Good- My car is running great. Before I had the repairs done it was misfiring on one cylinder and it was loud- now that the exhaust is repaired and the fuel injector replaced- it runs quietly and smoothly. I've got 179000 miles on the car- hopefully it will keep running well for another 70000 to 100000 miles.


Bad- I keep ruminating on how much I paid. While I was waiting for the work to be done, I called another shop and got a much lower quote for the exhaust work. I tried to get the first shop to lower my bill- but they refused- standing by their estimate. At that point I could have taken my car to the other mechanic- but of course there was a chance the second couldn't actually make a good estimate because they hadn't seen the car. Actually, though, I kinda wish I had taken it to the other guys. I just got the sense that they could have done the job for less. But- I didn't want to take the chance- and it would have been a hassle- I had ever dealt with either shop before- I don't have a regular mechanic- I'm looking for one. Anyway, it was a judgment call- and I keep doubting myself.

Good- the other shop had good references- and was recommended by a friend- so it may end up being the shop I'm looking for.