Thanks to all who responded to my post about a concern I had with some work
done by a dealer.  The concensus seems to be that, while I could have had
the job done cheaper elsewhere, the dealer price was not overly excessive
(given standard high-to-begin-with dealer labor and new part rates)  and
that their recommendation to replace the axles was not necessarily out of
line or an attempt to "rip-off" an uneducated consumer.  That was my biggest
concern, that my lack of knowledge on the subject allowed them to take
advantage of me, which doesn't seem to be the case.  I knew I was going to
pay a higher price at the dealer and that was okay at the time, but now that
I know more thanks to this list and a Bentley / Haynes manual, hopefully
I'll find a more reasonable place for the next job.

BTW, just for grins I called up the same dealer for a price quote on a
heavy-duty syncro air filter.  They told me it was $123.  I paid $17 for the
exact same one from Bus Depot two weeks ago.  Now I just need to find a
Subaru Depot and a 4Runner Depot and I'll be all set.

Thanks again to all those that took the time to respond to my post.  I
appreciate your advice.

Steve

89 westy

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