Re: Being one's own mechanic

[Mike Marion <mmarion@optronics-intl.com>]

Barry wrote:

>My own twist on this subject:
>
>Nearly every time I have take one of my cars to be serviced at a shop, the
>shop has screwed up something that I had to fix myself.  Anything ranging
>from destroying a speaker to a whole engine.  I found that with enough
>perserverence and planning, as well paying attention to warning signs, I
>am the best mechanic for my own car.  I have the thing memorized, I know
>what it's been through, what's been replaced, etc.

Could not, no matter how hard I might try, say it any better than that.

>
>However, being mindful that all cars do break, especially the old cars I
>tend to buy ;), I bought myself a second car as a backup.  My original
>plan was to purchase a '95 VW Jetta and not worry so much about breakdowns
>(just payments ;), but then I stumbled onto this very well maintained '85
>Coupe GT.  The rest is history...

Its always best to have D+1 (number of drivers plus one vehicle) when you
do your own maintenance.  This, of course, allows for various "fun" cars to
be blended into the stable all under the guise of saving money on
professional maintenance   =)

Oh yeah, and don't necessarily assume that a 95 Jetta would have been
reliable.  Mine had all sorts of trouble (power locks falling off, severe
hesitation,etc.) including failing to start for the new owner the day after
I sold it  =(

>
>Know your car, know many good parts sources, and keep a Bentley handy ;)

AMEN!





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Mike Marion, Optronics - mmarion@optronics-intl.com
1990 Coupe Quattro - Lago Blue
1984 BMW R100RS "Last Edition" - Pearl White
???? VW Quantum Syncro Wagon - maybe, or maybe not
1995 Mitsubishi Montero, RWD/AWD/4WD - almost new and FOR SALE!!!!!!
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