Mechanic: What can we do for you today?

Car Owner: Uh, hi. Yes, I'm having a problem with my car, and it doesn't seem to run right. I mean every time I start it up, the engine runs for a minute or so, sputters like it isn't getting enough gas, and then dies.

 

Mechanic: Hmmm. Okay. Let's open the hood, and let's take a look . . . Okay, start her up.

 

[Engine starting . . .]

 

Okay, Okay. Shut her off. Hmmm. [So . . .] Let me look at the book here . . . [It] sounds like a possible fuel line, a dirty carburetor, bad alternator, or even a weak battery.

 

Car Owner: So, which one is it?

 

Mechanic: Uhh. Difficult to say. Let me try this . . . Uh, alright . . . You need to talk to the mechanic.

 

Car Owner: The mechanic! So, who are you?

 

Mechanic: Well, I'm the assistant, and I've only been here on the job for two days.

 

Car Owner: So, why didn't you tell me that in the first place? I mean, I wouldn't have wasted all this time!

 

Mechanic: You didn't ask.

 

Car Owner: Okay, so how much is it going to cost?

 

Mechanic: Ah. Difficult to say. [That's what you said about the last thing!] Are you a local or from out of town?

 

Car Owner: I'm just passing through, and this is the only place for miles. [Yeah, that's right.] Man, can't you see my license plate? [Sure did!]

 

Mechanic: Okay. The out-of-town rate. Let's see. Okay, here we go. If it's a fuel line, that'll be $100 . . . No, no, That's the local rate. Here, $200 for the pre-screening check, $150 for parts, plus or minus $100, and $75 an hour for labor. Oh, oh yeah. Today's a holiday, so labor is actually $50 more per hour.

 

Car Owner: Huh? Those prices are outrageous, and what holiday is it today?

 

Mechanic: Oh, it's the local pumpkin festival.

 

Car Owner: Ah, come on. I can't believe this. Of all my luck, my car breaks down in an out-of-the-way town [That's right.], and it'll cost an arm and a leg to get my car fixed.

 

Mechanic: Ah, we'll take care of you. Just bring the car back on Tuesday so Mike, our mechanic, can take a look at it.

 

Car Owner: Why not today? It's only 11:00 a.m.!

 

Mechanic: Ahh, we close at 11:30 a.m. on holidays, and we're closed tomorrow and Sunday, and we're closed the following day as well.

 

Car Owner: I can't wait that long! I need my car repaired now.

 

Mechanic: Well, next week is the best we can do, but you can talk to Mike at the Pumpkin Festival.This town will grow on you. [Ah, man!]

 

1. a bad accelerator

2. The mechanic is not available to assess the problem.

3. $125

4. He must pay higher fees because he isn't a resident of that area.

5. Friday