is it better to own a new car or be a mechanic?

Question

there is a saying that says, give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day.Teach a man to fish and you feed him for life.
I am already set in my ways on this topic, but I am curious what others might think about it.

would you rather buy a brand new car and all that entails.such as depreciation, monthly payments, service and maintenance, repairs after a couple years, etc...

or would you rather have the ability to be able to buy dirt cheap cars that are broken and know how to fix them yourself? adding value, having no monthly payments, knowing your vehicle inside and out... etc...

I personally dont trust any car until I have climbed around under it and under the hood and see what is what... that way I know where every creek, rattle, and stuff is coming from... it is like i really know my car and that is a good feeling... i have a few friends that bought brand new cars and said they would never do it again... seeing as they have monthly payments still 3 years later and repairs

Answer 1

Be a mechanic. You have already answered your own question by stating the costs involved in owning a new car. I bought a 1975 Honda Civic 1200 back in 1985 for around nine hundred dollars, and didn't make it home with it before the engine started knocking. It didn't throw a rod, but the engine needed overhauling. There was not going to be a refund. I didn't know what all of those terms like throw a rod, and overhaul meant, but I was determined to repair the car and not waste my money. I purchased the repair guide. That told me what tools to buy, and what equipment to rent. I went to work, and with advise from more knowledgeable friends, reconditioned the engine. I installed and drove that car for four years until the engine went out again. It started knocking. The first time I brought a reconditioned crankshaft kit. The second time, I couldn't find one to buy, so I drove the car to the junk yard. Took my new tires off of the car right there on the scale, and let them have it. I held on to the tools that I used to rebuild the Honda, and bought a 1983 VW Rabbit GL that needed an engine in it for $400.00. I found and installed an engine, put my new tires on it, and drove that car for 5 years. Add that up. That's 9 years of driving for $1300 initial purchase of two vehicles. The money spent for repairs after buying them approximately cost $800.00.

Answer 2

If you are an adult and already have a career not related to auto mechanics you could just buy a brand new car that is cheap like the Honda Civic or Accord and pay for it/repairs. If your a student, you should major in Auto Motive mechanics and learn about them.

Answer 3

If it fits your lifestyle, lease a car, you are alway under warranty, you'll alway have the newest and best safety features for your family, and it's nice to drive.

I used to race cars and have some mechanical experience behind me, and can fix just about anything in an older car. But remember, A mechanic can fix something that goes wrong, but he still has to buy the part. He can only make the car only so reliable, but never like a new car.

Answer 4

Become a mechanic, Then call me I need help too! :)