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Scott, the key here is "qualified". Many dealers of these cars don't know much about repairing them. I have been taken to the cleaners many times by "qualified" mechanics. Sure, they'll charge the $75/hr and claim to fix it, but rarely do. This is the main reason why sites like this one exist, I'm supposing. Get a reference from someone you trust. I'm certainly not saying all mechanics are disreputable. Just enough to make it harder for the good ones.
Buy yourself a Haynes manual and a few good tools and you should be able to handle the basic repairs yourself if you have average mechanical skills. Just take your time and it will work out OK.
As far as aftermarket parts. I know that others see it differently-and that's their right-but my experience has been that aftmkt parts are just as good as factory. True, they may only meet "minimum" specs., but they are warranted. Your choice also may be dictated by how long you plan on keeping the car and, if you're like me, the size of your bank account. I guess if my ride was down and I had money only for an aftermarket fuel pump, I'd go that route. Beats walking. In fact, I know that sometimes dealers go to aftmkt stores for certain parts. So, to me the question does not seem so cut and dried as others see it. That's their right though. One exception would be rotors. Go factory with those and NEVER machine them. Toss and replace. Always use factory pads too. They are simply better. Haroon's suggestions are good. These problems are just rather tough to track down but it can be done.
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