MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Replacing brakes on a vehicle can cost upwards of $600 when having the work done by a garage mechanic or at the dealer. However, according to Mike Young, Miramar Auto Hobby Shop manager, "The same work can be done at the (auto hobby) shop for right around $100."

Brakes are not the only repairs that can be performed at the Auto Hobby Shop, a place for all active duty, active reserve and retirees to upgrade their vehicles or save money on do-it-yourself repairs.

According to Young, the shop offers all the tools needed to perform everything from a simple oil change to a complete engine overhaul.

"We keep a complete supply of tools and equipment, as well as a wheel balancing machine, diagnostic equipment, welders and lifts," he said. "This shop is as close to a dealership garage as possible, and in many cases it is better."

Not only does the Auto Hobby Shop have all the necessary tools, they are also armed with a knowledgeable staff of mechanics who are Automotive Service Excellence certified.

According to Young, one of the best services the shop offers servicemembers is used car pre-purchase inspections.

"If a servicemember is thinking about buying a car they can bring it down here and we will inspect it for them to make sure there is nothing wrong with it," he said. "It is better to come down here for an inspection before buying it than to come down here to fix it after buying it."

However, some Marines, like Cpl. David DeRamus, a Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 power line technician, buy broken vehicles just for the joy of rebuilding them at the Auto Hobby Shop.

"So far I have rebuilt a Monte Carlo and two Camaros," said DeRamus. "The Auto Hobby Shop has the lifts I need to do a rebuild, and has all the required tools too."

While a rebuild such as the ones that DeRamus performs could cost thousands of dollars if they were done at a mechanic's shop, he only has to pay for parts and shop usage, which ranges from $3 a day for general shop use to $30 for a full day of rack usage.

The Auto Hobby Shop is located in building 6673 and is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information call the shop at (858) 577-1215.