As Art Carney used to say.......

[DOUBLDz@aol.com]

"What a revolting development this is!"

Maybe it was Jackie Gleason. I'm actually too young to remember who said it.
 
My plan was to really save money and be good to Baby at the same time. Even
though the scheduled maintenance calls for an oil change every 7500 miles, I
have done one in between since I've owned the car. As I mentioned at another
time the Audi dealership close to my home charges $75 for one of these. So I
decided, why not let Peter (my trusted former mechanic) do the in-between oil
change. I ordered up a filter from Rod and make an appointment. Now mind you,
when I had the same done to my Celica, I was paying $24.95, so I say to
myself, this is going to be a great deal since he'll probably take off a few
bucks because I'm bringing in my own filter..NOT.

Seems that $24.95 doesn't apply to Audis (maybe not to any German cars, I
didn't ask). The labor charge alone was $27 (he gets $54 an hour, 8 bolts to
remove he said). Then there was the $11.70 for the oil. With tax I paid
$42.61. Add that to the $14.75 (I think) I paid for the filter and by bargain
oil change goes right out the window at $67.36. How bad does that bite? The
only redeeming factor of the whole misadventure was that when they couldn't
find my bill under my name. The kid that pumps gas asked what kind of car
(there are a whole bunch of kids that work there after school pumping gas) I
say "the Audi." Not an Audi, mind you, "the Audi." From behind me I hear "The
NICE Audi." As I turn to thank him he says "that's a gorgeous car!" You would
have thought I gave birth to it or something. I don't think the smile left my
face all the way home.

Still, I think its about time again for AofA to send out those qute little
free oil change coupons! Speaking of QUTE. I got a thumbs up from a pedestrian
checking out my vanity plates as I was stopped at a crosswalk. Don't know if
he meant me or the car...

Still smiling,
Dee 
95A6q pearl