I used to think that going to the mechanics was the best way to fix a car, however, after being stranded for

series 3 gearbox x 2
problematic fuel pumps (3)
fuel filters
radiator hoses/water pump
elect issues (lots..lost count)
brake issues

and lots of other fun days out...im glad I have some of the skills built up over time to get home, either with bush mechanics, or getting the parts in myself..even if its 10kph for 247 kms...true story.

my first series 2 ute 1967 , straight off the farm, was more than 20 yrs ago, a few S3's and for the last 12yrs the trusty fender...

Yeah, I'm landy to the bone, always had one or two.

what I have learnt is not only can I get home, but most of the time, the so called mechanics im paying good coin to, are not giving me the best advice when it comes to replacement parts/tech advice..
surely this is not good business?

i think this is what drives a lot of people to do their own repairs, starts with oil, and then..what's the limit?

i really want the mech to do the things i think i might get wrong, but when im finding repeatedly with many different mechanics, that im not getting the best bang for my buck it really ticks me off..im paying good money..

my truck could be getting left in the donga, because of it..

more the point ..2 dead in WA recently dude to breakdowns/leaving the car..

desert country is no place to change a gearbox on the side of the road...when you could have spent the extra $200 or worse..got charged for it, but the mech didn't actually do it/put it in...