Just wondering how hard the different cars are to work on.

I try to work on my own car to save money and have peace of mind but sometimes stuff is too hard to take off.

I had an intake manifold leak that made my car idle at 2000 rpms. As much as I tried, I could not get at some bolts so I ended up taking it in and it costed $170 purely for labor - they even installed the gasket I bought. Maybe they got to the bolts thru the bottom by jacking the car way up. Don't know, I had to go to work so I didn't see.

I hope other cars are easier to work on.

Hard or not depend on how familiar you are with your own car. However in general, newer cars, high end cars loaded with features are difficult to work on. Haynes manual is your best friend when it comes to DIY...

I take pride in doing my own work, but I have dropped mine off before because I got lazy.

I do my own work, but when it's something I know that's still warrantied, I take it to the dealership .

I've worked on my own cars ...
But this was when cars had points in the distributer and carburetors instead of fuel injection.
Learned the basics of welding ... and the torch is a great tool for loosening rusted on bolts.
Engine performance was trial and error ... mostly error.
Forget the tranny ... bands and little nothings pop out and your screwed

Now, I hear that you need a computer with the right software plugged into your car's computer
to diagnose and repair problems??? Also, gives you a read out on past performance????
Hey, you want better power then use a different software or pop in a diiferent chip????
And, trans-axles????

Just easier to take the bus ....

Never ever buy the cheap Actron Pocket Scanner spend the $140 or whatever for the highest end that can read live data. You end up not knowing for sure and give it to a dealer for a $120 plus diagnosis when you could find out for yourself if only you ante up for a decent scanner.

If you're one of those do-it-yourself type, then i suggest investing in a good sets of tools and equipments. That plus the Haynes' manual is a powerful combo for all the do-it-yourself kind of guy out there... As for myself, i've decided earlier on that i should invest in a decent sets of tools and equipment and it sure does pays off for itself. My finishing job might not be as good as to a professional standard but as long runs and it dosen't decides to give in on me ( never has), then i'm straight. As for body works i'd say decent.