Renegade,
Dealer techs usually charge by what the computer task list dictates, if it says it takes 0.x hrs that's what you get charged not how long the tech takes. There is a spectrum of techs, from Cook book repair specialist to a true mechanic and problem solver..
Dealers are therefore a good way to get mechanic training.
You find the guy who has been there 15 or 20 years and he knows how the designers think. (He may curse them up and down, but he knows why they did it) If you have questions he is the guy to talk to...
Sometimes the service manager is really good, sometimes not. I have had good experiences with a recent ex military "kid" and a 15-20yr guys like I just described above.
Both took 15 -20 minutes to dig around for TSBs jaw a bit and just provide good customer service..
The fresh fish you generally don't talk to because they are running too fast just to keep up and try to think...learning curve..
