[bmj]

My understanding that the yearly membership packages aren't the sum total of what they do. I suspect those packages are ways to support the business, rather than provide a free/cheap service. According to the article, customers pay for parts at cost, and then there is a scale, based on income, for paying labor charges.

Also, note that "Toyota Dealer Maintenance Packages" are generally offered to people who have purchased their vehicle at the dealer, new (or slightly used). That's not the target market here, and compared to having those services performed at an independent shop (or at a dealer without such a package), that monthly charge is quite affordable.