For those who don't know, I am now a college student! Yay me!

I have a paper due TOMORROW, an informative essay. The title of my essay is 'Learn to do a few small fixes on your car and save lots of cash!'

I need outside resources, i.e. YOU! For this essay (7 pages) I can use blogs, forums, even Wiki to get my info. I'm choosing you all.

I need a few things from you. . .

Why do you feel it's IMPORTANT to a. do the work on your own vehicle and b. know about your car even if you choose to not get your hands dirty.

What are the POSITIVES of doing the fixes and learning about the systems of your vehicle and the NEGATIVES of these?

Lastly, what kinds of things does one need to do the fixes, or learn about the systems of their cars? I am thinking of things past the tools, more like mechanical talent, confidence in yourself etc.

I don't need your to answer all the questions, if you only have an opinion about one thing, bring it on. I will need REAL NAMES and CITY. Like
"Ginny in Denver says. . ."

Thanks for the help!

__________________
Ginny in Denver-ish
78 300SD, 265K (mine)