Repair broken jeans, without a machine. Reboot a broken zipper. Make the scratches on wooden furniture disappear. If you're skilled, you might be able to change batteries, oil, fan belts, spark plugs, and more on your own, saving you a lot.
If someone in the family is good with cars, offer to change something you're good at in exchange for help. It's also a good idea to find a mechanic you can trust and who doesn't overcharge.