The newer the car-
 

The more complex the electronics and control curcuitry becomes. It does not hurt to purchase from one of the auto parts stores the Chiltons or Mitchels or what ever paper back service documentation they have for your car and then when there is a problem, Read it.
Keep it in the trunk wrapped in a plasic grocery bag so it does not get damaged in the rain or snow and you know where to find it.
My first car you could fix with a bobby pin and a bandaid. The only thing now you can do with that is scratch the paint and cover a hole in the seat.
No it ain't easy and not everyone knows electronics. But stop fooling your self there is no magic cure to some of the reasons these thing quit running. Used to be. Been there, owned them drove them and enjoyed them .
As they say, they don't build them like they used to. U bet, a whole bunch better. run longer between fixing. Run better when fixed, harder and more expensive to fix if needed. Spend the $20.00 bucks or so. Best $20.00 bucks you can spend.
:)