Yeah probably trouble for dishonest mechanics. But maybe an asset for legit ones? I think some customers feel they are being ripped off, even when they aren't. So this could be used positively by both sides.
I think it is an asset for legit ones. Just this morning my battery light came on, and when I went to the repair shop I was told I needed a new alternator, and it would cost $400. I thought that was high, but didn't have any data to back it up (and was stuck at the shop without a working car), so I went ahead with the repair. I initially felt like I was taken, but this site says a new alternator for my car should cost $400 - $600, so now I actually feel good about the purchase (and the garage).
