Poll: DIY vs Mechanic

[CRCGuy]

Well not really a poll...I don't know how to that anyway if it's even possible on this forum

But want to see how many of you work on your boxster and how many leave it to a mechanic. I'm talking about anything involving a wrench, not wiper blades or something......Basically those tasks that have high potential to draw blood and/or profanity.

If you do your own work, do you use a car lift? or ramps or what?


I don't have my first Boxster yet but seems they're not as easy to work on as "normal" cars (esp engine bay) but not beyond the DIYer either.

CRCGuy

P.S. I did a search but couldn't find previous thread if there is one. maybe this has already been discussed...

[jmatta]

I change my oil and perform basic maintenance on my car, but it only has 15k miles. Recent tasks include installing LN filter adapter, low temp thermostat with coolant renewal and brake/clutch fluid flush.

Previously, I've installed an Evo Hi-Flow intake, Fabspeed secondary cat bypass pipes, a modified muffler and a B&M short shift. I did pay a friend to install my H&R sport springs, however, and align the car.

I use a combination of jack stands and hydraulic jacks.

These cars are pretty simple to do basic work, but I'll leave the tough stuff to the experts.

[vath2001]

Done myself: Starter, belt, oil change, filters, cleaned radiator, climate control display, visor mirrors.

Future jobs: horns, spark plugs, brakes and rotors

Tools needed: floor jack and jack stands, full set of metrics, torx, torque wrench, beer, hammer, luck

Dealer: DS key latch

[Sputter]

Let us know what you think about the t-stat change.

Originally Posted by jmatta

I change my oil and perform basic maintenance on my car, but it only has 15k miles. Recent tasks include installing LN filter adapter, low temp thermostat with coolant renewal and brake/clutch fluid flush.

Previously, I've installed an Evo Hi-Flow intake, Fabspeed secondary cat bypass pipes and a modified muffler.

I use a combination of jack stands and hydraulic jacks.

These cars are pretty simple to do basic work, but I'll leave the tough stuff to the experts.

[jmatta]

Let us know what you think about the t-stat change.

I can already tell the car runs cooler by the "gauge". I don't have a Durametric, so I can't plug into the OBDII, but I trust Jake and Charles' word on the issues and it's cheap insurance to lower the coolant temp, thereby, lowering the oil temp.

If it's good enough for GT3s, it's got to be good for my Box; and it doesn't break the bank to purchase and install.

[Sputter]

I hear you man. I was just curious as to your results.


as an aside..
My letter to Excellance was published the month after yours. (kinda cool)

Originally Posted by jmatta

Let us know what you think about the t-stat change.

I can already tell the car runs cooler by the "gauge". I don't have a Durametric, so I can't plug into the OBDII, but I trust Jake and Charles' word on the issues and it's cheap insurance to lower the coolant temp, thereby, lowering the oil temp.

If it's good enough for GT3s, it's got to be good for my Box; and it doesn't break the bank to purchase and install.

[shaman1204]

I am by no means a mechanic, but I am mechanically inclined. I have never really performed any type of extensive work on a car before, but since ownership I have done:

3 oil/filter changes
serpentine belt
new brake pads on all four corners and brake fluid flush
air filters/cabin filters
removed and cleaned throttle body
remove and replace rear upper track arms
r&r drop links
r&r ignition switch
installed 996 six channel amp and rear speaker kit
installed infiniti speakers in the dash
installed a cable that plays and charges the ipod through the factory head unit
probably a few other small things that escape me right now

These were all done with regular hand tools, with the exception of a power bleeder for the brakes and a large and small torque wrench. I just used this site and renntech for the DIYs. There really is no reason to take your car to a shop (especially the dealer) for general maintenance unless you don't have the time or inclination.

[Oaktown 986]

Originally Posted by shaman1204

installed a cable that plays and charges the ipod through the factory head unit

Did you do a writeup on how to do that?

Jon

[941MXVET]

DIY, for me it's part of the fun researching and learning how to care for these cars.

[ovul82jazz]

DIY is lots more fun. I do all of the basic care stuff and have lots of fun. It takes me a lot (read LOT) longer than it would a real mechanic, but for me its therapy. Sort of like catching a trout with a fly you've tied yourself ... there is a real satisfaction in looking after the car.

[Frodo]

So far I've done all the oil/filter element changes (except the 30k one; I was still under the CPO warranty and decided to have it done at the stealership so it was "officially done".)

Also had the alternator go on me and pulled it/replaced it myself (having a local automotive electronics place do the rebuild).

Did the desnorkel thing, if that counts

Plan on flushing the brake/clutch fluid this summer (if it ever stops raining)---another first time event for me, and checking the pads/rotors. Will probably do the air filter and the cabin filter at the same time.

Am also going to put on one of the LN Engineering spin-on filter adapters in conjunction with the next oil change. (Looks very simple.)

Things more major/difficult I will assess on a case-by-case basis. (Got a shop manual within weeks of getting the car, so I plan to do as much as I can. Between the manual, this forum and a 21 year-old son who's a relatively nubie mechanic but who's done a lot of stuff in a fairly short period of time, and brims with confidence in his mechanical ability, I've got a lot going for me )

Have done all my exterior and interior detailing (with gratifying results), and touched up some small rock chips in the paint (with reasonably satisfactory results).

[RandallNeighbour]

I've done more wrench turning on my boxster than any other car I've owned. A long time ago, I heard a guy say:

Men repair cars. You are a man. Therefore...