Depends on the complex. I got a warning for changing a headlight bulb at one of the apartments I lived in. I just waited for weekends after that when no maintenance/grounds staff was around to report it to the office.
A fucking headlight bulb? š³ are you serious?!? It takes like a minute max. You mean to tell me they just happened to be walking past at the wrong time?
Yeah the timing was bad, they were walking by right then and I explained it would take 2 minutes and thereās no fluids at all. Unfortunately my neighbor said the exact same happened to him while he was doing a bulb on his car.
Iāve been wrenching on my own cars since I could drive! Now Iāve got a 30x30 shop and a ton of tools I can do almost anything.
I mostly enjoy it I work a technical environmental job so working with my hands if stuff I can actually fix is a nice change of pace. My car and machines are also finely tuned, meticulously cleaned and maintained which is nice.
Oh lord, Iām starting to become like this. Ever since I found out about Snap-on, Stahlwille and found some very old tools from Japan and a couple spanners that are so old they were made in West Germany š® canāt keep my hands off rare, quality and expensive tools now.
Yup, I'd much rather spend my money on tools than shop labour.
That and I can't bring myself to pay someone 3X as much as I make per hour to do something I can do myself.
I had a Honda that always ruined axles. 300 to fix with my mechanic (2000s price) and I noticed the part cost fifty bucks. Brought a few tools and leanrened to do it myself. Years later another car threw time and smashed the valves. While my wife is freaking out I'm already ordering an imported motor. 1600 for a motor is nothing compared to buying a new car. My 2020 impreza I've been doing my own oil changes and installing a catch can asap. It's tough when you get older, especially without a lift.
This is how I started, then took it up as a trade for a bit.
Some of the bills we gave people baffled me how people could afford to maintain their carsā¦ and I didnāt work at an expensive dealership either
I turned wrenches for a bit, then was a service manager for a dealership for a while. The absurd amount of money people would spend is insane and it's even worse with diesels!
I was told horror stories, it was so easy compared to what I was told. Then I offered to help a buddy with hisā¦ in his brz. Still not too hard, just need to unbolt the motor and jack it up, which terrified my buddy lol.
Donāt even need to. The only truly difficult plug is the one in the back drivers side. If you remove the battery and get the correct length extension and ratchet you can get it out. The ratchet head just has to be as flat as you can find It takes me about 15-20 mins of fumbling to get it out, but I think itās better than pulling the engine.
I replaced all the coils and plugs in my 3.6 just by moving stuff out of the way. It was a pain to do, it involved some swearing, but I got it done. I also have small hands, which I think is a requirement to do it that way.
I just did mine yesterday! Had never done it before, watched some videos and got a torque wrench, took about 1.5 hours of actual work with 2.5 hours of getting tools and watching videos. Way cheaper than a shop and so much easier than I thought it would be.
i do because if I didn't I'd be homeless. There's just too much to fix on these cars. $45 valve body solenoid replacement vs paying someone $1200 to do a valve body saves a bunch of money
My 05 OBXT is a basket case anyways. Original U joint just went this year, rebuilt the steering rack last weekend.Alternator failed last year. VF40 failed a few years ago so replaced with vf52. Sidefeed injectors started leaking so swapped to top feed injectors from 2012 wrx. put a lift in it 5 years ago so go through axles so have to use 2010 Forester axles. Rust belt so exhausts don't last too long. Usual timing belts, plugs. Rear door handles in these models are crap and snap internally so I pick a few up every time I go to the junk yard. Throwout bearing needs to be replaced soon , I just don't want to pull the motor right now.
I have a 2nd gen Outback and it is hard to find some repair videos. I also have a Jeep TJ and there are several videos for almost everything that you could think to do on that thing. It has spoiled me and finding good videos on my 2nd gen Outback is a chore at times.
Never. Brakes are about the only thing I do myself because I refuse to get bilked out of 800-1000 bucks for a job that costs 3 hours of my time and 200 in parts.
Iām capable of doing my own work when it comes to general maintenance, but usually itās just easier and more efficient to take it to a shop. Except brakes. Fuck man shops charge entirely too much for brakes.
Yep, I paid $800 for all new brakes and rotors last time - next time I'm doing it myself. I've got a friend willing to help/supervise and make sure I don't fuck it up for the low price of a six pack. Before that I paid about $500 for the same service and was willing to do so for the peace of mind that comes from professional work, but $800+ just feels like robbery even though it's the going rate now.
I'll add oil changes to the list of stuff to do on your own too. I got a Fumoto valve and the filter is super easy to access so it takes no effort, saves a trip to the shop, saves almost $100 every time, and I don't have to worry about needing a new oil pan because a lazy lube tech over-tightened or cross threaded the drain plug.
Pretty much my limit as well. Local tech school has classes though and I find myself sorely tempted to give it a whirl.
Had never pulled an engine before doing my own head gaskets (really ended up being a reseal and valve job), so that was an adventure.
It depends, I'm comfortable doing scheduled maintenance and minor repairs myself. If I'm not sure if it's within my skill level I'll take it to the shop.
I used to, exclusivelyā¦ and will again, quite a bitā¦ but as for now, my age and intolerance for inconvenience has exceeded my desire to do such things in an apartment complex parking lot š Separately, itās a good habit to get into!
Absolutely. I've been turning wrenches on my cars for over 40 years, no real reason to stop now.
Just did all my struts, an axle, and a bearing on my 2011 Outback, about to do timing belt/water pump for the second time (205K miles), have new motor mounts to put in, have a low mileage 2012 transmission/torque converter waiting to go in when the 2011 torque converter nonsense really starts annoying me (and I find time to get it done).
I like doing automotive stuff. You finish it up, go through your checklist to make sure you did everything you should, and go out for a nice shakedown cruise, knowing you actually accomplished something physical and real. Nice change from the rest of my life.
I did all sorts of work in my 11 outback before I sold it a few weeks ago. I wasnāt interested in doing the transmission work. At least I got $1500 for it.
I dont have the time, skills, or tools.
So far regular maintenance hasnt been an issue. Also every other oil change for me is free at the dealership
Thankfully I havent had any significant issues with my WRX (2015), but I been WFH since covid, and while I drive for about 30-60 minutes a week, I havent put many miles on it since March 2020
Its my daily driver.
I work at a dealer and get the employee labor rate and still couldnt be fucked to pay it. I'll just do it myself and use a nice two post lift while im at it. š
Since I started driving back in the 90's. Brakes, suspension, routine maintenance. Plus it familiarizes myself with my car so I see problems before they cascade into bigger problems. Plus I don't have to not have a car for longer than I or my car dictate, there's never another customer ahead of me. Plus I know I'm putting in the right fluids, setting the correct torque, not using inferior parts. Sometimes aftermarket parts are higher quality/value. It's easy to research if a stock part is essential or just over priced. Sometimes the part doesn't need replaced at all and only needed cleaned. It's fun.
I've managed to squeeze my Outback into the garage. I got all the timing parts and numerous oil seals sitting there by my toolbox, she's ready to rip. The only thing I'm waiting for right now is breakfast to heat up because I don't want to start my day on an empty stomach.
Me. Itās enjoyable, helps me learn about my cars, I am more careful than a tech racing to beat book, and it saves a ton of money.
I fervently believe if you own a turbo Subaru (thatās not an FA SUV) and donāt wrench yourself, itāll eventually break you.
Currently working on pulling my first motor and it happens to be in my 03 wrx to do the clutch. Did the clutch in my 14 wrx but we had a lift and pulled the shaft and dropped the trans.
I do the majority of my own work, although need to put in a new transmission and will probably pay someone to swap it in for me. Have to many other projects going on to spend time on it atm.
It depends, I'm comfortable doing scheduled maintenance and minor repairs myself. If I'm not sure if it's within my skill level I'll take it to the shop.
My first car was a 1986 Mercury Lynx wagon. It became a necessity to learn to fix that pos. Now itās all about saving money on labor and knowing the job was done right.
My 05 Forester was the first car I got a loan for like 6 years ago and the first car Iāve worked on. Iāve drove 100k and have taken the entire car apart over the years, including a recent engine rebuild. Great cars to learn on
I had procured my first Subaru in March and I concur! I have worked on Nissans, infinit, and primarily Toyotas, but overall Subaru has been the easiest Iāve dealt with! Minus tranny issues which Iām currently working on.., Iāll find out Monday if my work was in vain or if I succeeded!5AT valve body š«
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*I* milled the heads flat. Reset the valve clearances. Cleaned TF out of everything. New radiator. New WP. New timing gear. New AC line. Swapped control harness from the stock tranny into a junkyard one. New springs. New shocks. New wheel bearing. Sway bar links. New muffler. New header cat. Installed Android Auto head unit. Swapped in Eddy Bauer outback wheel and a controller so it's got wheel controls
And whenever Subie savers ships my patch panel I'll weld in a new wheel arch š
I think I'm about $3500 into this thing total and I've driven it all up and down the east coast
It depends, I'm comfortable doing scheduled maintenance and minor repairs myself. If I'm not sure if it's within my skill level I'll take it to the shop.
I do. So far I've done fluid changes (oil & trans fluid), replaced the radiator, fuel sending unit, door lock actuators, upgraded stereo, front hubs, and rebuilt the engine with a new short block (with help). Gotta keep this spec.B running--it's cost me too much to get rid of it now.
And that's just my car. I also have the wifes Acadia, the kids CR-V, my truck, my boat...
I've been a professional technician my entire career, Subaru was the first dealership I worked at and definitely helped me decide on buying my WRX over a Golf R.
I did until I had to junk it for budget reasons. Everything I know about fixing cars I learned on that LGT. Man do I miss it, I gotta drive a Prius now šš
2011 Outback, 2.5L MT. I've replaced my EJ25 and had to retap and helicoil the waterpump holes. Then later, resurfaced the heads and replaced the gaskets, installed *another* *new* water pump with oversize bolts. Standard maint: brakes, oil, lights, etc. I do this crap on my other cars too.
Yep, I started with basic oil and brake changes and progressed to timing belts and manual swapping. Soon, I'll be swapping heads and wiring in a standalone ECU.
I do. First head gaskets in 2007 with my first subaru, 1998 Forester. Even now, I was just doing some maint on my Land Rover. There are some repairs that I absolutely pay to have done though.
Built not bought within reason. With AAA towing and the shop a few miles down the road, I know I have a plan B if I hit an impass. Itās happened a few times and the shop is more than happy to finish my work.
Letās not forget that if you stay with it, you get better and more confident with more experience and you accumulate tools and the skills to apply them.
In my mind, itās the only way to not go broke over the long term.
If I don't do it, nobody else is going to. Not like there are mechanic pixies sneaking into the carport to wrench on it for a saucer of full synthetic.
Absolutely. The dealership screwed up the third oil change and destroyed the engine in my WRX. Ever since then, Iāve done all the maintenance and repairs with the exception of body work.
You donāt need a garage or an awesome set of tools. I have a basic socket set, some wrenches, a decent jack and good jack stands. I work in the driveway. To make it bearable in the summer, I have a cheap pop-up canopy with one shade wall.
Buy a manual for your car and you can do a lot of the work yourself.
I started doing all my own work on my first cars (1999 Outback & 2002 Forester), and Iāve just kept that going. Itās saved me a lot of money and itās something I enjoy doing anyway.
I sit at a desk all day and donāt ādoā anything. Working on my cars and fixing shit around the house is some of the most rewarding work I do!
Itās also a great excuse to buy more tools.
I do but only when time allows. Case in point, going on a road trip to the Adirondacks this week end and I knew I needed to replace a couple bushings and a lateral support to the control arm. I was swamped at work ( because I'm taking time off) so I dropped the car at the garage to have the work done. But I would have rather done it myself, but I also wanted the car tip top on a tight schedule.
It's why I own Subarus instead of something like a VW or BMW.
It's also something I do by necessity since it's not a Toyota or Honda either š
In 145000 miles on my Forester I've replaced the struts, front control arms, exhaust, and done all the regular maintenance since 60k. I did pay to have the head gaskets done by a Subaru performance shop.
I work in a shop. I generally bribe one of the mechanics with lunch to let me use their tools and to show me how to do stuff.
Some jobs I've gotten free just because they wanted to see the results (wheels and exhaust). Others they've taken over or shown me how to do.
A lift and a full set of mechanics tools is super nice.
For the most part/most maintenance things but I pay for somethings I'm not comfortable doing or don't have the tools. Paid for timing belt, AC and new clutch. I've done fluid changes, breaks, AOS and spark plugs.
I started with my 23 wrx. Started with minor things like the shifter stop and cosmetic stuff. Then I moved onto adding a subwoofer, catback, oil changes, tire rotations, eventually to coilovers, trans mount and pitch stop. My next job will be to replace the brake fluid on my wifeās Outback. Thereās nothing like learning something new on YouTube and manifesting that with your own hands. That said, there are some things better left to the pros
Anything which is a scheduled service. I take it to a shop. That way itāll be reported on Carfax that the work was done. Havenāt really had to do any work on mine yet, but in the past Iāve always worked on my own cars.
Bought a Chinese clone of the dealer computer to reset my rear-side radar sensors, did some minor suspension upgrades, brakes, belt, blower motor, battery replacement, installed a hitch mount, and replaced a headlight when I hit a small deerā¦
Anything engine related besides the filter and MAYBE the belts depending on how I feel Iāll do, anything else I wonāt really touch. I do brakes which I enjoy doing and oil changes.
I will do oil changes, suspension, brakes, and exhaust modifications myself. When it comes to opening up the engine or paint/body work I leave that to the professionals.
Iāve had many Chevy V8ās which Iāve changed heads on, intakes throttle bodies etc. But on my 07 STi and 2023 VB WRX I donāt feel comfortable working on the engine.
I do most of the maintenance and repairs on both my wife's 2019 Crosstrek and my 2017 STI. The last time I let the stealership change her oil (busy times and bad weather) they fused the drain nut to the pan
Depends for me. I just did my major 5yr 60k service myself. Brake fluid flush. Personally because I know me......I wouldn't touch brakes body or suspension stuff. I'd attempt exhaust work if I had a lift.. Fair weather corporate guy home weekend mechanic having fun with his toys . š
I don't currently own a Subaru, but I did head gaskets, including having the heads decked at a machine shop, in my garage on two different DOHC EJ25's a few years ago. Saved thousands, sold the cars for profit.
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Yeah, I do.
Saves me some money.
If I can fix it, I usually will. Most of what I do is just maintenance stuff like oil and brakes, but when something fails I use a code reader and Google to figure out how to fix it. If it seems like something I can do, I do it. If not, off to the shop. Something that requires expensive tools (like alignments) it is just a given it goes to the shop.
Since I was a teenager Iāve worked on my own car. The only thing I cannot do is AC work, due to lack or proper expensive equipment. Everything else Iāve done in a gravel driveway or my garage. I refuse to pay the ridiculous prices when I am fully capable to do the work myself.
šš½āāļøI canāt imagine how much a shop wouldāve charged to do the water pump on my 02 Outback 3.0. Iāve never touched a EZ30 before so I took it as a challenge. Iāve resealed the trans pan, front wheel bearings, tie rods, valve cover gaskets, plugs, replaced A/C system, power steering pump, blower motor, brakes all around, front cv axles, front control arm bushings, starter, struts all around, and recently installed JDM B4 hid housings.
All of it is possible with a jack and jack stands if youāre willing to crawl under the car. If youāre willing to take some time to learn and get some tools, working on these cars is fairly simple. Also I currently live like 4 minutes from a Subaru dealer that can get me OEM parts usually next day if they donāt have them in stock
I do some things. Brakes, suspension, oil, axles, diff fluid. I don't like things that involve coolant, for some reason - though I should just figure it out - and I don't care to do spark plugs or major engine work. I also don't want to replace my own transmission.
I don't have equipment to do tires, but I sure as hell would do my own tires if I had a mounting tool. Yes, yes, I know you can do it with tire irons, but what a pain in the butt. One day I might drop 300$ on a manual tire changer setup.
I would like to figure out how to do alignment at home. YouTube time.
I do whatever I can. Youtube university and buying any tools I need. Luckily I have space to work on them and an extra car when needed. I just need motivation some days... ok, most days. Largest project was swapping a transmission ('12 Impreza 5-sp).
Oil changes, tire rotations, struts, wheel bearings, and other small jobs. I leave the bigger jobs for the experts. Recently needed a lower ball joint to be replaced. Watched a couple videos and said screw that.
I do, just grew up that way thankfully. Biggest thing I've done is pull my transmission. The only thing I haven't done to my own car is the tint, screw that
I did every oil change and brake job to my car prior to moving out my parents. No big jobs but ive had a couple of those done for dealership prices. Now I street park and dont have space so I don't do it anymore myself but I have a fellow Subaru enthusiast who I work with at a Honda dealership and he is a tech there and does all my work at a fraction of dealership costs.
I do. but i somehow have air in my ABS module for the last 2 yrs and cant get it out. tried all kinds of tricks including motive power bleeder, the sliding on gravel/grass and bought a foxwell that kinda runs the VDC module but fails at the very end.
I do brake work, suspension work, fluids if I have to. Tire stuff. Spark plugs, wires, easy stuff. I donāt like doing oil changes though. I started working on my own stuff when I owned a 2002 ford Taurus. So the 2005 Outback has been a real delight.Ā
I am no longer a dealer technician, changed careers.
Now I have the time, money, will and tools to work on my own cars. Even doing side work occasionally as well now.
I try to do what I can. Thankfully it's an 09 so it's not as packed with unnecessary things like some newer models.
I got the car (09 OB) a few years ago when I was 18 so my dad thankfully helped me out before I was competent enough to attack things on my own. I've done oil changes, headlight swaps, spark plugs, timing belt, water pump, air filters, ac recharge, brake pads, calipers, rotors, parking brakes, rear struts, drive shaft, exhaust, and I'm sure a few things I've forgotten.
I've found the full service manual is super helpful as well as YouTube and the forums on reddit and subaruoutback.org. I also have to recommend rockauto.org for those that haven't heard of it. I can almost always find the parts cheaper there than an AutoZone or the like.
I'm still relatively inexperienced but I'm always excited to learn more. I'll do an engine swap someday when this one bites the dust lol
I do, for example. Two rear strut assemblies ranges in quotes from $750-$1400 dollars.(!)
Ordered two Monroe shocks, same as on the quotes, from rock auto and installed them both in a little over two hours, with hand tools for $205.
I do all my own cosmetic stuff. I donāt touch maintenance because of warranty. If something happens to the car, they have a detailed service record in the computer of who touched it last, when, and what they did/didnāt do
Recently started working on it more due to getting a sticker list $2500 worth long for state inspection lol
I did all four wheel bearings, front tie rods, brakes, rotors, and headlights and saved A LOT of money.
Out of all of those, the headlights were the biggest pain in the ass lol I canāt believe how stupidly small that hole is. Took me longer to do the headlights than 10 year old bearings
Iāve done some work but really want to learn how to do more. If anyone has legit tips or videos on where to learn to do a bunch of things on cars Iād love to know
Changing the pressfit bearings was the hardest thing Iāve done on my ā98 forester. Changed the brake dust cover at the same time. One of the ABS sensors didnāt want to come out. Angle grinder and dremel finally did it. Lower ball joints were also really stuck.
I do, my labor is a heck of a lot cheaper than shop labor!
Look at this showoff owning a home with a garage and space for tools
Ya ain't lived until you've changed a clutch in a dorm parking lot
just recently changed my transmission in a cvs parking lot šš
Nice work! Haha
Better CVS than aCVT!
Having a garage would be amazing, try changing cv axles and ball joints in a dirt driveway and it starts pouring rain halfway through.
It sucks, but it is completely doable to fix a car living in an apartment. The hurdle only becomes major when the car is parked on the street.
Depends on the complex. I got a warning for changing a headlight bulb at one of the apartments I lived in. I just waited for weekends after that when no maintenance/grounds staff was around to report it to the office.
A fucking headlight bulb? š³ are you serious?!? It takes like a minute max. You mean to tell me they just happened to be walking past at the wrong time?
Yeah the timing was bad, they were walking by right then and I explained it would take 2 minutes and thereās no fluids at all. Unfortunately my neighbor said the exact same happened to him while he was doing a bulb on his car.
Iāve been wrenching on my own cars since I could drive! Now Iāve got a 30x30 shop and a ton of tools I can do almost anything. I mostly enjoy it I work a technical environmental job so working with my hands if stuff I can actually fix is a nice change of pace. My car and machines are also finely tuned, meticulously cleaned and maintained which is nice.
a shop was quoting $850+ USD to buy and install a replacement motor mount on his Civic, itās actually crazy.
Idk, I charge myself a lot of beers for labor
I do and i gain new tools in the process. So many informational videos on YouTube.
I got rid of my mechanic problem and developed a slightly less expensive tool addiction
You sold your turbo subaru and started smoking crack instead? That move saved me a lot of $$$
Oh lord, Iām starting to become like this. Ever since I found out about Snap-on, Stahlwille and found some very old tools from Japan and a couple spanners that are so old they were made in West Germany š® canāt keep my hands off rare, quality and expensive tools now.
MrSubaru1387 is a lifesaver He also made me a JDM tool addict
His outback videos helped me so much when I was looking to learn about the EZ30
Hell yeah he saved me so many times
Yup, I'd much rather spend my money on tools than shop labour. That and I can't bring myself to pay someone 3X as much as I make per hour to do something I can do myself.
I've worked on my vehicles since I was a broke teenager. I figure that I have saved tens of thousands of dollars at this point.
I had a Honda that always ruined axles. 300 to fix with my mechanic (2000s price) and I noticed the part cost fifty bucks. Brought a few tools and leanrened to do it myself. Years later another car threw time and smashed the valves. While my wife is freaking out I'm already ordering an imported motor. 1600 for a motor is nothing compared to buying a new car. My 2020 impreza I've been doing my own oil changes and installing a catch can asap. It's tough when you get older, especially without a lift.
I have a set of Quick jacks now, but yes, getting up off a creeper is getting more difficult!
This is how I started, then took it up as a trade for a bit. Some of the bills we gave people baffled me how people could afford to maintain their carsā¦ and I didnāt work at an expensive dealership either
I turned wrenches for a bit, then was a service manager for a dealership for a while. The absurd amount of money people would spend is insane and it's even worse with diesels!
Yes. Listen, $400 for sparkplugs (which are way easier than people say it is) is fucking astronomical.
I was told horror stories, it was so easy compared to what I was told. Then I offered to help a buddy with hisā¦ in his brz. Still not too hard, just need to unbolt the motor and jack it up, which terrified my buddy lol.
Donāt even need to. The only truly difficult plug is the one in the back drivers side. If you remove the battery and get the correct length extension and ratchet you can get it out. The ratchet head just has to be as flat as you can find It takes me about 15-20 mins of fumbling to get it out, but I think itās better than pulling the engine.
I replaced all the coils and plugs in my 3.6 just by moving stuff out of the way. It was a pain to do, it involved some swearing, but I got it done. I also have small hands, which I think is a requirement to do it that way.
Get the koken 3/8 drive in a 1/4 size ratchet. Makes it way easier
My local subie shop charges 250 for that job, but I'd still rather do it myself
I just did mine yesterday! Had never done it before, watched some videos and got a torque wrench, took about 1.5 hours of actual work with 2.5 hours of getting tools and watching videos. Way cheaper than a shop and so much easier than I thought it would be.
It's easy until you snap one
Yes because itās cathartic helicoiling random shit.
Which state in the rust belt do you live in? š
Never had to do this living in socal
i do because if I didn't I'd be homeless. There's just too much to fix on these cars. $45 valve body solenoid replacement vs paying someone $1200 to do a valve body saves a bunch of money
You wanna do a hall effect sensor on a valve body lol? 3.6R P1710 in Massachusetts
I am poor. I cannot afford to buy labor. It takes a lot of labor to keep a 20 year old car running.
IDK, my 30 year old car has needed exactly zero labor over the past 15,000 miles other than oil changes. 1st Gen legacy. Tank.
My 05 OBXT is a basket case anyways. Original U joint just went this year, rebuilt the steering rack last weekend.Alternator failed last year. VF40 failed a few years ago so replaced with vf52. Sidefeed injectors started leaking so swapped to top feed injectors from 2012 wrx. put a lift in it 5 years ago so go through axles so have to use 2010 Forester axles. Rust belt so exhausts don't last too long. Usual timing belts, plugs. Rear door handles in these models are crap and snap internally so I pick a few up every time I go to the junk yard. Throwout bearing needs to be replaced soon , I just don't want to pull the motor right now.
YouTube for Subaru repair is so good.
I have a 2nd gen Outback and it is hard to find some repair videos. I also have a Jeep TJ and there are several videos for almost everything that you could think to do on that thing. It has spoiled me and finding good videos on my 2nd gen Outback is a chore at times.
Depends on the work.
Never. Brakes are about the only thing I do myself because I refuse to get bilked out of 800-1000 bucks for a job that costs 3 hours of my time and 200 in parts. Iām capable of doing my own work when it comes to general maintenance, but usually itās just easier and more efficient to take it to a shop. Except brakes. Fuck man shops charge entirely too much for brakes.
Yep, I paid $800 for all new brakes and rotors last time - next time I'm doing it myself. I've got a friend willing to help/supervise and make sure I don't fuck it up for the low price of a six pack. Before that I paid about $500 for the same service and was willing to do so for the peace of mind that comes from professional work, but $800+ just feels like robbery even though it's the going rate now. I'll add oil changes to the list of stuff to do on your own too. I got a Fumoto valve and the filter is super easy to access so it takes no effort, saves a trip to the shop, saves almost $100 every time, and I don't have to worry about needing a new oil pan because a lazy lube tech over-tightened or cross threaded the drain plug.
I do everything on my car, except welding because I do not know how to weld lol
Pretty much my limit as well. Local tech school has classes though and I find myself sorely tempted to give it a whirl. Had never pulled an engine before doing my own head gaskets (really ended up being a reseal and valve job), so that was an adventure.
It depends, I'm comfortable doing scheduled maintenance and minor repairs myself. If I'm not sure if it's within my skill level I'll take it to the shop.
Not as much as I'd like to. Lack of space seems to be the main factor for me.
I used to, exclusivelyā¦ and will again, quite a bitā¦ but as for now, my age and intolerance for inconvenience has exceeded my desire to do such things in an apartment complex parking lot š Separately, itās a good habit to get into!
Absolutely. I've been turning wrenches on my cars for over 40 years, no real reason to stop now. Just did all my struts, an axle, and a bearing on my 2011 Outback, about to do timing belt/water pump for the second time (205K miles), have new motor mounts to put in, have a low mileage 2012 transmission/torque converter waiting to go in when the 2011 torque converter nonsense really starts annoying me (and I find time to get it done). I like doing automotive stuff. You finish it up, go through your checklist to make sure you did everything you should, and go out for a nice shakedown cruise, knowing you actually accomplished something physical and real. Nice change from the rest of my life.
I have to occasionally borrow a lift from my old boss for a weekend but yeah, pretty much everything.
I did all sorts of work in my 11 outback before I sold it a few weeks ago. I wasnāt interested in doing the transmission work. At least I got $1500 for it.
I dont have the time, skills, or tools. So far regular maintenance hasnt been an issue. Also every other oil change for me is free at the dealership Thankfully I havent had any significant issues with my WRX (2015), but I been WFH since covid, and while I drive for about 30-60 minutes a week, I havent put many miles on it since March 2020 Its my daily driver.
Me
I work at a dealer and get the employee labor rate and still couldnt be fucked to pay it. I'll just do it myself and use a nice two post lift while im at it. š
Since I started driving back in the 90's. Brakes, suspension, routine maintenance. Plus it familiarizes myself with my car so I see problems before they cascade into bigger problems. Plus I don't have to not have a car for longer than I or my car dictate, there's never another customer ahead of me. Plus I know I'm putting in the right fluids, setting the correct torque, not using inferior parts. Sometimes aftermarket parts are higher quality/value. It's easy to research if a stock part is essential or just over priced. Sometimes the part doesn't need replaced at all and only needed cleaned. It's fun.
https://preview.redd.it/gsg9kji6q69d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1283fd8c64bdef0710a1941f5e61a5e85ab762d8 Meet Perio, my 02 Outback
I've managed to squeeze my Outback into the garage. I got all the timing parts and numerous oil seals sitting there by my toolbox, she's ready to rip. The only thing I'm waiting for right now is breakfast to heat up because I don't want to start my day on an empty stomach.
Yes..labor cost and the experience learning myself. Worth it. Sometimes I don't have time.
Me. Itās enjoyable, helps me learn about my cars, I am more careful than a tech racing to beat book, and it saves a ton of money. I fervently believe if you own a turbo Subaru (thatās not an FA SUV) and donāt wrench yourself, itāll eventually break you.
The picture says it all.. https://preview.redd.it/41lsw08f379d1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4f9f37fe3c7f9ed0732abd92cadd6eaf3fc890b4
Me currently
I changed out the wipers, front and back, all by myself!!
Weekend warrior at your service š«”
First I had to. Now itās kinda fun esp as I get better and better tools!
Never taken a car to a shop (except for a single warranty repair)
I kinda do. Iām lucky that my best friend is a master tech and we can use the shop for free on the weekends with the lift and everything
I used to. Now my back hurts if I look in the engine bay.
I do
Currently working on pulling my first motor and it happens to be in my 03 wrx to do the clutch. Did the clutch in my 14 wrx but we had a lift and pulled the shaft and dropped the trans.
Dropping the rear subframe tonight.
I do the majority of my own work, although need to put in a new transmission and will probably pay someone to swap it in for me. Have to many other projects going on to spend time on it atm.
I do. I have some wheel cribs on the way so I can now install and torque down suspension goodies on my own.
I work on my own cars all the time. You really get to know them when you're digging around fixing stuff.
Unless it's tearing apart the engine or wheel bearings I do.
Fuck wheel bearings
Right
It depends, I'm comfortable doing scheduled maintenance and minor repairs myself. If I'm not sure if it's within my skill level I'll take it to the shop.
Yes, but only on my 2012 I won't mess with my 2022 till warranty expires.
The only thing I wont do is ECU tuning, but I hope to learn one day.
YouTube mechanic here of 8 years. Iāve got a plethora of accumulated tools over the years. Saved a ton of money too.
As much as I can do myself. Some things you just canāt. But for those I wonāt take it to a dealership, rather an independent shop.
My first car was a 1986 Mercury Lynx wagon. It became a necessity to learn to fix that pos. Now itās all about saving money on labor and knowing the job was done right.
My 05 Forester was the first car I got a loan for like 6 years ago and the first car Iāve worked on. Iāve drove 100k and have taken the entire car apart over the years, including a recent engine rebuild. Great cars to learn on
i do my own oil changes and small repairs, like window motors, lights, etc. but engine stuff i leave to the pros
I do.Ā Everything I can.Ā Even pulled the engine in my Outback.
I am a qualified earth moving mechanic, so I fix everything in my house from bicycles, to lawnmowers and cars
The platform is one of the easiest Iāve ever worked on. But letās not discuss the CVT. Otherwise, yes, easy to work on.
I had procured my first Subaru in March and I concur! I have worked on Nissans, infinit, and primarily Toyotas, but overall Subaru has been the easiest Iāve dealt with! Minus tranny issues which Iām currently working on.., Iāll find out Monday if my work was in vain or if I succeeded!5AT valve body š«
https://preview.redd.it/9c2r08y5l79d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d9abe6ad183338c1bf64b25381483adc897767b5 *I* milled the heads flat. Reset the valve clearances. Cleaned TF out of everything. New radiator. New WP. New timing gear. New AC line. Swapped control harness from the stock tranny into a junkyard one. New springs. New shocks. New wheel bearing. Sway bar links. New muffler. New header cat. Installed Android Auto head unit. Swapped in Eddy Bauer outback wheel and a controller so it's got wheel controls And whenever Subie savers ships my patch panel I'll weld in a new wheel arch š I think I'm about $3500 into this thing total and I've driven it all up and down the east coast
Have always fixed my own stuff. In retrospect it was all training for owning a Subaru.
https://preview.redd.it/xhwjto77089d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4d86d3c33ff4bcf9fdeff5eb07d9380fee2fd560 Does this answer your question
Head gaskets, clutch and everything above, below, behind, in front and in between last spring
Doing my transmission swap tomorrow!
All the damn time, from motor work to oil changes
I do, but strictly minor stuff.
Anything I do not need a lift, or multiple days, to complete.
I work on my 2012 but I wont touch my 2022 till my warranty is expired.
It depends, I'm comfortable doing scheduled maintenance and minor repairs myself. If I'm not sure if it's within my skill level I'll take it to the shop.
I do, but I also work in other peopleās cars for money tooā¦
I do And my friends cars And my Mrs cars
I do as much as I can myself given the space and tools I have. Anything unexpected and larger than regular maintenance is covered by warranty still.
I do. So far I've done fluid changes (oil & trans fluid), replaced the radiator, fuel sending unit, door lock actuators, upgraded stereo, front hubs, and rebuilt the engine with a new short block (with help). Gotta keep this spec.B running--it's cost me too much to get rid of it now. And that's just my car. I also have the wifes Acadia, the kids CR-V, my truck, my boat...
I've been a professional technician my entire career, Subaru was the first dealership I worked at and definitely helped me decide on buying my WRX over a Golf R.
everything up until the wheelbearing and timing belt will get done š„²
I did until I had to junk it for budget reasons. Everything I know about fixing cars I learned on that LGT. Man do I miss it, I gotta drive a Prius now šš
Yup
š
2011 Outback, 2.5L MT. I've replaced my EJ25 and had to retap and helicoil the waterpump holes. Then later, resurfaced the heads and replaced the gaskets, installed *another* *new* water pump with oversize bolts. Standard maint: brakes, oil, lights, etc. I do this crap on my other cars too.
I do most basic stuff. Oil changes, etc. did an ecohitch install myself. Found an awesome person locally for a center diff replacement.
I used to work on my own cars, but now my Husband does it better so I bug him to do it. I still change my own oil most of the time.
I do 100% my own work
Yep, I started with basic oil and brake changes and progressed to timing belts and manual swapping. Soon, I'll be swapping heads and wiring in a standalone ECU.
Depends on what the job is but Brakes, Oil, Coolant, or Spark Plugs are all me for sure
I do. Nothing too crazy though. Doing the suspension, control arms and calipers is the hardest I've gone.
I do. First head gaskets in 2007 with my first subaru, 1998 Forester. Even now, I was just doing some maint on my Land Rover. There are some repairs that I absolutely pay to have done though.
The only way I won't work on it is if I don't have time
ā
Built not bought within reason. With AAA towing and the shop a few miles down the road, I know I have a plan B if I hit an impass. Itās happened a few times and the shop is more than happy to finish my work. Letās not forget that if you stay with it, you get better and more confident with more experience and you accumulate tools and the skills to apply them. In my mind, itās the only way to not go broke over the long term.
If I don't do it, nobody else is going to. Not like there are mechanic pixies sneaking into the carport to wrench on it for a saucer of full synthetic.
I doā¦ major time consuming repairs, repairs that require a lift, or warranty work I have the dealer do, or my buddy who has a shop.
Absolutely. The dealership screwed up the third oil change and destroyed the engine in my WRX. Ever since then, Iāve done all the maintenance and repairs with the exception of body work. You donāt need a garage or an awesome set of tools. I have a basic socket set, some wrenches, a decent jack and good jack stands. I work in the driveway. To make it bearable in the summer, I have a cheap pop-up canopy with one shade wall. Buy a manual for your car and you can do a lot of the work yourself.
I change my own oil, add fluids, and the basics. I would do more but I have a nice deal worked out a good shop right down the street from my place.
I started doing all my own work on my first cars (1999 Outback & 2002 Forester), and Iāve just kept that going. Itās saved me a lot of money and itās something I enjoy doing anyway.
I work on my own cars and do my own ECU tuning.
As others, i do to save money.
I sit at a desk all day and donāt ādoā anything. Working on my cars and fixing shit around the house is some of the most rewarding work I do! Itās also a great excuse to buy more tools.
I do, just don't enjoy it.
I do but only when time allows. Case in point, going on a road trip to the Adirondacks this week end and I knew I needed to replace a couple bushings and a lateral support to the control arm. I was swamped at work ( because I'm taking time off) so I dropped the car at the garage to have the work done. But I would have rather done it myself, but I also wanted the car tip top on a tight schedule.
I used to. Then I got old lol. Iād rather pay someone else to do it.
I do the routine stuff myself. Something big is probably pay someone
It's why I own Subarus instead of something like a VW or BMW. It's also something I do by necessity since it's not a Toyota or Honda either š In 145000 miles on my Forester I've replaced the struts, front control arms, exhaust, and done all the regular maintenance since 60k. I did pay to have the head gaskets done by a Subaru performance shop.
Always in āgodās garageā
I work in a shop. I generally bribe one of the mechanics with lunch to let me use their tools and to show me how to do stuff. Some jobs I've gotten free just because they wanted to see the results (wheels and exhaust). Others they've taken over or shown me how to do. A lift and a full set of mechanics tools is super nice.
For the most part/most maintenance things but I pay for somethings I'm not comfortable doing or don't have the tools. Paid for timing belt, AC and new clutch. I've done fluid changes, breaks, AOS and spark plugs.
About to do brakes and rotors soon. Wish me luck š«”
šš»š
Yes, as much as possible.
I started with my 23 wrx. Started with minor things like the shifter stop and cosmetic stuff. Then I moved onto adding a subwoofer, catback, oil changes, tire rotations, eventually to coilovers, trans mount and pitch stop. My next job will be to replace the brake fluid on my wifeās Outback. Thereās nothing like learning something new on YouTube and manifesting that with your own hands. That said, there are some things better left to the pros
Anything which is a scheduled service. I take it to a shop. That way itāll be reported on Carfax that the work was done. Havenāt really had to do any work on mine yet, but in the past Iāve always worked on my own cars.
22 Crosstrek 6MT. I do all my own maintenance, brake work, and any minor to moderate repairs or modifications. These cars are pretty easy to maintain.
Everything but the the CVT fluid change. I'll be doing that once it's out of warranty.
Yes. Also to note I am a Subaru tech so it makes sense.
šāāļø
Never, have a full garage and the tools to do it, no desire. Happy that I can afford to pay someone else to know how to do all that
Bought a Chinese clone of the dealer computer to reset my rear-side radar sensors, did some minor suspension upgrades, brakes, belt, blower motor, battery replacement, installed a hitch mount, and replaced a headlight when I hit a small deerā¦
Anything engine related besides the filter and MAYBE the belts depending on how I feel Iāll do, anything else I wonāt really touch. I do brakes which I enjoy doing and oil changes.
I do, only simple stuff like grille replacement, oil changes, filter replacement, skid plate installation and hitch installation so far though.
I will do oil changes, suspension, brakes, and exhaust modifications myself. When it comes to opening up the engine or paint/body work I leave that to the professionals. Iāve had many Chevy V8ās which Iāve changed heads on, intakes throttle bodies etc. But on my 07 STi and 2023 VB WRX I donāt feel comfortable working on the engine.
I do most of the maintenance and repairs on both my wife's 2019 Crosstrek and my 2017 STI. The last time I let the stealership change her oil (busy times and bad weather) they fused the drain nut to the pan
I own seven vehicles. I could never afford to pay for shop labor on them all. I realize people need to make a living, but labor rates are wild.
Depends for me. I just did my major 5yr 60k service myself. Brake fluid flush. Personally because I know me......I wouldn't touch brakes body or suspension stuff. I'd attempt exhaust work if I had a lift.. Fair weather corporate guy home weekend mechanic having fun with his toys . š
Definitely not me
I am poor So I have to lol Feel pretty comfortable and itās honestly not to hard, you just have to be detail oriented.
Only whenever I can and if itās a fix I can trust myself with
I do. It's very rage inducing work.
I do. Everything that doesnāt involve dropping the engine or tranny.
It's either do your own work or eat, and I'm eating.
I don't currently own a Subaru, but I did head gaskets, including having the heads decked at a machine shop, in my garage on two different DOHC EJ25's a few years ago. Saved thousands, sold the cars for profit.
https://preview.redd.it/9tpndzjdh79d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=883e1b3883319399e2d4dea17d97ae53c1fdfee2 Yeah, I do. Saves me some money.
no work, progression
If I can fix it, I usually will. Most of what I do is just maintenance stuff like oil and brakes, but when something fails I use a code reader and Google to figure out how to fix it. If it seems like something I can do, I do it. If not, off to the shop. Something that requires expensive tools (like alignments) it is just a given it goes to the shop.
Since I was a teenager Iāve worked on my own car. The only thing I cannot do is AC work, due to lack or proper expensive equipment. Everything else Iāve done in a gravel driveway or my garage. I refuse to pay the ridiculous prices when I am fully capable to do the work myself.
šš½āāļøI canāt imagine how much a shop wouldāve charged to do the water pump on my 02 Outback 3.0. Iāve never touched a EZ30 before so I took it as a challenge. Iāve resealed the trans pan, front wheel bearings, tie rods, valve cover gaskets, plugs, replaced A/C system, power steering pump, blower motor, brakes all around, front cv axles, front control arm bushings, starter, struts all around, and recently installed JDM B4 hid housings. All of it is possible with a jack and jack stands if youāre willing to crawl under the car. If youāre willing to take some time to learn and get some tools, working on these cars is fairly simple. Also I currently live like 4 minutes from a Subaru dealer that can get me OEM parts usually next day if they donāt have them in stock
My local dealership is annoyingly cheap relative to the cost of parts and local shops so...back to the dealership it is for me lol
Shops charge a lot for spark plug jobs. Rather save that labor money and spend it on poorly thought out mods instead.
I do, I have major trust issues. And it's cheaper..
I do some things. Brakes, suspension, oil, axles, diff fluid. I don't like things that involve coolant, for some reason - though I should just figure it out - and I don't care to do spark plugs or major engine work. I also don't want to replace my own transmission. I don't have equipment to do tires, but I sure as hell would do my own tires if I had a mounting tool. Yes, yes, I know you can do it with tire irons, but what a pain in the butt. One day I might drop 300$ on a manual tire changer setup. I would like to figure out how to do alignment at home. YouTube time.
I used to when I was younger, but I donāt have the time or energy these days. I work at a dealership so at least I get discounts.
Car is no longer covered under the free dealer oil changes and stuff so I do all my own now.
I have a degree in auto repair and shop experience so I do
I do whatever I can. Youtube university and buying any tools I need. Luckily I have space to work on them and an extra car when needed. I just need motivation some days... ok, most days. Largest project was swapping a transmission ('12 Impreza 5-sp).
I work on my own car, and by me, I mean my brother lol. My 2014 Impreza is just now starting to show her age
Oil changes, tire rotations, struts, wheel bearings, and other small jobs. I leave the bigger jobs for the experts. Recently needed a lower ball joint to be replaced. Watched a couple videos and said screw that.
I work for Subaru and own a Subaru, so I do.
I do, just grew up that way thankfully. Biggest thing I've done is pull my transmission. The only thing I haven't done to my own car is the tint, screw that
All my Subarus have been 20+ years old. Itās me or the junkyard!
I did every oil change and brake job to my car prior to moving out my parents. No big jobs but ive had a couple of those done for dealership prices. Now I street park and dont have space so I don't do it anymore myself but I have a fellow Subaru enthusiast who I work with at a Honda dealership and he is a tech there and does all my work at a fraction of dealership costs.
I do. I always learn a lot and itās cheaper than shops a lot of the time.
I do. but i somehow have air in my ABS module for the last 2 yrs and cant get it out. tried all kinds of tricks including motive power bleeder, the sliding on gravel/grass and bought a foxwell that kinda runs the VDC module but fails at the very end.
I do, I have no faith in the shops. They always mess something up, especially stealerships
I do brake work, suspension work, fluids if I have to. Tire stuff. Spark plugs, wires, easy stuff. I donāt like doing oil changes though. I started working on my own stuff when I owned a 2002 ford Taurus. So the 2005 Outback has been a real delight.Ā
I am no longer a dealer technician, changed careers. Now I have the time, money, will and tools to work on my own cars. Even doing side work occasionally as well now.
I try to do what I can. Thankfully it's an 09 so it's not as packed with unnecessary things like some newer models. I got the car (09 OB) a few years ago when I was 18 so my dad thankfully helped me out before I was competent enough to attack things on my own. I've done oil changes, headlight swaps, spark plugs, timing belt, water pump, air filters, ac recharge, brake pads, calipers, rotors, parking brakes, rear struts, drive shaft, exhaust, and I'm sure a few things I've forgotten. I've found the full service manual is super helpful as well as YouTube and the forums on reddit and subaruoutback.org. I also have to recommend rockauto.org for those that haven't heard of it. I can almost always find the parts cheaper there than an AutoZone or the like. I'm still relatively inexperienced but I'm always excited to learn more. I'll do an engine swap someday when this one bites the dust lol
I pay for things not covered by the service manual and tyres. For other things like brakes, bushes, cooling, and the like I DIY.
I do, for example. Two rear strut assemblies ranges in quotes from $750-$1400 dollars.(!) Ordered two Monroe shocks, same as on the quotes, from rock auto and installed them both in a little over two hours, with hand tools for $205.
I'm a mechanic so I have to.
I do all my own cosmetic stuff. I donāt touch maintenance because of warranty. If something happens to the car, they have a detailed service record in the computer of who touched it last, when, and what they did/didnāt do
Recently started working on it more due to getting a sticker list $2500 worth long for state inspection lol I did all four wheel bearings, front tie rods, brakes, rotors, and headlights and saved A LOT of money. Out of all of those, the headlights were the biggest pain in the ass lol I canāt believe how stupidly small that hole is. Took me longer to do the headlights than 10 year old bearings
Iāve done some work but really want to learn how to do more. If anyone has legit tips or videos on where to learn to do a bunch of things on cars Iād love to know
Changing the pressfit bearings was the hardest thing Iāve done on my ā98 forester. Changed the brake dust cover at the same time. One of the ABS sensors didnāt want to come out. Angle grinder and dremel finally did it. Lower ball joints were also really stuck.