[jester911]

Way to got Ed. With this board as a backup, there really isn't much of anything that can't be done.

I was alot like you with my car. I went the first year or so of ownership having everything done by a mechanic.

I even had my first oil change done by him.

Now I try to do as much myself as I can.

I just in the last two months probably saved 5 or 6 hundred dollars in mechanics fees. I replaced front and rear brake rotors and pads.
Also replaced an oil sensor/switch that I diagnosed through using the search function here. Part cost 13 dollars and it really wasn't a big deal.

And as is mentioned here alot, the feeling of satisfaction from having done it yourself is great.