I see that there are a number of folks on here that are very critical of mechanics. Here is my take for what it is worth...
First off, the statement about dealer mechanics being dependent is just plain WRONG. I was a dealer mechanic for a good number of years. The up side of being a dealer mechanic is that you have access to ALL of the special tools recommended by the manufacturer. You have access to ALL of the accompanying literature and service information. You have access to proprietary parts. AND, you have the full support of the manufacturer. These are all tools that make most repair work simpler and more efficient. That benefits the customer. The down side is that dealers are EXPENSIVE. Overpriced in my opinion. Also keep in mind that the dealer mechanic is intimately familiar with one make. The independent has to know a little about a lot of different makes. Remember that old saying about a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing.....
Next, as to repair versus replacement: As previously stated, the difference between a guaranteed rebuilt and repairing the old unit in cost is minimal. The difference in logistics is major. Take an alternator for example. Fair to state that today's alternators are very reliable. They also take shop time to repair. Parts inventory to do repair work increases by orders of magnitude. Customer's vehicle is tied up for possibly days rather than minutes for a repair. Replacement is quick and efficient and does not take up a lot of shop time. So, as a customer, would you rather have the shop change out your alternator in an hour or repair yours which could take hours if the parts are in stock or days if the parts have to be ordered?
Next, this whole bit about scanners and computers being required for repairs..... A scanner will read a trouble code. This code will tell you what circuit or section of the system is malfunctioning. It still takes diagnostic skills to troubleshoot that circuit and repair it. This has not changed from even 1930s cars. Just different equipment. Older equipment needed things like tachometers, dwell meters, growlers, amp meters, and the like. Today's equipment takes tools as well, just different - and for the most part more efficient.
My biggest objection to some of the modern electronics is the use of RFID technology. Any more you need a fortune in equipment to replace what should be a simple sensor, but in fact requires re-flashing the computer. To my way of thinking, this is overkill and over complication. Seems to be the manufacturer attempt to lock out the independent repairmen. This will come around full circle at some point. Third party repair facilities as well as customers will get fed up and it will once again go to court and the manufacturers will have to give access to repair information.
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Today's Featured Article - A Lifetime of Farm Machinery - by Joe Michaels. I am a mechanical engineer by profession, specializing in powerplant work. I worked as a machinist and engine erector, with time spent overseas. I have always had a love for machinery, and an appreciation for farming and farm machinery. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Not a place one would associate with farms or farm machinery. I credit my parents for instilling a lot of good values, a respect for learning, a knowledge of various skills and a little knowledge of farming in me, amo
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