The first-generation Intrepid also had another advantage: the engine was non-interference, so you could extend the timing belt interval (within reason) and not have to worry.
I had the bigger 3.5L SOHC and the water pumps for those were bad about leaking about 60K miles, so you just replaced the timing belt with it… The smaller 3.3L was still the OHV (pushrod) engine, so no real issues with the basic (in block cam) timing chain…
On the other hand some folks look forward to something needing fixing. We find the diagnosis & repair experience relaxing, like solving a newspaper puzzle, only with more grease … lol … The key to this coming to way of thinking is not having to deal with the time element. An extra car, etc. If you can take as long as you want, do all the experiments you want, then it can actually be fun.
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@George_San_Jose1
The time element was always a big consideration in doing car repairs. I needed to keep the car running. On the other hand, keeping the television going was more satisfying for me. I needed the use of the car. I could do without the television until I could get time to make the repair.
I agree that there is satisfaction in making a repair and having the car or the television work properly.
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I think folks recall their older car experiences with rose colored glasses. Everything seemed simpler in days of yore, and what they are recalling is the benefits of the simple nature of their cars, remembering (incorrectly) that most problems could be fixed with scotch tape. And no need to worry about dealing w/bad weather if the car broke down, the sun was always shining in the 1970’s … lol …
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30 years old? What are you doing mucking around with car repairs? Why aren’t you playing video games all day?
Welcome to the tribe. Nice to see some young blood.
One thing I’d look for is a car model and year that you can get a Haynes Manual for. It will give you a pretty good idea of what’s involved in a variety of repairs and maintenance items. Also has circuit diagrams.
Is it as complete and accurate as carmakers’ official manuals? No, and it is priced accordingly.
It’s always seemed like a good deal to me: one useful resource, along with your own discretion, and not as dangerous and misleading as a lot of youtube videos.
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I wonder what the record is? Which make/model had the most egregious example? A design focussed way more on ass’y ease than repair cost?
For example I think replacing the pcv valve on some cars is considerably more expensive than others, b/c on those cars the valve is part of another ass’y and can’t be replace separately. On every car I’ve owned the pcv valve is a separate & inexpensive replacement part, & not part of any other ass’y.