I recently moved from CA to OR and was surprised to find out that in
Oregon, they apparently have no law that requires that a mechanic give
you a written estimate when you take your car in for service.  (In CA,
they have to give you a written estimate, and call for approval if the
charges will exceed that estimate.)

It has been amusing to ask the service people here in OR what the
estimate will be - they tend to look at me like I have flown in from
Mars.  It does not do much for the confidence to leave the Van with
someone and have no idea what the cost will be.

How do those of you who live in places where it is not custom to give an
estimate when you take your car in for repairs, deal with the situation?
Blind trust?

Todd
'88 Westy