I am about to do my first oil change soon. It is MY04 with 2850 miles, and i'll probably do it before 3200 miles or so. I am just debating whether i should do it myself or take it to the dealer at least until the warranty runs out.
I 've heard some stories about Honda giving hard time with warranties when it wasn't dealer-maintained. (i know you can fight it and probably win it with right records) One such case i heard was replacing hardtop. It seems like Honda made it easier for guys who had their car dealer-maintained.
On the other hand, i just can't stand the thought of someone else driving my car and opening it up. Not to mention many shitty dealer services reported here and there, messing up the car.

So what do you guys think? Will keeping the reciepts be enough ? your input will be greatly appreciated.

One last newbie question. Where do you dump diff/trans oil ?? Do auto stores take them as they do engine oil? Can you mix them and just dump them all together? How do you guys get rid of the old oil?
hehe.. sorry for newb question.

Thanks guys~!~!

 

I like to do my own. That way I know I'm using the right oil, the right filter and I'm careful not to over or under tighten anything.. Its hard to find someone you can truly trust. As far as the oil mixing goes, I have always just dumped into the same container and never had a problem.

 

Spend $$ on tools, not labor. DIY

What are the chances you'll actually need or use the warranty anyway????

 

definitely diy for something this simple. there's instructions on this site on how to. if you are little hesistant you can probalby meet other members in your region on a tech day and get help.
if you do decide to go to the dealership, just wait and request no test drive etc..

 

I DIY not just because of the financial savings, but because I actually enjoy it. There is a feeling of pride knowing that the reason why your car runs so good is because you maintained it. I save all my receipts for oil/oil filter purchases etc. in case I need them for a warranty claim. Of course, it doesn't matter now. My car is well past it's warranty period.

 

cool~ thanks guys for inputs.

Can anyone tell me how you get rid of oil diff/trans oil though? Do auto stores take 'em as well ?

Thanks again.

 

first oil change at 2850? Honda says leave it in till 7500....

 

the dealer.

 

I'm a DIYer also.

I take all of my oil waste (engine, transmission and differential) to any of the several oil recycling locations in my area. I have taken used oil to Advanced Discount Auto Parts, Firestone, Jiffy Lube, Tire Kingdom, and the local Honda dealer at various times. Just ask nicely and usually they'll take it in. The only porblem that I have encountered with this is that sometimes the sump if full at a particular location, so I've learned to use alternates when necessary. Sometimes that's a big pain, but still worth it for me to do my own work. One tip is to store used oil in a 5 gallon sealable containers (paint buckets), so you don't have to make the trip as often as every change. This has worked well for the S2000 (5.5 qts), Miata (3.7 qts) or John Deere (1.8 qts) oil changes. However, ever since my wife purchased an F250 diesel, I go a LOT more often since that 6.0 liter motor holds 15 quarts!

Also, please make sure to properly recycle used brake fluid and coolant. We have a local municipal repository for hazardous wastes that accepts these fluids.

 

For me it depends... Sometimes I'm in a "DIY" mood, sometimes not...I do have a really great dealer down here. It's brand-spanking new and state of the art. You can watch them work on your car through this big window. They are really nice and even know my name. However when it comes to detailing the car I always do that my self. I see so many people with nice cars like ours or even some of the guys over at NSX Prime would would rather pay some one $50-$250 to detail their car. I think every body should detail there own car. It's so theraputic. When I say detail I mean a good hand washing, clay baring, polishing, and waxing... And don't get me started on micro fibre towels and Lexol!!! Wow... I get tingly just thinking about it......