DEAR ABBY: The letter from the woman who complained about the lack of women's magazines in the auto repair waiting room prompts this letter.
I question whether the evaluation of a good auto repair shop depends on the coffee and reading material offered. Until recently, we had a shop where many mechanics took their cars to be repaired. The fellow was honest, but not the most personable man in the world. He charged fair prices and did excellent work. He didn't take advantage of people who didn't know much about mechanics, worked very long hours and died too young.
The new shop in town provides coffee, pastries, large-screen television and the latest magazines. They waltz you in, and a man in a white lab coat comes in to advise you what they'll have to do to your car. Since they jack up the prices if you look prosperous, it's best to leave your jewelry at home. -- RICHARD W. KOWALSKI, NORTHAMPTON, MASS.
DEAR RICHARD: You've made your point. However, all things being equal, many women would prefer to take their business to a woman-friendly environment.