After a warantee is over is it advised to still have pro-active
service done at a dealership, and if so, what is the approximate cost
hike by doing so versus some other maintenance shop (certified or
not)?
My real big problem with proactive services are that there is nothing
tangible to tell that anything has actually been done, other than a
belt replacement when they can actually hand you the old part(s).
I'm up for a 105K mileage visit and the dealership wants over $800 to
do the timing belt replacement and the standard 105 proactive
maintenance which includes valve inspection/maintenance. Obviously I
need the timing belt done, and the valve work DOES sound to me like
something I *DO* want to do, however, can someone tell me if they are
completely backlogged at a maintenance shop how anyone coudl ever tell
if a technician simply overlooks doing that particular task? Is it
inappropriate for me to ask to watch the techs work on my car?

Thanks for any help on this intriguing issue that's been nagging me
for awhile.