FRANK - First let me say that (1) I like to (and can) do most anything to any car I've driven since I was 15, and (2) I do not like to spend money on things that do not have a direct correlation to me getting some p**n t*ng. That said, I STILL take my car to Jenkins (despite what PMUM might say, service by Jenkins does not usually include #2 above). Jenkins (and from what I've seen and heard Cragin, too) is that rare species in the automotive world - an honest, skilled mechanic. If Dave tells you that you should have "x" done to the car, he says it because in his learned opinion, you NEED to have "x" done, not because he is looking to meet some quota.
As far as pricing goes (besides that fact that Dave has no control over what the dealership chooses to charge), the prices quoted by Dave for the services offered are quite reasonable in ViperLand. Sure, I can save $40 by taking my car to the dude down the street at Quickie Lube, or maybe even save $80 by doing it myself, but then you start to get into the question of what is your time worth. I think you've made it pretty clear what your billing rate is, but other people actually might think the 45 minute savings and lack of hassle or mess (yes, we do have oil collection centers in California - as opposed to the Hudson River) is worth the marginal cost of taking the car to a trusted tech like Dave. It's great that you save so much money doing your own work, but it pretty unfair to bang Jenkins for offering what amounts to a good deal for most Viper owners.
