2003 Civic LX air filter

I have a 2003 Civic LX. I took it to the dealer the other day and they
wanted to sell me a 15,000 mile maintenance for $189. The main part of
this maintenance was the replacement of the air cleaner element. The
service writer tried to convince me that I could not do it myself,
because it is "inside the engine".

I haven't looked at it yet, they still have the car waiting for parts
on a service bulletin repair. How hard is the air filter element
replacement? I am no mechanic, but for $189 it better be really
complicated. What is the cost of the replacement filter and is it
available at auto part stores vs the dealer?

Thanks

Chad

 

---------------------------

Phone NAPA and PepBoys. I'm guessing you're in USA. They will probably
have them on hand. Yes, you can change it yourself. You can rotate your
tires too, and all stuff described in your owner's manual (fluid levels,
visual inspection of belts, etc.)

'Curly'

 

It's in the engine compartment, not in the engine. Not terribly hard to
replace.
There's alot more to the maintenance than just changing the air filter.
Shame on him for not doing his job and explaining what is done. Check your
owners manual for the items maintained on your car at 15,000 miles and make
sure that is what they do. Anything else, view yourself if they find
something.

 

you don't go with dealer recommended services you go by the owner's manual.
It wouldl be a good idea for you to purchase a Haynes or Chiltons manual for
basic maintenance on your car. They are about $15 at the parts stores.