View Poll Results: Where do you take your car for oil changes?
Infiniti dealer
21
29.58%
Nissan dealer
3
4.23%
independent auto repair shop
6
8.45%
quick-lube shop (Jiffy Lube, Oil Changers, etc.)
5
7.04%
do it yourself
36
50.70%
Voters: 71. You may not vote on this poll
Oil changes (poll): do your own or go to dealer?
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 1
From: San Jose CA
Let me tell ya, after my fiasco with my 15K service, it's going to be hard for me to bring it back to the dealer. The idiot tech at Frontier infiniti in Santa clara CA forgot to bolt my underbody panel back up. I drive away from the dealer and hear it scraping on the road. I bring it back they fix it. Three weeks later my wife says the motor is making a funny sound. I go to check the oil and find that the same idiot forgot to put the filler cap back on and oils is all over the engine compartment and and I am two quarts down.
Misanthropic nut-cracker
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 803
Likes: 0
From: On the water at the "Jersey Shore"...Toms River
Crush it dammit
Like I told you guys....they don't unbolt the whole engine area baffle to change the oil...They just unbolt the front of it then BEND it down to get filter access. In the above scenario they did exactly that, but forgot to button her back up. NICE! One thing I forgot to make a point of ( I'm SURE most of you guys and girls know this already) MAKE SURE YOU BUY AN EXTRA PACKET OF COPPER DRAIN PLUG CRUSH WASHERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THEY MUST BE REPLACED UPON EVERY OIL CHANGE/DRAIN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know that's a no brainer, but many vehicles don't require it so it's a mistake ANYBODY can make.....ANYBODY (read me lol). ....JBX
Misanthropic nut-cracker
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 803
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From: On the water at the "Jersey Shore"...Toms River
I am firm in my belief that the OEM filters suck and that a good quality after mkt. filter is worth the few extra bucks. The stk. filters cost the dealership about $1.25 and the shop oil ...not a lot more. Even if you discount my theory about the quality (or lack of ) the OEM filters and "house oil" you still gotta accept the idea of that when changing your own oil/filter (hopefully with superior after market brands) it also gives you the opportunity to examine your car from a much more advantageous viewpoint. Do you honestly think a grade B mechanic (normally the guys who do the freebie oil changes) are going to thoroughly inspect your car underneath like you would? Or, that he would clean up any superfluous spillage/mess he makes? Even if you only do an occasional oil change yourself, your still getting a real chance to inspect your baby for problems that, if left unchecked, could become very costly or damaging. Get down, get dirty, it's all good. 
JBX
JBX
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
I like to do it all myself too. Besides the money savings, if you do it yourself, you know it's done right. Although, Shodog's experience at the dealer may not be common, it's probably not as uncommon as you would think either.
raises all-in
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,783
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
When I get my G, I'd like to change the oil myself (especially after some of the things JBX said). My one main concern (pain in the a$$) is having to properly discard the used oil. Don't you have to take it to a recycling yard?
Misanthropic nut-cracker
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 803
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From: On the water at the "Jersey Shore"...Toms River
Old oil
Originally Posted by dirrtybear
When I get my G, I'd like to change the oil myself (especially after some of the things JBX said). My one main concern (pain in the a$$) is having to properly discard the used oil. Don't you have to take it to a recycling yard?
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 1
From: San Jose CA
When I used to change my oil I didn't have an problem disposing the oil. two houses away from me there is a storm drain. I just wait to the evening and then dump it down there. Its out in front of my neighbors house so it just looks like he is dumping the oil.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
Great Post!
Originally Posted by JustBrilliantX
"I" do it,be it general maintanence or hardcore cosmetic/power modifications. It's not just a matter of saving money as it is personally cathartic. Obviously, we all love our cars from the pure driving aspect....BUT, I find the ownership experience is greatly enhanced when you/I are part of the equation. It's so VERY rewarding when "I" make a modification that results in enhanced handling, power, or just plain cosmetics. And, just the learning experience alone makes the time, effort, and money worth while....not to mention a project/desire/wish that YOU'VE made come to fruition. Of course there are times that you need a dealership for assistance, but doing it yourself is truly the "Cat's A*s"! I broke my car in the "hard way" like any engine ( motorcycle OR car ) that I've ever built. And, at 1500 miles I changed/switched to Mobil 1 with a K&N filter and then AGAIN at 3,000 miles. Now I change it every 5,000 with OIL ANALYSIS done at every other one. I really suggest that anybody who considers themself an enthusiast....GET INVOLVED and do it.....Don't know how?? THEN BUY A MANUAL AND LEARN ! JBX has left the forum
Great Post!
It's nice to see someone who shares the passion of owning an automobile!
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by shodog
When I used to change my oil I didn't have an problem disposing the oil. two houses away from me there is a storm drain. I just wait to the evening and then dump it down there. Its out in front of my neighbors house so it just looks like he is dumping the oil.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by shodog
When I used to change my oil I didn't have an problem disposing the oil. two houses away from me there is a storm drain. I just wait to the evening and then dump it down there. Its out in front of my neighbors house so it just looks like he is dumping the oil.
Holy Crap dude!
I know a guy who got caught doing the same thing! He got caught by an off duty Fire Marshall. By the time the Fire Department, State, and the EPA were done with the guy he was bankrupt and had to serve some time in jail!
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Houston
I love my G and also love my family...if it is between spending time changing my oil or spending time with mywife and 5 month old son...it is a no brainer. I also got "free" maintenance for 2 years when I purchased my G. Why not take advantage of this?
It is not that I love my car any less, it is that I love other things more!
It is not that I love my car any less, it is that I love other things more!
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 1
From: San Jose CA
Originally Posted by callawayc7
I hope you're kidding right? Or if not then at least I hope you don't do that anymore, especially in San Jose, since you can recycle your oil with your trash each week for free. They even provide you with the bottles to put the used motor oil in, again for free. I not an environmentalist, but there's no reason to dump it illegally when it's so easy and free to get rid of your used oil now.
Changing the oil in the G is easy. If it wasn't for the underbody panel being in the way, I bet you could change your oil without even having to lift the car up. The drain plug and filter are easily accessable compared to other cars I have owned.
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