My mechanic is about a half mile up the hill. I used to drop my car off in the morning, take the pleasant walk down the hill to work, then walk back up after work and pick up the car. Don't walk so good these days.

Now I usually bring it up at 7:30 and catch a ride home with the town clerk, and back to the garage at 3 when she goes home. If she isn't working, my mechanic says "I'll just bring you home and then bring you the car when it's done. Or I can come get it if you'd rather." Sweet.

I hear so many horror stories, especially from people who DON'T live in small towns. I bring my car up for its snowtires or whatever and just say "If you see anything it needs, just fix it." He's not going to miss anything or sell me something I don't need. How awesome is that? I love my mechanic.