I really have no interest in changing my own oil. I know I can do it so I have nothing to prove to myself. I just don't see that it saves me anything, more likely, it's a waste of time. I would pay two bucks a quart for oil in the store, plus five to ten for the filter - that's at least $13 right there, plus three trips (one for oil, one for filter, and one for disposal). Having it changed in the shop costs $25, and realistically it hardly takes more time than the checkout line at Wal-Fart.

It is SO NOT worth it to deal with the time, hassle, mess and waste products for ten bucks. My time is worth something, and for a few extra dollars I am happy to have it done where they have the right facilities and tools, and they can properly dispose of the waste.

I also agree that it's a good idea to have the dealer know you and to have them on your side. Be an all-weather friend and they may just cut you some slack when you need it. Plus they also usually do the lube fittings, fill the fluids, check the tires, and my dealer even throws in a wash every time my car's in the shop. Definitely worth a few extra dollars.

So... my answer: Definitely NOT worth it to do it yourself, take it to the dealer.

(Remember too folks, not that I think you would dump it, but one quart of motor oil contaminates a million gallons of groundwater when improperly disposed of.)
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