Long time lurker here - There have been multiple threads that discuss if DIY-ing most common car repair jobs is frugal.
My tip to y'all here is on a slightly different note - If you're going to the mechanic for car repair, make sure you extract the maximum possible value from the $$ you're paying him/her for labor on your car. Do your homework on what the job involves, and think of other things that could be done while they have it up and apart in the shop.
For instance: I recently needed to get the spark plugs on my Nissan changed. (I tried doing it myself and ended up stripping a bolt on the intake manifold, incase you were wondering why I didn't do it myself.) I took it to a local shop that quoted $150 in labor for the job. Since I had done my homework on what parts this job would involve, I also asked him to change the intake gasket, clean the throttle body and air intake - in addition to the spark plug replacement.
This is also very relevant to most brake related jobs. If you're changing the brake pads, ask the mechanic to switch out the rotors too. Or if you're having the rear drum brakes serviced (cleaned), then have them change the spring assembly and pads too while they're in there.
Bonus: If you're getting a pre-purchase inspection on a car you're relatively confident about buying, ask the mechanic to put anti-sieze paste on any bolts he/she removes - especially the rear drum brakes, or front calipers etc. It'll make DIY-ing repairs in the future easier.
October 27, 2017 at 06:10PM
