How much does the average PHer really know about cars?

[Cyder]

Marquis Rex said:

Recently quite a low level of knowledge displayed about cars.
I've seen the ignorant here argue on technical topics about their car with people involved with the actual design and development of said car and still not know how stupid they themselves they are.

It amuses me and makes me want to smash my head through my desk in equal measure.

[Major Fallout]

I can design and build you a very fast racing car.

As long as you don't need anything with a computer chip. I would also have to give it to the paint guy to spray it, unless you like runs and shadows.

[vit4]

I've got a ridiculous memory for facts & figures and general specifications of cars, even ones that aren't really my 'thing'. As far as practical working on it goes, I can do the basics if needs be (eg oil change, changing pads etc) and often help out fixing mates' cars, but am always a bit nervous to work on my own car probably says a lot in my faith in my abilities Once I have the space & money though I will sort myself out a couple of projects to cut my teeth properly on

[Frances The Mute]

I do all of my own maintenance and servicing. Happy to change brakes, suspension, diffs, waterpumps, starter motors etc. Big jobs that require specialist tools/equipment or knowledge are then farmed out. Thankfully, this is rare.
I'm prepared to have a go at any job. If I don't know, I'll research it first and assess the bork:confidence ratio.

I learned a lot more when restoring one of my cars over two years. I'd highly recommend anyone to do this - even if you scrap the car at the end. It will certainly take you to the next level of understanding. One of the most important lessons is leave electrical jobs (bar the very basic) to others.

I have what I would say a fair knowledge of mechanics and how stuff works given I'm a non-professional in this area. I have a lot more knowledge in cars and car trivia in general, but I've adored them since I could hold a dinky toy so I've had plenty of time to learn.

In short, I'd consider myself middle-of-the-road. My family considers otherwise.

[shouldbworking]

Surprised more people havent punted at the finance option. Maybe PHers really are all rich company directors waving vast sums of cash in dealers (before flouncing away from the car they really wanted to buy because the salesman was on the phone when they walked in).

[blondini]

I knew every car in the Ladybird Book Of Motorcars when I was a nipper.
I knew how a car engine worked when I was in junior school.
I bought my first car when I was 16 so that I could be on the road on my 17th birthday.
I changed the clutch on that car using bicycle spanners and a pair of ramps.
I've rebuilt engines, repaired gearboxes, built a kit car, the list goes on.
Right now I have an alternator partly stripped on the kitchen table, it has beaten me though.

[kambites]

shouldbworking said:

Surprised more people havent punted at the finance option. Maybe PHers really are all rich company directors waving vast sums of cash in dealers (before flouncing away from the car they really wanted to buy because the salesman was on the phone when they walked in).

Or maybe they just scrimp and save on a relatively modest salary for years, then buy in cash.

That's certainly always been my approach.