OK, Chris and Randy convinced me to save my money and do teh 7500 mile service myself. I don't have the equipment, ramps, etc.. to do my own oil change so can one of you help me out here? I would like to get it done this weekend if possible.

Thanks,
Kirk

 

I disagree with their suggestion; here's why. I changed oil on cars hundred's of times and have all the equipment and knowledge, however I plan to let Honda change my oil until the warranty period is up -- then there can be no challenge about when and if the oil was changed since they and you have a valid record of it.

 

That's what I thought but I can't see paying over $100 for an oil change and tire pressure check.

Kirk

 

It only costs me $30 at Classic in Round Rock.

 

Have you read the horror stories from guys who've taken their cars to the dealer for the most simple of service? I used to let the dealer do the first service (sometimes the first one is free) but no more. Joy rides in the back lot, underfill, overfill, parts not being put back on or put back on wrong, scratches on the paint, not cleaning up the oil mess afterwards, parking the car where it gets door dings, sales guys letting customers take your car out for a test drive or a showing, the employees' teenage kid coming in to put his ass all over the seat ........ the list goes on and on. They'll challenge you and argue with you anyway if they think they can get away with it so if it isn't the oil change, they'll try to blame it on something else. Maybe you reved it too high, didn't shift right, didn't do this, didn't do that, etc, etc ....... yada, yada, yada! No dealer will ever see my car unless there's a major meltdown and then anybody will have a hard time regardless. Just keep your bills for the oil and filter and document when you did it. If you're paranoid get a friend or neighbor to initial it as a witness.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by xviper
[B]Have you read the horror stories from guys who've taken their cars to the dealer for the most simple of service?

 

Damn, Honda dealers must suck then. I take my WRX to Austin Subaru/Inifinity and it never left my sight, as I could see the oil being changed, hell, they even washed it afterwards. Plus, it's always an advantage to have the Subaru salesman in the group meets that we do and know exactly how picky we are.

If we have a complaint about the service at Austin Subaru, it gets taken care of, period.

It's a shame to hear of dealers doing that, ruins their chances for a 2nd sell of another car.

 

I use a shop near my home (kirk/steve ask if interested), but basically I drive it up..HAND them the filter (3 bucks), and have the remove the old oil and filter... I manually inspect the filter.. (did I mention >I< open and close the hood!!!), have them fill it with mobil-1, inspect the fill-line, and I close the hood.

Bascially, other than removing the filter and nut, I'm totally part of the experience-- total cost: $35 bucks... not bad IMHO. And I get a computer print out of the milage and date + its kept on their computer too.

-- Aaron

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by amartin
[B]I use a shop near my home (kirk/steve ask if interested), but basically I drive it up..HAND them the filter (3 bucks), and have the remove the old oil and filter... I manually inspect the filter.. (did I mention >I< open and close the hood!!!), have them fill it with mobil-1, inspect the fill-line, and I close the hood.

Bascially, other than removing the filter and nut, I'm totally part of the experience-- total cost: $35 bucks... not bad IMHO.

 

Don't get me started on Jiffy Lubes. Just check your oil BEFORE the drive home. Imagine: Young new mechanic drains oil, forgets to put oil plug back in 'cause his mind's got a dozen other things going on, fills with required amount, doesn't check dip stick, you pay and drive home with no oil in pan, nightmare begins.