This is a very good question, story, and one of the reasons why I don't want to own a car.

But if I had a car, I think I would learn how to change my own oil. I've seen other people do it, and it didn't look like there was much you could do wrong except make a mess.

But I'm not sure how to handle other repairs; I suspect most mechanics prey on their customers’ lack of knowledge, like computer repair shops, and I honestly can’t blame them.