Car mechanics in Britain pricier than lawyers

[underpants]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060217/wl_uk_afp/britaintransportautooffbeat_060217140423

LONDON (AFP) - Car mechanics in Britain can be more expensive to hire than lawyers or doctors, a magazine reported.

Customers frequently pay more than 100 pounds per hour for labour by mechanics at franchised dealers, according to "What Car?" magazine.

The report said a "locum" doctor -- one who stands in for a regular doctor and charges between 350 and 500 pounds per day -- is cheaper, while even a junior criminal lawyer will charge a comparatively low rate of 30 pounds an hour.



The magazine said consumers should be aware that they can use non-franchised dealers and still keep their warranty. In order to protect their warranty, customers should make sure the car company used is VAT-registered, uses manufacturer's parts and follows their guidelines for the work.