With advice from this board, I replace my own air filters and saved a bundle easily. Honda wants $138 to replace the battery and they suspected I would rather do this myself. Should I? I've been told that a shop will maintain power to the card while they do the job which is better for the car, but I've also heard you don't need any special tools and its easy.

Also, please recommend a battery.

 

Check out this thread :https://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/...etailed-27545/

Many users have had good results with the Interstate battery.

 

Depending on how much of a DIY cheapskate you are.....

I replaced my OEM battery with a large lawn tractor battery for $40. I've had it over a year, through a mild NC winter.

I really doubt there is any consequence to disconnecting the 12v power completely, as long as you know your radio code. Also, your current MPG numbers will go away.

If you really want to keep it hot you could make up a cigarette pigtail and connect it to a 12v source- and leave the key on.

Or you could use jumper cables from another car.