Hi Paul:

___Here is what I do and it is very cost effective if I do say so myself …

___The Walmart’s in my area carry 0W-20 Mobil1 synthetic and Champion Lab’s SuperTech filters (manufactured for Walmart). The Synthetic goes for $4.97/qt. I pick up 5 quarts and a 2 SuperTech’s for $4.00. I now have enough oil and filters for 15,000 miles worth of driving. The local Honda dealer charges $9.xx as long as I bring in my own oil and filter. For a grand total of ~ $50.00, the local dealership changes my Insight’s oil 2X with the best synthetic available for 15,000 miles worth of driving. If they strip the threads in the Magnesium pan, its there $300 + dollars, not mine. I hope you local Honda dealership is as generous … They run her through their car wash as well

PS: Their normal outrageous price is $39.95 for a single Hybrid oil change using whatever kind of 5W-20 or off the shelf garbage a Honda dealership feels like using that particular week! For us Insighter’s, just make sure they give you back that ½ qt. for use on the next oil change … I am not sure how much the HCH holds?

___Good Luck

___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net

Paul
Only you can decide if you "need" the torque wrench.
I'd guess 99% of people do not use them.
I'm neurotic, but I can guarantee my drainpan threads are less likely to strip.

The oil I removed was fairly dark after almost 5000 miles.

Thanks for the heads up on the transmission fluid.
If mine, 2004, manual recommends something as elaborate as filling and draining 3 times I'll do it myself.

Need fewer troops to support.
Drive a hybrid.
Best tank 71.65 MPG.

Before this car I spent two years learning hypermiling on my 2004 HCH1.