Speaking of wishful thinking...

[ChewChewTrain]

...I found a good deal on oil filters, so I bought a case of 12 for my 27 y/o Civic. Talk about wishful thinking!

I use one of those vacuum oil extractors, so I don't have to crawl under the car and scrap my knuckles if the drain pan bolt is stubborn.

Anyone else STILL change their own oil? I'll bet all of you do.

[benlovesgoddess]

Never changed my oil - was going to in the olden days, till it worked out the same cost to do it myself or take it to a garage.

[R.I.D.E.]

I do my own. $22.88 for 5 quarts of Mobil 1 0w20 for the Mirage (Wal Mart), another 9 for a filter. Drop the oil and change the filter, then after 7500 miles, drop the oil and drain and reuse the filter. $33 every 15k miles works for me, for two oil changes. $16.50 a change. Got a coupon last two years for another $12 off the oil. That's right around 10 bucks for a synthetic oil change every 7500 miles. 5 quarts fills the Mirage to half way on the range on the dipstick two times. It uses no oil in 7500 miles at 21k miles.

I bought a 1998 Toyota Sienna for an around town beater. It has 268,000 miles on the clock and they changed the oil every 3 k miles. I have 102 repair reciepts from the original owner. Runs like new and everything works, including the CD&Casette player (combined.

Checked the oil level at 500 miles and no change. Something like 87 receipts for oil changes (every 3 k religiously). Getting around 23 mpg. It is rated to tow 3500 pounds. Put a Curt hitch on it and got a 1750 pound rated Harbour Freight trailer.
Amazing how well that van runs and rides with that many miles. Nothing like a well maintained garage kept original owner car or van. No pickup truck needed.

[Matt715]

I change my own oil and do all of my own maintenance to my vehicles. I really hate seeing other people work on my things because I see some really sloppy work come out of my local garages.

[Draigflag]

12 oil filters Doug?! That's 24 years worth for me, I doubt I'll own my car that long!

I used to do my own oil, but my friend across the road has his own workshop, ramps and an oil franchise too, so I get a good deal when I need it. I've recently only bought new cars, so you have to have the servicing done at the correct dealer to maintain the warranty, but after that, I'll be having my friend do it for me.

[trollbait]

I still do. I got 2 free changes from the dealer when I bought the Sonic. On the last one, they overfilled it by a quart.

[ChewChewTrain]

Originally Posted by trollbait

I still do. I got 2 free changes from the dealer when I bought the Sonic. On the last one, they overfilled it by a quart.

Did you drive with the extra quart? I heard you can blow a seal if you overfill the oil. True?

[ChewChewTrain]

Originally Posted by Draigflag

12 oil filters Doug?! That's 24 years worth for me, I doubt I'll own my car that long!

Doug's Last Will and Testament: To Draigflag, I leave my remaining collection of unused oil filters.

[trollbait]

Originally Posted by ChewChewTrain

Did you drive with the extra quart? I heard you can blow a seal if you overfill the oil. True?

Not far, but enough that some seeped from the valve covers.

[tommypress]

Well, wishful thinking it is!