THIS is why...

[lilmule]

Location,timing and knowing your repair person all equate,winter just means less wait in line.Thats a set fee type of job,other things in the winter they will do cheaper like redoing a gel coat.
Thus why if its already in the shop pays to do it its been awhile,every 2-3 years and done that way doesnt quite or shouldnt quite cost as much even in loiusville.
Some things are or need to be oem parts,many however do not why pay 60 diollars for oem rubber wheel when 26 elsewhere covers it.
They may even be saving some bucks and installing it anyway,therefore pays to know really know your mechanic.
I run cheap motors costing under 1500 and often less yet pay to have preventive maintenance done so its not a throw away sooner rather than later.End of the year cable lube and fogged,cant help it if a house costs 180 k in new jersey and 60 here,or a hop skip and a jump away in ky.
Just guessing nyc would be high as well.They tend to charge what the market permits locally,just dont always wear a mask.
Are you a number or an individual,does he (mechanic)call you by your first name,and do you actually like him,and trust him.
Bottom line even if it costs more elsewhere its cheap preventive maintenance.