i agree the only way to learn is to give stuff a go!

you may not be confindent or have the knowledge to fix certain things,

but i personally (without claiming to be an expert) would be more than willing to get my hands dirty to help you work on your ute,
especially if it means keeping it on the road while at the same time helping you the gain the knowlegde you need to maintain it.

i would expect there to be more members that are also as willing

no need to go paying a mechanic i say

become your own mechanic, its more enjoyable and with a datto its definately do-able!

glad to hear your enjoying the 1200