[DGthe3]

going to school and becoming a mechanic/technician first is a pretty good idea. Engineers who design cars but don't understand them do things like put batteries by the front wheel 'because it fits'. As far as getting an engineering degree, I recommend getting a degree in mechanical and taking any automotive related courses you can as electives, rather than a specific automotive engineering degree. It will keep your options open. Oh, and become a master of CAD.

When I was in school, I knew a guy who was a tech at GM for years. He wasn't allowed to do any design work because he wasn't an engineer. Experience counts for a lot, but its not everything.