thanks guys for the info. yes, if memory serves me right, back in the states i could get an oil change on my 4x4 toyota 4runner for about $50 US. that was for the service and the labor. here i paid $138 NZ for the service and then an additional $60 for the labor. i did call the garage before i took the car in to get a quote, and they did not mention the cost of the labor, but he did mention that it would take about 40 minutes to do the work. so i was thinking that the price he quoted me included the labor. now i know better...
although, the gentleman was nice enough to give me and the kids a ride home and picked me up when my car was ready.
cheers!
laurel