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I had a couple of older brothers that worked at a local garage. At age 15, I hired in there to clean, paint, and pump gas. I graduated to oil changes, replacing bulbs and batteries, belts, etc.
I helped the real mechanics with brake jobs, tune ups, and learned from watching and talking to them. Eventually, they put me in a wrecker and I started taking AAA road service calls. This experience, more than any other, helped me identify and fix problems. When I took my first job at a parts store, I realized I like that end of the biz better.
If I were 20 again, and had no background in automotive, I think I'd look to the local community college for a basic maintenence class. Then I'd get the Haynes or Chilton for my car. I'd start changing the oil myself, change my own belts, hoses etc. These are simple tasks that your local parts store can guide you through.
If you think that a mechanic is bullshitting you, don't be afraid to take your car someplace else for a second opinion. find someone you trust and stick with him.
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"Regret can be a harder pill to swallow than failure .With failure you at least know you gave it a chance..." David Howard
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