LesField

I got up early and washed my 996 & my wife's Boxster then we both went off to meet up with 13 other 911s for breakfast today.

It was interesting mix of people, with only a couple of owners who admit to getting a garage to do everything. All the other owners tinker, upgrade and fix there own cars.

I was wondering what sort of percentage of 996 owners are like me and are happy to get the spanners out when required.

nabenson

I do anything that doesn't require a lift or special tools myself. I will perform all the regular maintenance, brakes, suspension, stereo, etc at home. If it requires a lift, dropping the engine, specialty Porsche tools or multiple days disassembled I will take it in.

I enjoy the work, but some things are just too much for the tools, space, and patience I have at home.

Sneaky Pete

I started to do small DIY stuff about 6 years ago mainly because of the money I didn't like spending for routine maintenance. I added a heater in the garage along with a lift. I really enjoy fiddling with my car and the best part is that I have saved thousands.

thstone

I am definitely a DIY'er. Here is a pic of the Spec Boxster on the home lift and the 996 awaiting its turn...

Dennis C

I do minor DIY projects. I've done brakes, oil changes, window regulator replacement, etc. Major things like clutch replacement are done by my mechanic.

gnat

Anything inside is fair game. Anything to do with the drive line is out of the question for me currently. One of these days I'll get a house with a garage and install a lift, then as long as we have two working cars I'll give just about anything a shot.

vwillo1

+1 DIYer, I enjoy wrenching on my own car, therapy for me and I know it is done to my satisfaction. Saving a ton of cash is nice too.

pongobaz

+1. The simple stuff, yes. Complicated and messy, no.

996_North

I do what I can, considering my time and tool requirements. It's one of the perks of ownership.

911 carrera blue

Mine still a virgin and I just did the 4 year maintenance by a Porsche dealer, having wife, 2 teenagers and a busy schedule, will not allow me to have time to DIY.

AA717driver

Venturing into DIY. The motor mounts were easy. Looking to do brakes next.

TC

FRUNKenstein

Simple stuff up through minor transmission work on various cars. If you have a garage, a 4 post lift is about the best $2,000 you'll ever spend. They are incredibly flexible and give you not only the ability to do quite a few repairs you might not otherwise attempt, they also give you the ability to diagnose problems.

fpb111

So far on the 996 everything up to/including IMSB replacement. Bought a Max-Jax* for IMSB replacement ease. Great lift for folks with small, low overhead, garages.
*http://www.bestbuyautoequipment.com/...FUoS7Aod7mkAPg

silotwo

I have been doing the simple stuff for the past couple of years; oil changes, brakes, motor mounts.

However, in the past I worked so much for the money that I felt I only had time to write the check. I told myself that it was better to pay and have it done right and with verifiable service records rather than to rush into something and perhaps screw it up.

Then with no income and lots of time and that I was actually trained in automotive theory and mechanics decades ago, I decided to give it a shot.

20/20 hindsight says I could have done the simple stuff all along.

mattie_k

Any regular work I'm all over myself and diagnosis of codes that might get thrown I sort if possible.

This year so far:
-coolant tank (easy)
-exhaust off for muffler mod and reinstall (easy)
-oil and filter change
-clean out the rads
-mod bumper for 3rd rad
-back brake pads
-rear license plate light housing r and r
-led interior upgrade
-diagnose and fix misfire (#1 coil and plug)

Almost anybody can do this kind of work as long as you have some experience.