Hi folks!
Background - this is my first car, previously I owned many motorcycles which I did all brake/tire/electrical/drivetrain repairs to myself, short of engine work, which I only did once with a skilled friend's assistance.
The car is a '99 BMW 328i (yes I know it's not a Prius, but it is my one luxury, I bought it with cash, it was a steal, and I only drive it weekends in the summer to visit my folks outside the city.....it stays parked for free 5 months a year).
Mechanic says I need new shocks and struts, and wants to charge $1000 for parts and labor. First off, is this outlandish? As this is my first car, I don't have much to compare this quote to. He's a good guy and the work is excellent, but I know he's not known for being cheap.
Looking online I see enough DIY videos that it seems like something I could do in a weekend, however, I've never even changed the brakes on the car, so I have no idea how difficult it actually is to get up in there etc etc.
Don't want to ask on a car mod forum, because posters will no doubt claim everything is easy etc etc because they are car people. Would rather get the opinion from some sensible folks who can weigh frugality against safety etc. ---
So, is changing out the shocks and struts a weekend shade mechanic job? Or should I just bite the bullet and drop it off? I'd like to become more knowledgable about DIY car repair, but I don't want my first foray to end with me having to have the car towed into the mechanic because I pulled stuff out and couldn't get it back in.....or have the wheels fall off on the highway.
Appreciate your thoughts!
O.