How to learn basic automotive maintenance?

[RainDog]

I really really hate spending money on automotive repair.
I especially hate spending money on the stuff I could probably do myself.

It may be a bit silly, but I feel less of a man for not knowing any basic trade skills (automotive repair, carpentry, construction, etc).

I'm 25 years old and I don't even know how to change the damn oil in my car.

So, how do I start? I'm surprised that my University doesn't seem to offer automotive care courses. I bought the tech-manual for my 1998 Buick Regal, but I'm skeptical about just going at it.

If I could get the basics done, I'd like to go a bit further. I wouldn't mind taking some part time tech courses, but wouldn't know where to go (and even if I did, I'd like to get some basics down first).