30K maintenance on a 2008 Scion xB questions

randomevent

randomevent

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I figure some CAGers know about cars, so I figured I'd as least ask.

Anyway, my 08 xB is right at 30K, and I called the dealer to see how much the service would be. They said the 30k recommended maintenance was $356.20! fuck that. It seems like most of what you're paying is inspections. I checked the Edmunds Maintenance Calculator, supposedly in my area it should be $167, but I assume that's at independent shops. I figure I'm just going to have them change my oil and rotate my tires for $60, since those are the only two things that I can't do myself at home (elevated hill for parking, so impossible to get under the car).

I know how to change the cabin air filter, but how do I go about changing the engine air filter? And my breaks SEEM like they aren't working as well, but I'm pretty sure it's my imagination telling me that. I've known tons of other xB and other Scion owners who've never complained about their brakes after 60K+. And I don't think I have to change my engine coolant, because I've heard that most cars now can go 100K before flushing and changing it. For other inspections, like transmission, fuel system, axles etc, I think I'll live without, unless you guys think I need it.

Basically, my questions are:

1) How do I change my engine air filter?
2) Is there anyway I can inspect my brakes myself, or do some small bit of maintenance on them?
3) Do I have to the coolant flush/change now?
4) Do I have to change the engine oil? If so, how do I go about doing that.
5) Does my transmission fluid need inspecting/changing?
6) Any other things you guys recommend? Is it better to just do service? Go to an independent shop?

Please consider helping a poor college guy who has to pay for everything himself, haha. Thanks in advance, everyone.
 
1) How do I change my engine air filter?

I don't know the Scion but just follow the air intake until you find a box or drum with screws/wing nuts/clips and just open her up.

2) Is there anyway I can inspect my brakes myself, or do some small bit of maintenance on them?

Have your brakes started to squeal or drop off in normal performance? Chances are if you're not in stop and go traffic and you don't drive the piss out of your car your brakes are fine. You could go well over 100K miles on one set of brakes if you're conservative.

3) Do I have to the coolant flush/change now?

Chances are probably not unless you drive the piss out of it.

4) Do I have to change the engine oil? If so, how do I go about doing that.

Yes, whether you d it every 3, 5 or 6 30K is at that mark. You should really read that manual they gave you with your car to answer all these questions.

5) Does my transmission fluid need inspecting/changing?

Inspect it, probably not change it.

6) Any other things you guys recommend? Is it better to just do service? Go to an independent shop?

Read the damn manual. It tells you what to do at specific mileages and usually isn't far off from what's needed. Then it tells you how to do it unless it's a more invasive problem.

Assuming you're not a leadfoot an oil change and possibly air filter would be all you'll need.
 
[quote name='ValkyrieVF-1S']Wait, you haven't changed your engine oil since you've had this car?[/QUOTE]

I've done it at the dealer. What I meant was that I can't do it myself, since I live where my parkway is elevated. Of course I could drive to someone else's house and change it, but that never occurs to me at the times I need to change my oil.
 
[quote name='randomevent']I've done it at the dealer. What I meant was that I can't do it myself, since I live where my parkway is elevated.[/QUOTE]
Put chocks on the rear wheels.

That's assuming you need to jack up the car (many don't need to be).
 
Don't bother changing the oil yourself; it really isn't much cheaper to DIY, and it can be a frustrating experience. Unless you're a real grease monkey, don't mess with it. Just pay to have that done.

Seriously, make a little time to head over to the nearest Auto Zone. They can show you, on your engine, where the air filter is, how the different fluids should look, how to check your brake pads, etc. All for free.
 
there are GIGANTIC scion forums. Huge following behind these cars. Find a forum and most likely there will be a DIY (Do It Yourself) forum which tells you how to do different things to your car. there are also newbie forums (usually) where you can ask these questions and get answers from owners/modders/maintainers of these cars.
 
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