> 1) We can’t really work on non-trivial fixes for our cars because they are too complex

Learning how to fix my own cars is something I’ll always be grateful for. They’re not that complex. Most of it is just bolts and a diagram reference.

Sure, if you crack a piston cylinder you just need a new engine, that isn’t really fixable.

Brakes/rotors/calipers, it is almost criminal what you pay a shop for in lieu of doing it yourself. Spark plugs are super easy. Even things like taking the intake manifold off a direct-inject car to replace the fuel injectors isn’t terribly hard.

What has made cars complex is all the electronics that tie into it. The mechanics of an ICE car are mostly about the same.