I used to do most everything (I used to have 5.0 mustangs). Now only Bike oil changes. Not sure why, maybe because I've had Honda's and the dealer is only $25 for semi-synth oil change, thats good enough for me. Besides, these Hondas don't break so there is no repairs.

 

I've always done all of my own work so long as I have/can get any required tools. If it's beyond my technical ability, I'll take it somewhere. I don't trust any mechanics to touch my vehicles unless I hear about them via word of mouth from satisfied customers. That, and with current labor rates, the expense is just too much sometimes. That, and I know the quality of the work I've done. If I could stand around and watch a mechanic work on my vehicle, I'd have more of a warm-fuzzy that it was done right, but since I can't be in the garage with them while they're working on it. I don't trust them. I've even gone back and checked work I've had done in the past and went back and complained if it didn't meet my standards.

 

My dads best friend owns his own shop, if I cant fix he can and does things right, plus he gives me a great deal charged me $450 for a new a/c compressor, orphace tube(spelling?), flush/charge on my 95 Formula....if you dont know someone that is a mechanic then go to different shops, eventually you'll find a good one....And their generally the ones that are owned indenpendently.

as far as oil changes and basic maintenace, I do that myself, Im wouldnt pay someone double the price for parts, and then $60+/hr for labor...

 

car stuff don't sit well with me for some reason. i used to wrench my supercharged tahoe and after the bike came...i wrenched that took awhile to get confidence cause after all, there are only 2 wheels to being with so if something happens...you're screwed! now i'm no longer confident with cars...all them crap sensors...big things, computer stuff...arrrggghhhh...

i'm still under warranty so most things will go to the dealer...i just have to make sure i keep all maintenance records including ones i do...after my 3/36...i'm doing all my own wrenching.

 

I do everything myselft, except the comment stuff like tires and allignment. I know that if i do it its done right and i dont have to worry about it. If there is something i dont know, i can just look in the Haynes manual and they tell you most the procedures, which can be helpful. I only take my car in if I cannot diagnos something and the dealer is the last place i would take it into, usually i take in to a VW tuner shop around my house and they do a good job and you can trust them.