[QUOTE=operator207,Jun 2 2010, 11:54 PM] Love the story. My daughter is 4, and she is my sidekick. She loves the S, and anytime I goto the garage, she is right behind me. If I am working on the car, and have it up on stands, she wants to get on the crawler, and scoot underneath with me. (I have a picture around here somewhere of her on the crawler under the car) I have worked on cars for years (rebuilt a SB 400 when I was ~10 with help from dad of course). I wanted her to at least have the opportunity to have the same experiences as I did.

I wear latex gloves when I work on the car (got tired of the dirty hands). When I am out in the garage, she always asks if she can have some "globves" to wear. She can say gloves just fine, but she says it like that to get a smile out of me. I had the hood popped checking the oil the other day, and she was right by my side. My wife came out to see what we were doing in the garage, and my daughter proceeded to tell my wife what the engine, radiator, AC compressor, air filter and alternator was. She even surprised me by telling my wife what they did.

 

i used to change the oil in my car but i dont anymore. the dealership takes all competitors coupons and they have a punch card where every 5th one is free. so i can get my oil changed usually for under $20. the time and energy spent picking up the oil and filter then changing and disposing the oil is not worth it to me. im usually in and out in 20 mins

now my bikes are another story. i change that myself because its super easy and the dealerships are way over priced! pretty much i can do it for 1/2 the price.

 

I change the oil in all my vehicles. My son Benjamin who is 4 y/o is my helper. It does take much longer with his help but as you (ralper) indicated, it is well worth it. As for my daughter Caroline who is 6 y/o, she could care less about working with me on the car.

All my used oil are returned to Wal-Mart for recycling…..will try the gloves next time..

Thank you for sharing your story....

 

When I bought the S, I told myself I would try to do all maintenance and modifications to it myself (especially seeing as how I have never done so before). So far, I have done my own oil change, tranny fluid change, air filter change, installed the OEM lip, installed the OEM wing spoiler, put in my own aftermarket music setup (headunit and speakers) and S badges (and old badge removal including the S2000 badges). It has been extremely fulfilling and just makes me smile even harder every time I see Peggy (yeah, like Peggy Bundy the red head). It makes me excited thinking about the next maintenance I need to do, like the next oil change and diff fluid change (which I will do at the same time) in about 5k miles.

I plan on doing all (as much as my capabilities will allow) work on my S outside of warranty work (got an extended warranty). To that regard, this site has been extremely invaluable and I applaud all those who have taken the time to share their DIY's and tips on all things S.

 

yes, I change my own oil.

 

Yes with the help of Fumoto Quick Oil Drain Valve. I save money by buying synthetic when it's on sale.

 

i got free oil changes thrown in when i bought my S, so I go to the dealer for those

 

I do my own and spend a little extra on stuff like Amsoil. I got hooked on doing my own on my MINI. The oil changes on the s are just too easy NOT to do myself.

 

Yes. And now the fumoto makes it even more effortless.

 

Yup. Sure do. Walmart has super cheap 5 qt jugs so get them from there. Doing trans today. I have that drain valve also but with the sc installed can't reach it unless I am under the car so not much use for it anymore.