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After almost five years, my car has developed it's first internal major issue: rear brakes need work. I know a dude that damn near has a mechanic king's ransom worth of equipment stuffed into his garage, as in "everything except the hydra-lift." He'll do the work but I have to procure the parts. Anyone ever bought serious automotive hardware from Autozone? There's one right by my place and it's the front runner thus far.

I just use normal mechanics.

I only buy oil, wiper blades, light bulbs, etc.

I also have a mechanic that actually trustworthy and honest, so I've never needed to learn how to fix my own car.

I don't know how to fix it. Figuring what's broke is easier.

Leisher wrote: I only buy oil, wiper blades, light bulbs, etc.

I also have a mechanic that actually trustworthy and honest, so I've never needed to learn how to fix my own car.

This.

It's way cheaper if I bring parts to him.

Parts ordered. Doesn't seem terribly difficult except that no auto stores nearby carry the fucking brake caliper I need ... at least not at anything less than extortionist rates.

Leisher wrote: I also have a mechanic that actually trustworthy and honest, so I've never needed to learn how to fix my own car.

He diagnosed the troubles. I'm just saving him the annoyance of getting the hardware. This is just some guy I know that fixes cars out of his garage.

And fixed. Now to do the return on the old caliper and get $100 back. Went well. Dude's a solid mechanic. Refurbed the left rear bracket for free. Right rear brake in terms of pads and rotor were virtually gone.

Oh, just for the record...

Japanese car, 4.5 years, 1 major issue

Crappy late '90s American car, 12 years, easily 12 major issues

99 Camry... no major issues (knocks on wood)... I've been driving the same car since I joined this place.

08 Dodge Avenger. Got it used at 14K miles for a very cheap price. It's now at 120K+ miles and the only issue, aside from normal wear and tear, has been the alternator.

My F150 will be paid off in December. Had to replace the rear axle once but it isn't like I wasn't abusing it.

TheCatt wrote: 99 Camry... no major issues (knocks on wood)... I've been driving the same car since I joined this place.

I think 145k miles? I don't drive much any more. Like 4-5k / year