[MaximumSpeed]

Used to be, I could do anything that needed to be done to my own car. Now, half the stuff "has to be done by a dealer or qualified mechanic." When did that change? It seems it changed gradually, or people would've protested.

[RapidRon]

I think everything changed with all the new technology they are putting in these vehicles. Some of the stuff is ridiculous. I have a friend with a nice shiny new 2011 Mercedes that took a small rock to the windshield and chipped it. Well, let me tell you they are very happy that insurance covers glass 100% because it was a $700 windshield + seven hours of labor. That sounds insane to me, but they said that the windshield has all sorts of technology built into it (like auto sensing wipers, auto tinting, etc...) The days of being able to do everything yourself are quickly fading.

[Eugene]

So much of a car's technology is electronics and computerized that less and less is actual mechanical stuff. It's kind of a double edged sword.

[ChevyColorado]

I remember when I was younger, I could pop the hood and do what I needed to. The first time I popped the hood on my new Chevy, I couldn't even find the spark plugs. Apparently they are hidden...

[MaximumSpeed]

Exactly, Chevy! They put things in weird places now - I'm not sure how even the "qualified mechanics" can get to them, half the time. It's just ridiculous!