People do not realize that free is very often anything but

I disagree that dealers will clean your pockets. I got comparative estimates for some work, and the the dealer and the outside service center gave me nearly the same estimate (with the dealer being a little cheaper). I have gone to Phillips Toyota ever since to have my Toyota serviced. They keep excellent records of all service performed and do prompt excellent work. Always friendly and helpful/

Wherever you take your ride for service, I want to go back to old days when you could talk straight to the mechanic that
worked on your car instead of talking to some guy/gal service writer that shuffle papers.

I hate when they ask for your keys and drive your car behind closed doors for a couple hours.

Very true. They always say it is for insurance reasons and wonder if that is really true?

The mechanic could come inside and discuss your vehicle with you. That would be the honest thing to do.

True but seems like they are told not to and have the guy at front desk come out and give you the info second hand.