I feel like I have let my car down. In the 2.5 years I have had it, I have done only done what is absolutely necessary to keep it running. I feel like I am afraid to do anything on this car, like I am afraid of messing it up. I need to do struts all around. I need to get the leaks at the windshield and trunk fixed, I need to fix the transmission cooler lines that are leaking, I need to replace 17 year old vacuum lines, and track down issues with uneven firing, and why it runs like crap with the A/C on. I have had the time, I have had the money. I have no excuses. Now I am facing another challenge. I feel like selling it, and getting a '91-'97 Jeep Cherokee. I know nothing about Cherokee'*, but I feel that it will be different with one. I will not be afraid to work on it, but I truly wonder if it will end up being the same.

This is more of a rant, but any enlightened opinions are welcome also.

Hey man, this is what we're here for. To listen to people, and to help them with their problems, car related or not. We're all just a genuine bunch of people trying to help.

People are only afraid of what they don't know. Ask about problems here, and people will tell you exactly what to do, and then you will know, so it won't seem so intimidating. The problems you mentioned sound pretty minor and you could easily get those resolved with a little...resolve. Just need to start somewhere, and we'd all be more than happy to give you a hand.

Randy...you can't imagine how many people I've walked through the first spark plug. If you want to get a jeep, then maybe that'* where you are heading. This car though...in your climate..... rubber dries out. Off you go for some cheap vacuum hose. Let'* change those out first.

Pick a project and start there. The vacuum lines are easy and something that'* really hard to mess up. Simply do one line at a time. When that is done you will feel more comfortable and can then move on to the next task.

In all honesty, I can probably knock out most anything that comes up. I could probably even do the front struts too, but I also know that will not be a fun job. I also have a full set of FSM'*, and have been at worst a lurker of this and "The Other", so know how is not a concern. Just . . . resolve. There are other things not mentioned that need to be done, but still doing very well despite 17 years and 162k miles. I would be getting the Jeep for the offroading, however I have not only a friend with a built Jeep, but a mom with a 4x4 Blazer I could probably get dirty any time I want for a small fee <wash, gas, etc>. I am afraid of the unknown, but can easily power through this one.

Hopefully this isn't the start of the mod bug taking hold, and cramming a transmission build down my throat.

I'd bet that it is indeed the mod bug! If I can get a fully awesome Triple Edge Performance transmission, so can you! Series II swap, yes?

I know the feeling.
Most of the time for me, its motivation, or lack of space to work on things around here without having a garage to work in.
Start with the small things that can be done quickly and easily. Then tackle the tougher items.
For me, its about being able to say I did it myself. I read about and hear about people going to shops, getting ripped off, or paying some insane amount to have things done. I can sit back and smile knowing I wasn't paying a shop, its getting done right, and feeling like you accomplish something pushes you to do other things.

I've actually bought quite a few "motivational tools". Granted, I'm one of those guys who goes into Sears, or the back end of a Snap On truck and starts drooling. But if its a tough job, and I'm really lacking oomph to do it, (and I have the extra cash) I buy myself something. A new wrench, some detailing tools, a jack, something. Its a kinda reward to myself for doing my own work. Works best if whatever tool you get is going to help to do the job you're working on. Or if its an upgrade to something I already have, that works too.

It'* all about one step at a time. It took me almost a full year to fix the leak to my truck. All it needed was 5 minutes of my time, some caulk, and some tape. Like it has been stated. Just start small. But the big thing is to just start.

I let my truck go downhill to the point I felt like junking it and get new. I even looked around a few Dealers. The $50k upwards price for a Full optioned dually 3500 got me reset. I spent a couple hard weeks off and on replacing almost everything on the truck. I had a garage do the diesel injection pump/primary pump/sending unit. I did the entire front end, rotors,brakes, shocks, gas tank straps, drums, rear seals with the help of a friend with a Garage. In the end I love it like it was new, and got the satisfaction that I can still do these things right, if I have to.

Ahh yes i know exactly how you feel buddy my 97 ssei has had me feel this way many many times and my 94 se(16 years and 456k miles later)has me feeling this way the wheel bearings are going out whoo freakin hoo the tranny cooler lines are leaking for about the 10 millionth time the subframe only has 4 of 6 bolts and hocky pucks in place of bushing the exdhaust needs welded it needs alinghnment as it just chewed up 300 bucks worth of tires in on month i know how you feel but like other said just start one thing at a time......its easier said then done i have a leaking gas line in my buick and have not fixed it yet so lets get pluggin away fixing the issues on your buick as they are great cars(im on my third lesabre) and are worth the time and money..