I took my car in with a slight oil leak as we were planning a long road trip and did not want problems on the trip. The morning I was on my way in, a check engine light came on. I asked them to look at both problems. After having the car for a day and a half (and having made a 0800 appt), they called me to say that they needed to remove my after market radio in my Jetta becuase their computer could not connect to the apparatus correctly to read what the check engine light was indicating. I was skeptical but told them ok and expected an extra hour of labor at most. Turns out it was a loose battery cable (something i thought should have been noticed before the two hour $180 labor charge). The evening of the 2nd day, they called me to tell me that the oil leak was due to some bad seals and one mechanical part. I approved the repair only to find out that the parts cost $50 (only seals and no mechanical part needed replacing). The only reason I know this is because I asked for the old parts) and my bill was over $700. 7 hours of labor to diagnose a check engine light and replace $50 worth of seals for an oil leak. I think these guys are used to gouging customers because most folks who own foreign made cars have money and are too busy to get into the weeds on any repair. I will never use them again and would suggest anyone else go elsewhere as well.
Honestly, I think most mechanics gouge, but it's not something we should all just readily accept as business as ususal...
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