In 1973 I bought a non-running 1947 Willys overland station wagon for $100; I was 16 and I learned by asking questions from my dad; and looking at well worn greasy repair manuals at the library.
The grey beards at Old fashioned Auto parts houses helped a lot also; with things like polarizing a voltage regulator & how to hone a wheel cylinder. They helped me find the way.
(It's hard to find that kind of help from Auto zone)

I wrench now because I enjoy it most of the time; & it takes me less time to repair most things than the amount of time I would spend driving to a repair facility.
I find it hard to pay a mechanic that throws parts at my car until the right part is the 'fix'.

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