Boing Boing. Instructables - Make, How To, and DIY. Lifehacker, tips and downloads for getting things done. Top 10 Essential DIY Skills That Aren't as Hard as You Think. I think it depends on your definition of "maintenance. " I wouldn't hesitate to change my own oil or something like that but I wouldn't dream of replacing a radiator myself. That isn't my idea of "maintenance. " That's fixing something. Sorry you are afraid of doing that stuff, but even a complete engine rebuild is easy to do, and no you don't need "special tools" unless you call things beyond a hammer and screwdriver "special" I can do a front end alignment on a car in my driveway with a tape measure and a couple of carpenters squares along with the wrenches most people would have.
Also if you do buy the cheap but special tools you can replace your own tires and balance them better than the "laser computerized" balance machine at the tire place. In fact the only expensive special tools I need are a Crane and engine run stand. Danger? This is why I don't take my cars to the dealer for any routine maintenance.
Aside from that, dealers are inconvenient. Mad in crafts. DeviantART: where ART meets application! Photos.