I was parts manager at a six-bay auto shop for over a year and our parts markup was 30%. (Springfield, Missouri.)

The first and third paragraphs are right on, btw.

Internet research is grand and all, but if you don't want to get ripped by your mechanic try going to the same one for a few years and getting to know the guy. Go to a local shop and chat the guy up, do not go to a Jiffy Lube where s stoner fills out a questionnaire on a computer and reads back to what it says.