I feel for you OP. I was you about 35 years ago. I knew very little about cars, nothing about mechanics, and was a magnet for vehicle repair shops ripping me off and doing shoddy work.
What changed things for me was buying a few books about internal combustion engines and auto mechanics and reading them. Then immersing myself in learning to turn a wrench or two. Bought some Craftsman tools, and started changing my own oil, filters, battery, etc. even rebuilt a carb with just a how to manual. Back then there was no Google.
Since then I’ve owned an operated an oval track and drag strip race car, and have rebuilt 2 engines, etc. The only work I refuse to do myself to this day, ironically, is drum brakes. They are a pain in the butt in my opinion.
Just hang in there. I’ve learned so much about vehicles I’ve owned from forums. This one in particular. So despite how “salty” (someone else used this term) the members can be they are trying to help. Read all of the “how to” threads in this forum. And try to do some basic work yourself. Even the harder stuff you cannot tackle yourself you will learn basically how it’s done so you can go to the repair shops with your eyes wide open and so you will know shoddy work, and lies, when you see and hear them.
Good luck