[jfengel]

You do that brake job once every 2 years or so. That's not a lot of time to really get into the habit. Especially since it comes with the worry that you're going to do it wrong and cause a lot of damage.

In the past couple of decades, cars have become a lot more reliable. They just don't need that kind of repair very often. It's a lot easier to let a professional do it, and save yourself the hassle of storing ramps, oil wrenches, etc. for 99% of days that you don't use them.

That changes as the car gets older, and you need to decide between another $1,200 mechanic repair, a $300 self job, or a new vehicle. If you're into doing the repairs yourself, you can save a ton of money. But that only occurs once a decade or so these days, and it's just not worth it to many people.

[throwaway0a5e]

If you start with a $1300 beater that needs brakes to drive reasonably and a whole laundry list of "this is starting to go and might go next week or next year" items you can pick up the experience as fast as your budget allows.

When you only have hundreds in the bank paying someone to do a timing belt when the kit of parts is $120 just isn't an option. You either do it yourself or you cross your fingers.