Vue V6 Honda Engine: Can a total noob do a 60,000 mile service?

[AccordionCowboy]

Hi everyone. I own an 04 Saturn Vue AWD with 3.5L engine. I am ready for my 60,000 mile service, and I am thinking of doing part/all of it myself to save money. Problem is, I'm a total noob.

SATURN dealership wants $275 to deal with...

oil change
coolant change
cabin air filter change
engine air filter change
rotate tires
brake check

plus $84 for my yearly inspection, due in May 2008. Total $359 not counting any parts required or suggested, etc etc.

Problem is, my local SATURN dealership has really gone down in quality recently, especially in service. I am changing to service at a different dealership because the one I bought from is difficult to schedule, poor experience while onsite, tools left under the hood, etc.

I'd need to buy ramps and basic tools to change oil, coolant, and air filters, plus the oil and filters themselves. I have basic adjustable wrench sets and some sockets, but have never changed my own oil on any vehicle. However, I am good with directions, have read the manual, etc.

So, should I try to do at least the fluid/filter changes on my own to save money? Or pay a premium to not have the hassles? Thanks for your perspective.

AC

[ssicarman]

Welcome to the Board.

The coolant, Dexcool, is rated for 100k miles or five years. The filters are certainly DIY.
Oil change depends on your skill level and your tool and equipment level. Tire rotation is going to take at least two jack stands, not ramps. Brake check is easy enough to do when the wheels are off but if you don't know what to base the pad and shoe thickness remaining then you are wasting time.

Suggest going to a shop and getting them do a brake inspection with a tire rotation at the very least. This would work out to be the least expensive way to go as the tires are off and there should be little to no extra charge for the rotation with the brake inspection.


Read the manual that you have and look under the car and see if you are comfortable with the work that the manual says you need to do. If you are not comfortable with the work then you may want to have a shop do the part that you feel uneasy about. Especially the lifting and supporting of the car to get under it and the removing of wheels.

[AccordionCowboy]

Hey, thanks for your fast, helpful reply.

I am searching this board for tips on the portions I could try myself (Oil & filter, air filter, maybe cabin air filter?).

I agree about some tasks being out of my league. Tire rotation & brakes I could take to a shop. Of course I can't inspect it myself, so there's 3 things I'll take to the pros.

If anyone has more feedback, or tips about oil & filter, air filter, "cabin air" filters, or parts for first timer DIY, this noob thanks you in advance. :)

Sincerely,

AC

Welcome to the Board.

The coolant, Dexcool, is rated for 100k miles or five years. The filters are certainly DIY.

Oil change depends on your skill level and your tool and equipment level. Tire rotation is going to take at least two jack stands, not ramps. Brake check is easy enough to do when the wheels are off but if you don't know what to base the pad and shoe thickness remaining then you are wasting time.

Suggest going to a shop and getting them do a brake inspection with a tire rotation at the very least. This would work out to be the least expensive way to go as the tires are off and there should be little to no extra charge for the rotation with the brake inspection.

Read the manual that you have and look under the car and see if you are comfortable with the work that the manual says you need to do. If you are not comfortable with the work then you may want to have a shop do the part that you feel uneasy about. Especially the lifting and supporting of the car to get under it and the removing of wheels.

[binkybaby]

The air filter and cabin air filter are VERY easy to change. On the air filter, it's in a box right behind the passenger side headlight. u just need to unlatch the clips that hold the top cover on and loosen the hose clamp on the intake with a screwdriver , then detach the intake tube from the filter box. The rest is easy.....i have replaced my own cabin air filter on numerous occasions and it's easy too, with the hood open there's this panel on the cowl just below where the windshield wipers are on the passenger side. Remove the four pushpins by inserting a straightslot screwdriver just below the round part in the middle (there's a notch where u can slide one in) and gently pry it up. Then pull them out, and the panel lifts up revealing the cabin air filter. It's held in on one end by a plastic clip thing, pull this back and the filter comes out. i prefer to use a Shop-vac or a moist towel to wipe out the dust before putting the new one in. i usually get my replacement filters at Auto Zone, the cabin filter i use is a Bosch and it includes instructions. It always helps to do the easier stuff yourself, although i am seriously thinking about doing other PM items like oil changes and eventually, the timing belt change and coolant flush myself, i usually go to the Saturn dealer for this but i figure i can save money doing it myself.....especially now that i have two Saturns to baby. XD

As far as coolant changes go, in the past i have always replaced the belt, put in a new thermostat, and install new hoses when it came to coolant change time. Also, i replace the hanger-wire hose clamps with the screw type....i know that's kinda obsessive but it's good PM that'll keep a vehicle running well.