Poll: DIY vs Mechanic

[sd_boxster]

I've done everything so far except mount up the new tires. The Boxster makes some tasks, like changing out the brake pads, amazingly easy. Wheel lugs instead of lug nuts made pulling the rotors off a snap.

Not a lot of engine-bay time - I've got a year of warranty left before I need to start worrying about that.

The header install (and subsequent uninstall - too LOUD!) was a really nice surprise, too. Exhaust manifolds on the bottom of the engine in the middle of the car is worlds better than under the hood, on the side of the motor, an inch from the firewall or radiator.

[CRCGuy]

The responses here have been great! and surprising. I really never would have thought that a mid-engine car with no hood to pop open would have been so relatively easy to work on (albeit, maybe tougher than normal cars in some areas).
But I guess you do need the right tools and some more important for a Boxster than other cars (e.g. lift).

That really helps me in my decision to get a Boxster as I too have always done some work on my cars. My Miata was a piece of cake for most jobs.

[Bladecutter]

Originally Posted by CRCGuy

The responses here have been great! and surprising. I really never would have thought that a mid-engine car with no hood to pop open would have been so relatively easy to work on (albeit, maybe tougher than normal cars in some areas).
But I guess you do need the right tools and some more important for a Boxster than other cars (e.g. lift).

That really helps me in my decision to get a Boxster as I too have always done some work on my cars. My Miata was a piece of cake for most jobs.

You don't really need a lift, but it would make some jobs much easier, like the front engine mount replacement. That would be MUCH easier with a lift of some form or another.

I don't have a lift, and here's my list of stuff I've done by myself:

Rear Struts
Front Engine Mount
All 4 rotors and pads
Convertible top Microswitch

So far, the only thing I have had to "outsource" to my local Firestone shop was the alignment after I replaced the rear struts.

In a couple weeks, I'm going to try my hand at spooning on a new set of rear tires, since I always do the tires on my motorcycles. Should be exactly the same as the rear wheel on my Ducati 848.

BC.

[rick3000]

I am not comfortable working on most of the major mechanical aspects of my car like the engine, brakes, etc. Mostly because I do not have the experience and would rather have my mechanic do it, so I don't than mess anything up. However I would not hesitate to do things like changing the air filter, changing the oil (with ramps), serpentine belt, etc.

Since getting my Boxster I have taken most of the dash apart for upgrades, and would not hesitate to replace anything in the interior. The seats, radio, instrument cluster, and lower dash are all very easy to work on. Right now I have my front bumper off and most of the front trunk apart to clean my radiators, add an air horn, and change the cabin filter.

The Boxster is very easy to work on for two reasons:
1 - The car is designed so well it is easy to take apart.
2 - You have great Boxster community that can help you if you have a problem.

Most of the maintenance a Boxster requires can be done very easily by most people that aren't afraid to get a little dirty. I don't find a Boxster to be any harder to work on because of the engine placement.

[Topless]

I do both. I used to do a lot of wrenching on hot rods, airplanes and motorcycles and then spent 6 years as a fleet mechanic for my company. The fleet work gave me lots of daily experience but also sucked some of the joy out of wrenching as a hobby. I now happily refer out jobs I don't want to do.

On the Boxster I have changed the oil, wheels, brakes and rotors, cleaned/replaced the MAF, changed filters, and diagnosed CEL issues. Jobs I have referred to a qualified mechanic: Performance alignment, tires, oil change and brake fluid flush, pre-tech inspection prior to track days, cracked coolant tank.