[burgerbrain]

You unreasonably discount the possibility of someone deriving enjoyment from working on their car.

I personally find it to be rather cathartic.

[sliverstorm]

Indeed. Working on a car can be pleasant. Admittedly I do not currently- partly because bikes are more fun to work on, partly because I don't have a good space in which to work- but I hope someday to resume doing some repairs.

[timr]

A fair point. If you find something enjoyable, then I agree the economic calculation is obviously different.

[philwelch]

On the other hand, if you don't enjoy working on your car, presumably a professional mechanic would enjoy it better. And he would certainly enjoy the money.

[eneveu]

Zen and the Art of Car Maintenance.