Mechanic tried to sell me brake pad and rotor replacement for around 1K on my Honda Civic. I knew the brakes were shoddy. Bought new brake pads and rotors for less than $200 and over the course of two days replace everything myself. YouTube rocks!!
Next is the AC. Went out back in June and got a quote for $1700 to fix it a week or so ago. Needs new compressor etc. Told them I just wanted my car back. Wife's co-workers husband is a mechanic and going to do it for "free" (case of good beer). I just have to buy the parts, which I might try to find at a junk yard, since my car is 10 years old.
Man I hate cars!!