FX VETTE

My Corvette friends seem to freak out every time they find out that I change the oil/filter on my C5 by myself. It’s still a car and actually IMO it’s really pretty easy to work on.

I am not a mechanic by any means, but I can follow instructions and am not afraid to take tasks such as these especially when I know they’ll be done right and I can save a few bucks.

So I am curious, how many C5 owners do their own maintenance and how many leave their fate to garages/stealerships?

Vetteman Jack

I change the oil on my C5 unless I happen to get a discount coupon from my dealership. I've never had an issue with the dealership working on my car so I do not have a worry about taking it there.

DarthVetter5

The only thing I don't do is the oil. By the time I buy the oil ,filter and do the work plus dispose the old oil it barely warrants saving maybe $20. I'd rather save the mess and take my car to Valvoline on rt 18 for $90 full synthetic and premium service all while I sit in the car.

jrprich

I used to for perhaps 45 years of cars.
But after three back surgeries, I found a local shop that charges me $20.
I bring my own oil and filter, the owner and manager know me well and respect my Vette.

runner140*

I really don't mind too much changing my own oil. Its simple, to me, relaxing, and takes very little time.

JR-01

I change oil and and attempt repairs when I am confident I can do them.

coia96vette

I have a friend with a lift that knows corvettes well. I bring the oil and filter and he changes it for $20 while I check under the car for other things. Great time to clean things up under the car.

Yello95

So far I am still able and willing to change my own oil and filter...its a special rebonding with my 2nd honey...

Jeff T.

Guilty...

c4cruiser

I have a two post lift in my garage so it's not a big deal to do an oil/filter change on my two Corvettes or my Silverado. I'll wait on sales to buy Mobil-1oil at places like Wal-Mart, Costco, or even Amazon and then get good filters.

The local dump takes used oil and filters for free so I collect all of the oil and haul it there. With three vehicles, it doesn't take much to collect 2-3 gallons of oil.

And my keg fridge sits right next to my tool chest....

lewislgZ06

I do my own oil changes and everything else that I have the tools and capability to.

ArmchairArchitect

Takes less time to change it than it does to take it to a shop. And you can use the oil/filter of your choosing.

pjdbm

I try to do everything myself, I have very little faith in anyone working on my cars.

I change the oil in all my cars, Mobil 1 in all.

I think a Mobil one oil change with a premium filter will cost at least $85.00

burneyr

I've got a lift so I do all my own maintenance. With the frequent Mobil1 rebates using a premium AC Delco filter, it's like $28 bucks. Knowing it was done right, and doing a thorough under car inspection is really the reason I do my own though.

digitaloutsider

Shops do not touch my car aside from things I literally don't have the tools or knowhow for, such as a transmission rebuild or bore-aligning a block. I also think it's beyond outrageous to pay $90+ for an oil change.

$10.50 for a UPF44 Ultraguard Gold, 2.90 x 7 = $20.30 for Dexos-certified oil on my "shop" account. Oil disposal is free at AZ, AAP, Pep Boys, etc. Total damage $30.80. An oil change would need to be FAR more complex for me to entertain taking it somewhere.

capevettes

I do my own maintenance on all my cars myself. The 4 post lift makes it simple. It's a lot easier doing the C5 than my 61 with 23 grease fittings

jcgunn

Exactly!

dbgoodwin

seagem

Dealer charges me $7 to change oil & filter with my annual state inspection, I furnish oil & filter. Can't beat the deal for the required inspection.

FX VETTE

Damn, that’s a good deal. Don’t blame you.