Hi All.

New owner here. 03 enthusiast MT 143k miles. I have always wanted to get into cars but was scared to spend that much money at one time. Recently decided that i wasnt getting any younger and should make the purchase now before I acquire more responsibilities/move in a different direction. I have no issues driving the car but am not very mechanically inclined. Obviously a second hand car of its age is needing some work done. Nothing too crazy just a lot of ware items have gone out among a few larger issue, but over all car drives with no issue at this time. Compared to a lot of 03s mine seems to be in good shape all things considered which i am thankful for.

I would like to start working on the car myself to save some money and gain knowledge however it seems intimidating to begin. I am worried that i will end up breaking something that will cost me a lot or keep my car down for an extended period. I also live (unfortunately) in an apartment without a garage making matters worse. I know "why buy a car if you have no garage to work on it" but here we are.

I guess my question is should I be concerned to get right into working on it on my own? I like to do as much research as possible to hopefully limit the amount of mistakes I make. I have been doing research on all the things that i need to take care of first so when i begin i will be better prepared. A lot of these jobs seem like i would be able to accomplish them myself. How "beginner friendly" is the car? I know its not as simple as say a Miata, but seems easier than some other options.

Thankfully I have a group of friends who are very knowledgeable about all things mechanical, however I would rather not turn to them for help for things like changing spark plugs/brake fluid as to not come off like a total basket case.

Curious to hear your thoughts as I am excited and a bit nervous about getting some hands on learning done.

 

Start with diff/oil/tranny oil changes, spark plugs. Move up to brake pads, brake fluid flushing. You'll learn as you do stuff. Don't need crazy expensive tools or expensive jack. a 2-ton low profile is about $100. If you are getting under the car you might want stands also. and about $100 in tools and you can be pretty dangerous

 

Some type of garage is usually best. Check with your apartment lease as it may forbid you from working on your car. I briefly lived in an apartment like that during a transitional stage. It sucked. I drove to a friend's house to change my own oil.

In addition to the above suggestion, download the FSM. It will walk you through how to do just about everything.

With some tools it's OK to cheap out on and go to Harbor Freight or Northern Tool. Other things, you'll want quality. They don't have to be Snap-On or MAC but something reputable.

When I was changing a clutch for the first time, I was pretty intimidated when gathering everything together for the install. Now, I feel completely comfortable with dropping the transmission. You just got to rip that band-aid off. Also, everything always goes faster after the first time.