I really don't know much of anything about cars, I've built computers since I was 16 but cars seemed too... dirty and greasy haha.
So I've never really gotten into them.
The only thing I've done to my car is buy some crazy expensive but pretty nice tires.
Tires are the most important part of the car, good choice! Think about it this way, they're literally the only thing between you and the road.
Also, I just wanted to put in some encouraging words that I too started doing hands on stuff like tinkering and building PCs, and while car mechanics are quite a bit more complicated, it's very rewarding to learn over time, and start with something like changing your own wheels first.
There's also a lot of benefits to having technical knowledge on how your car and components work, even if you don't necessarily have the skills to do the work yourself, so you are able to properly communicate with mechanics and make sure you're getting good and proper work done.
i was thinking of going the access port route but eeeeeeeeeh, 500 for a car im going to get rid of (hello RS) in 2 years seems like a waste.
demik, I want to point out that you can get a used COBB AP, and they're typically really good at holding their value, so you wouldn't lose much money or any at all if you sell it 2 years later, with the exception being a new revision of their handheld device (which isn't very likely, but even so, you just lose like $150 maybe). I would really recommend it if it's within your budget. I'm sure it'd be an easy sell too, due to it being a pretty good device.
It's a great device, I'm not familiar with your platform, but it's one of the best/better devices for BMW N54 or Subaru STI engines.