I'll second that. They are the best. They're not even that expensive for older cars. The last two I bought were for model year 1997 (a Honda and a Ford) and the complete shop manual set cost $55 each. Electrical and vacuum troubleshooting manuals were another $24 each. About double what you might pay for Chilton, etc. but more than worth it. Even if you don't do car repairs yourself, think of the cost of the manual as your automotive tuition. Educating yourself will cost time and a little money.

My favorite part about the shop manual is the "component locator". Become familiar with that. Then, there's the troubleshooting steps. Those are good because they tell you how to isolate the problems.

Other automotive education would be found via this web site, Google and Youtube. You'd be amazed at what people have done and recorded on video, both car-related and not. Listen to the car talk shows (or even call in), if you have any in your area. There are two in my area done by local shops and they're great. CarTalk seems to be more geared toward entertainment anymore so I don't typically listen to that one.

Another way to prevent the mechanic from taking advantage of you is to not authorize repairs outside of your original reason for bringing it in and then check on the additional work yourself. For example, if you take it in for a brake job and he tells you that the suspension needs to be done, just get the brake job done, ask your mechanic questions in person about the additional work and get specific information - which parts, etc - or have him show you when you're there (a good mechanic will take the time to show you). Then, do a little research on the repairs he's suggesting and bring the car back later for the suspension.

 

Good advise guys!

 

To add to everything that has already been said: I first bought a Haynes manual (I now have a Helm too) and I found it helpful for "general" things. In my opinion, Haynes is better for a beginner because they are cheap (I think mine was like $12, but that was probably 7 years ago that I bought it), so you can study it and decide if you think you are mechanically inclined enough to undertake certain tasks. I gained I massive wealth of knowledge from THIS forum and from hands-on experience. When I started working on cars I didn't know anything about them. I just researched and tried various suggestions. I used to have a 95 Accord V6 that I can credit for most of my mechanical experience because so many things went wrong on it. I am happy I had all of those experiences because it gave me confidence.
There are still tasks I will not attempt because I don't have the patience or the tools. I simply searched the internet for "Honda certified shop" near me and I found one (in Mississippi.) they have a few master techs there and I trust them. They are a lot cheaper than the dealer too and they don't mind if I buy the parts myself and bring them.
Also, if you change your own oil, I highly recommend a good set of ramps. I think mine are called rhino ramps or something like that. They take a lot of sweat out of the job since you don't have to jack the car up and fix the jack stands under it.

 

Jim sure is right on with the don't Use or Trust the cars jack that came with the car.

I bought my Daughter a Honda Accord a few years ago and she calls me up one evening when she was comeing home from Kent College and she had a flat. I go to change it for her and made the mistake of trying to use her brand new never used car jack...and GUESS WHAT ?. Yep you guessed it..broke as I was ratcheting it up to change the tire..I mean it just broke right at the weld spots. I took my Big Jack out of my Town Car and hoisted her up and did the deed. The same night after all was done I went to my store and bought a new Nascar Racing jack and secured it in her trunk. All seems safer now..dang it..I lost that jack now that I think of it when we traded in her car for a New Mazda 6...oh well..now she lives in Arizona and is married and has AAA travel to change her flat tires..

End of story..get a Better than good jack members, it's worth the security to know your car will not fall down and kill you on the side of the road or in your driveway or garage... I'm out of breath now from all this talking , so Im Done, for now.

 

Thanks guys. I was just told that you can schedule an appointment from Midas or Pep Boys. I know many people may not be crazy about their work, but I think they will have a propensity for being more honest since there's a corporate rule of doing things, a small local shop may know exactly what they can get away with. I'm sure they'll try to upsell all the same, but since I don't have any concrete leads I'm going to try them for the initial opinion, then visit another mechanic and see whats up. Once all is said and done believe I'll be back here consulting with all of you - as well as google and youtube so I can do as much as I can by myself, and will get a hold of the basics

 

You took the words out of my ............er..........fingers, Jim! A browse through the manual can teach a novice a tremendous amount about his/her car.