Originally Posted by
autumnmass
I purchased a 2004 black coupe from a private party last month. Went to the dealership (Boston, MA) to have an oil change and was shocked when received bill $175. (Unfortunately not too many independent shops in my area). "Tech said Mobil 1 oil very pricy compared to Penz oil. " Also informed me that I need a "steering damper" price labor and materials around $290--seems high to me. Is the steering damper same think as steering stabilizer. Was wondering if this a big job? Thanks for any info you can offer.
As others have said....do your own oil change. If you get the oil on sale, and the filter (often there are combo sales) then the cost for the materials is about $60 - $70 dollars. If you don't want to jack up the car and do the oil from underneath then buy and oil evacuator. I bought one for about a hundred bucks (you can get them cheaper but mine holds 2 oil changes) and you'll make up that cost in 1 to 2 DIY changes. You just pump out the oil. Heck the filter is on top front of the engine so it is a piece of cake. Done in 15 - 20 minutes with no mess, no lifting and at half the price or more from what the dealer charges you.
As far as the steering damper, the other guys on here know best (I haven't had to change mine yet) but I plan to do it myself when the time comes............
Good luck.