Car owners live to regret do-it-yourself repairs

When the tail light of Laura Musall's five-year-old Nissan Altima burned out, she hoped to avoid the repair shop by letting her husband replace it at home.

[Helena]

It doesn't just extend to car repairs....computer problems, teaching yourself how to sew, and home repairs can also fit in this category....I have to play detective to find out the real story when I help people with whatever they need help with...I try to make them feel comfortable by telling them "I won't try and do your job, you don't try to do mine, and we'll get this issue resolved". They usually laugh and appreciate the candor.

[Junk Yard]

I learned to practice at the "junk yard" first. We have a "Pick a Part" place locally and you can find all makes and models. I find a car like mine, and I practice on one of theirs, first. I learn whether it's a job I want to do on my own car, or if I need to take it into the shop.

[Blamez]

However, just as many horror arise from taking ones vehicle to a "professional" repair shop or dealership.

[uncle_vito]

Out of work or low on cash? Hardly. I just am not lazy and do not like being ripped off by dealers.

When you buy a new car, buy the service manual. Likely several hundred dollars, but you MUST have it. Study the diagrams and read everythinb before you start.

Obviously, you must have mechanical ability. Otherwise give it up.

Vito

[Testing]

Testing

[Fix It Yourself]

I am so discusted with these shops that don't know how to fix your car. Most recently, I took my car in for a transmission problem after much troubleshooting myself. The guy charged me $300 to replace a solenoid that WASNT BROKEN. The car continued to have transmission problems.

I eventually replaced the car's computer with one I found online at a junk yard near New Orleans for $106.

Problem fixed.

I fix almost anything myself now. Although back-braking and frustrating at times, it is very satisfying to fix things yourself knowing you saved a whole bunch of money, and now understanding how "it" works.

[Fix It Yourself]

And the a-hole wouldn't refund me a cent. I might just sue him for the principle of it.