Poll: DIY vs Mechanic

[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.