Vehicles, you can fix?

go_deep

WKR
Joined
Jan 7, 2021
Messages
1,671
I'm sick of vehicles that cost a fortune to buy, and then your left with another small fortune to repair them.

What's a vehicle that you have that's simple and easy to work on?

We just picked up an older Jeep Cherokee, they almost give the parts away and the couple things I fixed so far are very simple.
 
Joined
Aug 18, 2023
Messages
3
easy question - first gen tacoma

This has been my one and only vehicle. I got it at 265K miles and am currently at 300K. In the 6 years I have had it I have replaced a radiator and cv axle, as well as installed a lift. It hasn't seen a mechanic since I purchased it. Everything I know about cars has been learned from the internet and practiced on the truck. There is so much info and support online for the tacoma
 
Joined
Dec 27, 2015
Messages
884
I've done some minor wrenching on my 2015 F150...Plugs, filters(not tranny), shocks, boost pressure regulator...Brake rotors and pads are pretty simple on most modern vehicles.
I replaced a lot of parts on my 2006 Tacoma which is pretty much the same up to 2023...Rear leaf packs, shocks, speed sensor, U-joints, roof weather stripping, stock stereo, tack welds to hold the gas filler door on, installed rear air bags...I will think of others.
I installed half-shaft/CV joints on my VW Passat which was built on the Audi A4 platform...People complain about German cars being difficult and expensive...That car was pretty simple to work on and very reliable(edit-I had to buy 3 tools to do that job-$50).
 
Joined
Nov 12, 2022
Messages
18
Location
Arkansas
I'm sick of vehicles that cost a fortune to buy, and then your left with another small fortune to repair them.

What's a vehicle that you have that's simple and easy to work on?

We just picked up an older Jeep Cherokee, they almost give the parts away and the couple things I fixed so far are very simple.

An XJ with a 4.0? Doesn't get much simpler than that.
 

*zap*

WKR
Joined
Dec 20, 2018
Messages
7,153
Location
N/E Kansas
x2 on xj.

Just picked up a 1999 chevy 2500 with a 5.7. Lots of room in the engine bay....135,000 miles.
 
Joined
Jul 22, 2018
Messages
591
Location
Colorado
X2 on the 7.3 PSD. I've got 2 of em. An '03 F350 and an '03 Excursion. They'll go for a million miles if you treat them right and keep up on regular maintenance.

I never worked on my own vehicles until I got these two. Youtube has endless resources on the 7.3s.
 

TSAMP

WKR
Joined
Jul 16, 2019
Messages
1,501
With internet? I can fix literally anything. It's ridiculous.

I even dabbled with a hybrid camry back in the day.

Now, to the OPs point, there is tech out there that requires serious diagnostic equipment and draws the line in the sand. Usually you can tell just by looking at it if it's in your wheel house.

A buddy had a Audi TT Quattro, I'd guess 2010 ish. He came over for an oil change, I popped the hood, and closed it right back up.

Man's got to know his limitations.
 
Joined
Mar 16, 2021
Messages
2,999
Location
Western Iowa
'94 F250 extended cab with 460 5-speed
'03 Impala 3.8 V6 (one of the best motors GM ever made)

'13 Buick LaCrosse 4cyl hybrid, although I was absolutely disgusted that I had to remove the entire front end just to replace a headlight assembly. Literally like a dozen push clips under the hood, a dozen or so small bolts in the fender wells and under the front end, and voila, the bumper cover, grille, etc..., all pulled off to get to the headlight assembly bolts. I was amazed and pleased with myself that when I put it back together I didn't have any extra clips, screws, or bolts! :LOL:
 
Joined
Mar 16, 2021
Messages
2,999
Location
Western Iowa
I agree with sentiment. But I don't.
I have tested and know my limits, and there are some things that don't make sense for me to take the risk. Good example is brakes. I'm sure it's not difficult at all, but I can get brakes done very cheap at my local guy and he does thousands of them a year.

I actually enjoy the problem solving, and it's pretty satisfying to save a hundred bucks or more by DIY, especially when that check engine light goes off for good.
 
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