Missives from the 6th Floor

So already we're off on the wrong foot. See in my book it doesn't take 6 hours to diagnose and replace a failed headlight. And I've seen the instructions for installing the AUX input - I figured it would take me 2 hours, so it should take them about 1.

I had debated canceling the appointment, as the headlight hadn't "failed" since the temperature had gone consistently above freezing at night - which happened in the two weeks between my scheduling the appointment and today, but - I figured - it should only take a couple hours.

Then I get a phone call this afternoon from the service manager saying that the igniter has failed, and that the igniter plus bulb would be just over $700.

Woah, I say, the car's under extended warranty.

He confirms that I'm correct, and says "then it'll just be the $200 for the bulb."

"I'm sorry. I must have mis-heard. Did you just say $200 for a headlight bulb?"

"Yes, sir."

"Has the bulb failed?" I asked.

"No, sir."

"Then why do I need a bulb?"

"Because we're replacing the igniter, and they should be replaced together."

"Or... what? What's the worst that could happen?"

"The bulb could fail."

"When?"

"We don't know."

"Well, then why would I replace a working bulb, especially when it costs $200?"

"Because they should be replaced together."

Riiight...

So he did the bit that was covered under warranty - and I did a bit of looking around. The best price I can find on the bulb - in qty 1 - is $140.

What the hell's up with that? Did they have to send a rocket to the sun, catch a little in a cooler, and bring it back to make these bulbs?

Oooh, ooh, or is the filament made of virgin Rhodium?

I mean really, what the hell?