DIY's sure save some $$$
Thread Starter
TECH Junkie
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,915
Likes: 676
From: Western North Carolina
DIY's sure save some $$$ For guys that can repair their own cars, always be grateful for your skills. It sure saves money.
I just got my T/A back and I'm always happy with my mechanic's work and his prices (especially compared to dealerships). I still imagine how cool it would be to fix your car yourself. I pat myself on the back after successful oil changes.
The work completed was $702 plus tax. New water pump and thermostat with new clamps. New tail shaft seal. Turn front rotors (old pads still had 50% use). Labor was the brunt of the bill. Probably $200 or so for DIY's instead of $702 I would think. Quite a savings plus a satisfying feeling. I know quality tools cost a lot and there can be aggravation but imagine all the money saved over many decades.
The car is all set to go to FL this winter for a quick escape from the cold. I like taking the A4 'vert with all the traffic down there. The 5 speed manual in my GT gets tiring in traffic.
I just got my T/A back and I'm always happy with my mechanic's work and his prices (especially compared to dealerships). I still imagine how cool it would be to fix your car yourself. I pat myself on the back after successful oil changes.
The work completed was $702 plus tax. New water pump and thermostat with new clamps. New tail shaft seal. Turn front rotors (old pads still had 50% use). Labor was the brunt of the bill. Probably $200 or so for DIY's instead of $702 I would think. Quite a savings plus a satisfying feeling. I know quality tools cost a lot and there can be aggravation but imagine all the money saved over many decades.
The car is all set to go to FL this winter for a quick escape from the cold. I like taking the A4 'vert with all the traffic down there. The 5 speed manual in my GT gets tiring in traffic.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,407
Likes: 63
From: Knappa, Oregon
The thing about doing all of your own work is that you need to have a place out of the weather to do the work, ideally a garage. Then you need tools, a lot of tools. After quite some time I think that I have all of the tools that could be needed to work on my car, except for welding, that is the only thing that I don't do, but I could if I had the proper equipment. Time is the other need. I need to drive mine every day so the job needs to be researched, planned, and all the required parts on hand before the project starts. Most projects can be done over a long weekend, if you can prepare. If you can park the car and leave it down for long periods that makes things easier.
The garage was about 20k dollars 15 years ago. I don't know how much I have spent on tools because most were bought a little over time, but it must be another several thousand dollars. So it is not a great way to save $200.
But what I like is doing the work myself, checking that the work was done correctly by myself, the satisfaction of learning how and getting it done, that is worth the time and money spent. These cars are very repairable. Almost every part can be repaired by the average shade tree mechanic, but it is better to have a place other than a shade tree and a few tools.
The garage was about 20k dollars 15 years ago. I don't know how much I have spent on tools because most were bought a little over time, but it must be another several thousand dollars. So it is not a great way to save $200.
But what I like is doing the work myself, checking that the work was done correctly by myself, the satisfaction of learning how and getting it done, that is worth the time and money spent. These cars are very repairable. Almost every part can be repaired by the average shade tree mechanic, but it is better to have a place other than a shade tree and a few tools.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,328
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Not just an honest mechanic but one who is willing to put the time into diagnostics and not just throw parts at it as so many are prone to do these days.
TECH Resident
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 877
Likes: 55
From: Poway, Ca. where GOD and the sun always shines
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 663
Likes: 384
From: South Carolina
I'm dirt poor can't afford anyone but myself to work on my junk. Plus I don't trust anyone (unless I know their skill level) to wrench on my vehicles. Like most here I started wrenching on bicycles, lawn mowers, go carts and motorcycles as a kid. Built a 1,200 sq/ft garage to do mostly paint & body side work back in 1989. It was the best thing I've done for the hobby. The only thing I farm out is tires, alignment and custom exhaust work. It's done while I wait, no way I'm leaving my vehicle(s) over night... I'd never get one wink of sleep 
In the 47 years I've been employed I've only worked out of the automotive field six months running a punch press, making parts for John Deer... it was a miserable six months at that!
In the 47 years I've been employed I've only worked out of the automotive field six months running a punch press, making parts for John Deer... it was a miserable six months at that!
