[csteubs]

I'm not sure what aspect of this conversation is "low intelligence", but automotive technician salary data doesn't often match reality where techs can (and often do) make close to double their "official" salary in side jobs. I'm a full-time engineering manager at a startup in LA, and I do repair gigs in my garage during the evenings and on weekends--all word-of-mouth referrals from former and returning customers. I've made a shade over $30k after expenses this year doing 2-3 jobs a week. Most are catalytic converter replacements that I charge a flat $500 for on $145 in parts; takes me an hour per. I've done everything from rear main seals to fuel pump replacements to in-and-out oil/filter changes.

What your comment and sentiment misses, I think, is that a significant percentage of mechanics do shade-tree jobs that won't ever be accounted for in official reports. Dealers and shops have become extremely hit-and-miss, part quality fell dramatically during the pandemic (ask me how I know), and thrifty consumers are more inclined to spend money on independent mechanics that work out of a small shop; there's a ton of money not being accounted for in the process. Maybe not "cool" or "attractive" to you, but I'd love to never have to touch a keyboard again and spend my time working on cars, boats, and fabrication.

[robcohen]

I think you misinterpreted my point. Of course mechanics are doing side jobs, that doesn’t account for the fact that their primary job pay is low. I have my ASE certs, I also get paid to fix auto and heavy machinery on the side.

[tuatoru]

I could double my pay by increasing my hours by half, but 50 hours a week is enough. I value my sanity.

Statements about populations are not refuted by quibbling about exceptions.

[gumballindie]

> consumers are more inclined to spend money on independent mechanics that work out of a small shop;

I’d love to have this option in the UK. Everything being over regulated the type of service is all but extinct.

[badpun]

These guys aren't legit. It's usually just a guy fixing cars and taking money into his pocket in exchange.

[dieselgate]

Cool to hear about your side gig. I've been looking to start doing something similar and have been curious about licensing/insurance specifics. Do you have resources or recommendations on where I could learn more?

[sokka_h2otribe]

Catalytic converter replacements? Are you talking about when they get removed or when they get genuinely replaced?

[csteubs]

I install replacements for friends and their referrals who've had them stolen; it's a serious and unfortunately common problem in LA. Roughly 80% are off of Priuses (Prii?) and most local Toyota dealerships are backordered for months. The OEM replacement part itself is one of the most expensive at around $2300 due to the higher level of precious metals in the catalyst matrix. The replacements I install aren't CARB compliant (which is why they're $125 or so on eBay), but it resolves the exhaust leak/fuel smell and noise at the expense of passing emissions.