Oh, I agree on the part about whether all of that is actually done or not (the body and rust inspection and other tedious b.s.). There are many who don't do hardly any of the work. Typically the coolant flushes ARE done at the block, and granted not everyone does, but the majority do. I wasn't trying to justify the work or anything, I was just trying to break down the logic behind the charges. Basically when you're paying to the complete car "look over", you're paying for them to dig around and find something wrong so they can write an estimate up and sell you on it. Every time I did an inspection, the key components DID get done (and properly) and if it weren't necessary for the full charge, when I did my r&r write up in the computer to close out the paperwork, I'd adjust the labor down. So when the customer came to pick the car up, the total cost was less and they were ecstatic. The inspection should be called a full maintenance service and include(where applicable per vehicle and to individual maintenance guidelines): oil and filter change, brake flush, coolant flush, brake inspection, tire rotation, microfilter(s), spark plugs, air filter, check all fault codes, general safety and mechanical inspection (obvious severe front end wear, guibo discs, etc.). I think I've got everything here. Add that up (typical individual labor charges): oil and filter .5hr, brake flush 1.0hr, coolant flush 1.0hr, tire rotation .5hr, brake inspection could theoretically be done with tire rotation but if on an M car where no rotation is available then the .5 would be for the brake inspection. microfilter .25hr to .5hr, spark plugs .5hr to 1.5hr, air filter n/c in most cases, check all fault codes .5hr, and a quick safety check .5hr. Add it up and that's.......carry the one...um.. 4.25hr to 6.0hr . The kicker is though, that the labor for the coolant and brake flushes are not included in the inspection. That's seperate. Wait a minute..so much typing I'm losing my point :idea2 . So if the brake and coolant flushes were included in the inspection, then the labor to me would be justified because then you'd actually be saving money compared to paying for it all seperate. I've lost myself :confused (i'm tired), but I think you get the point.!?