Consumers Unite Rule #7: D.I.Y.

Sometimes if you want something done right and CHEAP, you gotta do it yourself.  My wife's SUV recently had one of the LCD digital display panels burn out.  It just so happened that I was already taking her vehicle to be serviced at the dealer so I asked my service guy for an estimate for the cost to repair.  His response was, "Man..., its so expensive you don't even wanna know, it ain't worth it.".  Once I heard that response, I decided to end the conversation right then and there.

So I ended the converation but I didn't give up on fixing the issue.  I decided to consult my buddy, the good ole' Internet.  After a few minutes of searching, I found a couple of forums on the problem I needed to fix with directions and even photos!  I called another local dealer's parts dept. and ordered 3 LCD bulbs for $16.  Out of curiosity I did get a quote on labor which would have cost about $100.

Warning:  Please try this at home.

I just installed the bulbs about an hour ago and it took me about 15 minutes.

Rule #7:  There is nothing wrong with doing somethings yourself.  Just make sure you educate yourself 1st on what it is you need to do and then make an educated decision on whether you can do it or not.  You'll save yourself quite a bit of money through the course of the year.  In this one example, I saved $100.  D.I.Y.!