I started because I enjoyed it and had way more time than money, so why not learn along the way. I long for those times again. I have a good network here of mechanics and the only thing I have experienced is the fender of my Sky getting crunched in jacking, which is extremely common (they look structural like most other cars but arent). Technically happened before (or as?) I bought the car and didnt notice for some time.

I still try and do most work, but no driveway or garage sucks. My Delica, you can do most engine maintenance while sitting in the drivers seat. We just got a grand cherokee which will get its work done by a dealer outside of basic maintenance (obviously hope nothing goes wrong in the first place).

The vast vast majority of local mechanics and shops are honest and dependable. Dealers kinda depends on the shop it seems, we have had goof luck mostly. My BMW dealer(s) service depts were by far and away the worst to work with. Ditto that for the sales floor/finance too.

__________________
TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth