OT: Amateurs…How not to save money in this recession…

[Coronita]

[quote=UCGal]What popped out at me from the article was that the dealer charged $250 for a tail-light lense. It seems to be that should pay for the entire assembly.

And… IIRC, you replace the bulb from the inside not by taking the outside plastic lense off. But it’s been a few years since I’ve had to do it.[/quote]

Unfortunately, some of the tailight covers are really close to $200-$250. I know, it’s a ripoff, but that’s what stealers charge. Actually, your best friend is an auto recycler or a third party parts supplier. I wonder though…How did the dude break his cover? It’s pretty sturdy..I guess if you pry it with a screwdriver or something.

[Coronita]

[quote=AN]Not all mechanics are created equal. I was lazy and brought my car into a mechanic in Miramar to change my brake pads. I don’t know why but he end up removing the brake lines. When putting it back, he messed something up and it end up leaking. Luckily I wanted to change my lines anyways. The next time I needed to change my pads, I go on one of the forums, there were step by step instructions with pictures. It took me more time to remove my tires and jack up my car than to actually replacing the pads. So, moral of the story is, DIY on maintenance is always better if you take the time to read the instruction and are at least a little bit handy.[/quote]

Let’s not forget the horror stories at those 15 minute instant oil change/lube places (won’t name names)…Some stories of junior techs accidentally pushing the wrong button and filling the engine with it tranny oil instead of engine oil, or vice versa…Or overfilling the engine with so much oil the engine ends up seizing.

[Coronita]

[quote=AN]Not all mechanics are created equal. I was lazy and brought my car into a mechanic in Miramar to change my brake pads. I don’t know why but he end up removing the brake lines. When putting it back, he messed something up and it end up leaking. Luckily I wanted to change my lines anyways. The next time I needed to change my pads, I go on one of the forums, there were step by step instructions with pictures. It took me more time to remove my tires and jack up my car than to actually replacing the pads. So, moral of the story is, DIY on maintenance is always better if you take the time to read the instruction and are at least a little bit handy.[/quote]

Let’s not forget the horror stories at those 15 minute instant oil change/lube places (won’t name names)…Some stories of junior techs accidentally pushing the wrong button and filling the engine with it tranny oil instead of engine oil, or vice versa…Or overfilling the engine with so much oil the engine ends up seizing.

[Coronita]

[quote=AN]Not all mechanics are created equal. I was lazy and brought my car into a mechanic in Miramar to change my brake pads. I don’t know why but he end up removing the brake lines. When putting it back, he messed something up and it end up leaking. Luckily I wanted to change my lines anyways. The next time I needed to change my pads, I go on one of the forums, there were step by step instructions with pictures. It took me more time to remove my tires and jack up my car than to actually replacing the pads. So, moral of the story is, DIY on maintenance is always better if you take the time to read the instruction and are at least a little bit handy.[/quote]

Let’s not forget the horror stories at those 15 minute instant oil change/lube places (won’t name names)…Some stories of junior techs accidentally pushing the wrong button and filling the engine with it tranny oil instead of engine oil, or vice versa…Or overfilling the engine with so much oil the engine ends up seizing.

[Coronita]

[quote=AN]Not all mechanics are created equal. I was lazy and brought my car into a mechanic in Miramar to change my brake pads. I don’t know why but he end up removing the brake lines. When putting it back, he messed something up and it end up leaking. Luckily I wanted to change my lines anyways. The next time I needed to change my pads, I go on one of the forums, there were step by step instructions with pictures. It took me more time to remove my tires and jack up my car than to actually replacing the pads. So, moral of the story is, DIY on maintenance is always better if you take the time to read the instruction and are at least a little bit handy.[/quote]

Let’s not forget the horror stories at those 15 minute instant oil change/lube places (won’t name names)…Some stories of junior techs accidentally pushing the wrong button and filling the engine with it tranny oil instead of engine oil, or vice versa…Or overfilling the engine with so much oil the engine ends up seizing.

[Coronita]

[quote=AN]Not all mechanics are created equal. I was lazy and brought my car into a mechanic in Miramar to change my brake pads. I don’t know why but he end up removing the brake lines. When putting it back, he messed something up and it end up leaking. Luckily I wanted to change my lines anyways. The next time I needed to change my pads, I go on one of the forums, there were step by step instructions with pictures. It took me more time to remove my tires and jack up my car than to actually replacing the pads. So, moral of the story is, DIY on maintenance is always better if you take the time to read the instruction and are at least a little bit handy.[/quote]

Let’s not forget the horror stories at those 15 minute instant oil change/lube places (won’t name names)…Some stories of junior techs accidentally pushing the wrong button and filling the engine with it tranny oil instead of engine oil, or vice versa…Or overfilling the engine with so much oil the engine ends up seizing.

[Mayer]

[quote=flu]Let’s not forget the horror stories at those 15 minute instant oil change/lube places (won’t name names)…Some stories of junior techs accidentally pushing the wrong button and filling the engine with it tranny oil instead of engine oil, or vice versa…Or overfilling the engine with so much oil the engine ends up seizing.[/quote]

I would NEVER, EVER take my car to Sears or one of those “quicky” shops. I had a friend who worked at one of those places and he literally had a horror story every week. Punctured gas tanks, cars not driven properly onto a ramp, and falling off, nuts, bolts, filters tightened too much and stripping it, etc, etc. They really do hire inexperienced mechanics and train them on the spot. Your car is the test bed. I don’t think most people would let an untrained newly graduated barber cut your hair, why skimp on a few bucks for an oil change and let someone mess with your +$10k car. I don’t live near shopping centers or work. A down car would cost me dearly. BTW, I change my own oil. It’s such a simple process that I’d rather make sure it’s done properly.

[Mayer]

[quote=flu]Let’s not forget the horror stories at those 15 minute instant oil change/lube places (won’t name names)…Some stories of junior techs accidentally pushing the wrong button and filling the engine with it tranny oil instead of engine oil, or vice versa…Or overfilling the engine with so much oil the engine ends up seizing.[/quote]

I would NEVER, EVER take my car to Sears or one of those “quicky” shops. I had a friend who worked at one of those places and he literally had a horror story every week. Punctured gas tanks, cars not driven properly onto a ramp, and falling off, nuts, bolts, filters tightened too much and stripping it, etc, etc. They really do hire inexperienced mechanics and train them on the spot. Your car is the test bed. I don’t think most people would let an untrained newly graduated barber cut your hair, why skimp on a few bucks for an oil change and let someone mess with your +$10k car. I don’t live near shopping centers or work. A down car would cost me dearly. BTW, I change my own oil. It’s such a simple process that I’d rather make sure it’s done properly.

[Mayer]

[quote=flu]Let’s not forget the horror stories at those 15 minute instant oil change/lube places (won’t name names)…Some stories of junior techs accidentally pushing the wrong button and filling the engine with it tranny oil instead of engine oil, or vice versa…Or overfilling the engine with so much oil the engine ends up seizing.[/quote]

I would NEVER, EVER take my car to Sears or one of those “quicky” shops. I had a friend who worked at one of those places and he literally had a horror story every week. Punctured gas tanks, cars not driven properly onto a ramp, and falling off, nuts, bolts, filters tightened too much and stripping it, etc, etc. They really do hire inexperienced mechanics and train them on the spot. Your car is the test bed. I don’t think most people would let an untrained newly graduated barber cut your hair, why skimp on a few bucks for an oil change and let someone mess with your +$10k car. I don’t live near shopping centers or work. A down car would cost me dearly. BTW, I change my own oil. It’s such a simple process that I’d rather make sure it’s done properly.

[Mayer]

[quote=flu]Let’s not forget the horror stories at those 15 minute instant oil change/lube places (won’t name names)…Some stories of junior techs accidentally pushing the wrong button and filling the engine with it tranny oil instead of engine oil, or vice versa…Or overfilling the engine with so much oil the engine ends up seizing.[/quote]

I would NEVER, EVER take my car to Sears or one of those “quicky” shops. I had a friend who worked at one of those places and he literally had a horror story every week. Punctured gas tanks, cars not driven properly onto a ramp, and falling off, nuts, bolts, filters tightened too much and stripping it, etc, etc. They really do hire inexperienced mechanics and train them on the spot. Your car is the test bed. I don’t think most people would let an untrained newly graduated barber cut your hair, why skimp on a few bucks for an oil change and let someone mess with your +$10k car. I don’t live near shopping centers or work. A down car would cost me dearly. BTW, I change my own oil. It’s such a simple process that I’d rather make sure it’s done properly.

[Mayer]

[quote=flu]Let’s not forget the horror stories at those 15 minute instant oil change/lube places (won’t name names)…Some stories of junior techs accidentally pushing the wrong button and filling the engine with it tranny oil instead of engine oil, or vice versa…Or overfilling the engine with so much oil the engine ends up seizing.[/quote]

I would NEVER, EVER take my car to Sears or one of those “quicky” shops. I had a friend who worked at one of those places and he literally had a horror story every week. Punctured gas tanks, cars not driven properly onto a ramp, and falling off, nuts, bolts, filters tightened too much and stripping it, etc, etc. They really do hire inexperienced mechanics and train them on the spot. Your car is the test bed. I don’t think most people would let an untrained newly graduated barber cut your hair, why skimp on a few bucks for an oil change and let someone mess with your +$10k car. I don’t live near shopping centers or work. A down car would cost me dearly. BTW, I change my own oil. It’s such a simple process that I’d rather make sure it’s done properly.

[drboom]

As a former mobile electronics installer, I’ve seen just about every kind of DIY nightmare you can imagine. I’ve also seen a lot of “professional” nightmares: car audio installers are usually just one step up the auto shop evolutionary ladder from the Bondo slingers at body shops. I used to refer to one local shop (long since closed) as The Old Spaghetti Factory after seeing one too many of their alarm installs.

There’s a lot of truth to the article: if you have the slightest doubt about your mechanical ability, leave it to the pros. Myself, I have a ’05 Scion and maintenance doesn’t scare me a bit. Brakes, oil, plugs, belts, and the like are all within the reach of a home mechanic IF you have spent some time turning wrenches and have the ability to follow directions.

Speaking of directions, the Internet is a godsend for DIYers. I downloaded the full shop manual for my car for free (and legally). Back in the bad old days, it would have set me back $50-100 or more and occupied a bunch of shelf space.

[drboom]

As a former mobile electronics installer, I’ve seen just about every kind of DIY nightmare you can imagine. I’ve also seen a lot of “professional” nightmares: car audio installers are usually just one step up the auto shop evolutionary ladder from the Bondo slingers at body shops. I used to refer to one local shop (long since closed) as The Old Spaghetti Factory after seeing one too many of their alarm installs.

There’s a lot of truth to the article: if you have the slightest doubt about your mechanical ability, leave it to the pros. Myself, I have a ’05 Scion and maintenance doesn’t scare me a bit. Brakes, oil, plugs, belts, and the like are all within the reach of a home mechanic IF you have spent some time turning wrenches and have the ability to follow directions.

Speaking of directions, the Internet is a godsend for DIYers. I downloaded the full shop manual for my car for free (and legally). Back in the bad old days, it would have set me back $50-100 or more and occupied a bunch of shelf space.

[drboom]

As a former mobile electronics installer, I’ve seen just about every kind of DIY nightmare you can imagine. I’ve also seen a lot of “professional” nightmares: car audio installers are usually just one step up the auto shop evolutionary ladder from the Bondo slingers at body shops. I used to refer to one local shop (long since closed) as The Old Spaghetti Factory after seeing one too many of their alarm installs.

There’s a lot of truth to the article: if you have the slightest doubt about your mechanical ability, leave it to the pros. Myself, I have a ’05 Scion and maintenance doesn’t scare me a bit. Brakes, oil, plugs, belts, and the like are all within the reach of a home mechanic IF you have spent some time turning wrenches and have the ability to follow directions.

Speaking of directions, the Internet is a godsend for DIYers. I downloaded the full shop manual for my car for free (and legally). Back in the bad old days, it would have set me back $50-100 or more and occupied a bunch of shelf space.

[drboom]

As a former mobile electronics installer, I’ve seen just about every kind of DIY nightmare you can imagine. I’ve also seen a lot of “professional” nightmares: car audio installers are usually just one step up the auto shop evolutionary ladder from the Bondo slingers at body shops. I used to refer to one local shop (long since closed) as The Old Spaghetti Factory after seeing one too many of their alarm installs.

There’s a lot of truth to the article: if you have the slightest doubt about your mechanical ability, leave it to the pros. Myself, I have a ’05 Scion and maintenance doesn’t scare me a bit. Brakes, oil, plugs, belts, and the like are all within the reach of a home mechanic IF you have spent some time turning wrenches and have the ability to follow directions.

Speaking of directions, the Internet is a godsend for DIYers. I downloaded the full shop manual for my car for free (and legally). Back in the bad old days, it would have set me back $50-100 or more and occupied a bunch of shelf space.

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