It took them most of the day, and the labor was $316, and the parts (6 m/craft spark plugs, 6 m/craft plug wire sets, air filter, fuel filter, ignition coil and intake plenum gaskets) were $302. They called me later in the day to let me know that the ignition coil was bad and needed replacement but were not charging me for labor on it. The labor costs don't seem out of proportion to what your $80/hr rate, and the plug/wire combo was about $21 each. You get into one of these scenarios, and your options are limited, but, in talking to guy who runs the shop, I instinctively felt that they were not gouging me. I've been wrong before. Appreciate your input.

Undoubtedly, you could have done it yourself for less. But (1) do you have the expertise? (2) do you mind getting your hands dirty? (3) what is your time really worth?

Saving on the $80 labor rate is an attractive thought, but what are NOT GOING TO GET DONE while saving $80 / hour.

In my opinion, you did the right thing. Most mechanics are honest, decent, trustworthy people, who take a real interest in helping their customers. They can only stay in business if they provide good work at reasonable rates. They depended on repeat, happy, customers, like you. A happy customer will send business their way. An unhappy one will cause them to starve.

Labor in a good shop is run by time out of the Chilton's labor guide. Its a guide line for how long a job should take a certified mechanic. From the total cost, the labor looks about right to me. I don't know the make or model of your car, and am not sure what the book will say. In my option, I would say it looks right to me for labor. As for parts, that I can not answer. Every shop has a mark-up to what the parts cost them. Depending on the make and model, some parts get really costly. As for the labor, I think you got a great deal. Hope this helps.