Prohibitive costs of reparation are often institutionally imposed: warranties are voided when non-authorized repairs are attempted, or people are led to believe that repairs require an expert. In fact, many electrical and mechanical problems are easy to diagnose and fix, even without any specialized training.
Moreover, the more often one attempts and succeeds at repairs, the easier it will become. One makes connections at parts-suppliers and gains experience with various types of mechanisms. Practice makes better.
Beside the practical advantages of becoming a 'Ms. fix-it,' the psychological advantages are great, as well. A whole new dimension to the world is opened up to ones imagination and understanding. One feels in control of her surroundings. Here is the experience that got me so excited about fixing things. Professor Joe Szewczak at Deep Springs College was instrumental in getting me started. My Compact Disc player broke. At first it would start skipping around track four. Slowly, it began skipping more and more and over a broader range of tracks. One day, it wouldn't play at all. I paid about $240 for it several years ago. I expected it would cost at least $50 to fix, and perhaps as much as $80 or $100. I could buy a new machine of equal quality for $120. The warranty was expired, so I didn't have anything to lose by tinkering. What I found without much trouble was that the plastic gear-teeth that move the laser-lense across the surface of the discs were somewhat shredded; but only on one part. I could replace the part and be back in business. I called Pacific Coast Parts (310 515 0207) and had them send me a fax from the parts-catalogue for my model-number -- a picture of the mechanism and labeled part-numbers. I got the part-number and ordered it. I replaced the part, greased the gears to prevent a recurrance of the problem, and now have a working CD-player for under $10.