased 99 lumina for an oil change at one of those oil change places. I went with her this time and the guy said we needed a new surpentine belt. I asked how much and the guy estimated it at $65. I told the guy not to do it.

I took it to my brothers shop and paid $15 for the belt and he did it in like 3 minutes. Those lube shops are major rip offs!

midas in michigan off plainfield by 96 was great. went there every time i needed anything done to my car. they were always willing to go out of their way and never up-sold me. id go to the dealer, the dealer would give me a bs list, id take that list to midas and give them free reign to do any of it that needed to be done. usually they agreed with one item out of ten. i wish the midas down here was as good. nuh uh. made the mistake of going to "Kwik Kar" for an oil change. after telling me my plugs were bad [which id replaced... 4 days ago], my air and fuel filter were both shot, and my battery was dead, they asked me what i wanted done. i said "how about the oil change, like i asked?". yet when i got the car back, the air filter wasnt hooked up to the engine. i hate that place.

yeah almost the same with me, they told me my o2 sensor was bad (replaced 1 week b4), wires were bad (brand new), and THEN, i almost killed em, they took out my drop in K&N and replaced it with some fram something or other...good thing i checked! I went back a couple days later and said, "You...owe me...$40 for a new air filter" ..."Well sir, we replaced your 'dirty' filter with a new one" HAHA, these guys ARE NUTS!!

No offense Ryan. I know there are good, reputable shops out there as well. Unfortunately, it'* just like evrything else. What does the boss want? Money, or happy customers.

One time investment
Set of ramps $20
Oil change bucket $10
Oil filter wrench $10
Grease gun $20

Normal costs
5 quarts of Mobil 1 $20
Oil filter $5
15 minutes of your time Free
Satisfaction of knowing it was done right Priceless