In the 49 years I've been driving, the 1st 48 I did all my own maintenance. I am now discovering the "pleasures and pain" of paying to have the work done.
Having defected from 75's 2 years ago to an S type then X type Jag, I realised how much more reliable my Rovers were, and after trusting a garage to inspect my X type before replacing the timing chain, cover, tensioner and crankshaft pulley, (£1060) I discovered on getting the exhaust flexi replacement estimate, that the car as well as being unreliable, was rot.
Now, having just purchased a facelift diesel Connie, within 3 weeks the alternator packed up. With quite a lot of pain, (knackered back and knees) I fitted a new regulator and brush set. Still no go, so I've had to book it into a local garage, the only one locally that seems trustworthy. When I last did one about 7 years ago, it cost me just under £90 for a recon unit. Paying to have it done, £398.00. I had never appreciated how much money I had been saving.