02 WRX Tune-up

[Carol]

I have an 2002 Subaru WRX with 62,000 miles. I want to get the 60k
service done, but I don't want to pay $1,000. I am not saying my car
is not worthy of me spending $1,000 to service it, but I think there is
a less expensive way.

I am quite handy for a girl...I have changed spark plugs in my 84 Chevy
C10, my 92 Talon TSi AWD, and my 91 R/T Twin Turbo Stealth. To be
honest, I have no clue where the sparkplugs are on my Subaru. I was
wondering if anyone knew where I could find some pictures and a how-to
on changing the plugs on the Subaru. I have read several people's
instructions, but I like pictures. When I had my Stealth I found Jeff
Lucias site to be VERY helpful. http://www.stealth316.com/0-frames.htm.
I am looking for something like that for the Subaru.

Also, I haven't actually had the dealer break down each thing they do
for the 60k service by price. I know all they do, I just don't know
what each thing would cost individually.

Would it be cheaper and more sensable to go to a quick lube place to
get the fluids changed?

There is an import shop in Joplin, MO called Sharps that I have used in
the past for my Talons and my Stealth.

Also, should I go w/ Platinum or Iridium plugs?

Thank you in advance. I have owned my Subaru for 3 days shy of a year.
I miss my Stealth dearly, but I do not regret buying the Subaru...just
trading in the Stealth and not buying the Subaru outright.

 

[mulder]

I have an 2002 Subaru WRX with 62,000 miles. I want to get the 60k
service done, but I don't want to pay $1,000. I am not saying my car
is not worthy of me spending $1,000 to service it, but I think there is
a less expensive way.

I am quite handy for a girl...I have changed spark plugs in my 84 Chevy
C10, my 92 Talon TSi AWD, and my 91 R/T Twin Turbo Stealth. To be
honest, I have no clue where the sparkplugs are on my Subaru. I was
wondering if anyone knew where I could find some pictures and a how-to
on changing the plugs on the Subaru. I have read several people's
instructions, but I like pictures. When I had my Stealth I found Jeff
Lucias site to be VERY helpful. http://www.stealth316.com/0-frames.htm.
I am looking for something like that for the Subaru.

Also, I haven't actually had the dealer break down each thing they do
for the 60k service by price. I know all they do, I just don't know
what each thing would cost individually.

Would it be cheaper and more sensable to go to a quick lube place to
get the fluids changed?

There is an import shop in Joplin, MO called Sharps that I have used in
the past for my Talons and my Stealth.

Also, should I go w/ Platinum or Iridium plugs?

Thank you in advance. I have owned my Subaru for 3 days shy of a year.
I miss my Stealth dearly, but I do not regret buying the Subaru...just
trading in the Stealth and not buying the Subaru outright.

$1000? That is WAY too much to be paying for any service, even a major
one. Dealers will usually inflate the list of services they want to
perform, in order to boost their bottom line and empty your pocket.
Typically they will include things like fuel system and engine flushes
that are not required or recommended by Subaru. What you should do, is
take the service schedule that is in your owners manual, or print it
out from Subaru's web site, and bring that to the dealer. Show it to
them and insist that they perform ONLY the services shown with no
additions or embellishments. See what the cost is then. If it's still
unreasonable, leave and try another dealer or an independent shop, or
if you have the proper tools and basic skills, along with a place to
work, you can do much if not all of the work yourself.
If you do choose to use an independent shop, just be sure that they
are familiar with Subarus and have experience working on them as there
are some differences between them and most other cars.
Whatever you do, avoid the quick-lube places like Jiffy Lube at all
costs! They have been known to make very expensive mistakes such as
stripping drain plugs, draining the engine and filling the trans (and
vice versa) and so on, resulting in major damage to customer vehicles.
Go to a shop that does more than just fluid changes and employs real
mechanics who know what they are doing.
As for the spark plugs, they are on the side of the engine. Access is
a bit tricky but not impossible for the DIY'er as long as you have the
right tools. It does help to remove a couple of things for access such
as the washer bottle and airbox, and you'll need to remove the coil
pack that is on each cylinder over the plugs.
As long as your car is stock and not modified it's best to use the OEM
platinum plugs in the correct heat range.
For additional info and DIY procedures, check on the forums at
www.nasioc.com and www.scoobymods.com

 

[Carol]

Thanks for the advice. I have to be a member to see the pictues at
scoobymods and I didn't sign up last night because it was late and I
wanted to sleep.

I did get the list out of my owners manual, and those are the services
they want to perform. I think the most expensive part is changing the
plugs.

The shop I use is for import vehicles and they seem to be decent as far
as price and knowledge. I am going to call them today and see what
they will charge.

I am fully aware of the Jiffy Lube price hike...I asked how much an oil
change with Mobil 1 would be in my Stealth and they quoted me the
normal price. I got the oil changed and they added coolant, checked
the diff fluid and charged me out the ass for the oil. The final price
was $60. I refused to pay it because they mis-quoted and they let me
go for the price they quoted me. I am stubborn and refuse to get taken
advantage of. (not to say it has never happened, but damnit I
learned...)

Thanks again!

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Thanks for the advice. I have to be a member to see the pictues at
scoobymods and I didn't sign up last night because it was late and I
wanted to sleep.

I did get the list out of my owners manual, and those are the services
they want to perform. I think the most expensive part is changing the
plugs.

The shop I use is for import vehicles and they seem to be decent as far
as price and knowledge. I am going to call them today and see what
they will charge.

I am fully aware of the Jiffy Lube price hike...I asked how much an oil
change with Mobil 1 would be in my Stealth and they quoted me the
normal price. I got the oil changed and they added coolant, checked
the diff fluid and charged me out the ass for the oil. The final price
was $60. I refused to pay it because they mis-quoted and they let me
go for the price they quoted me. I am stubborn and refuse to get taken
advantage of. (not to say it has never happened, but damnit I
learned...)

Thanks again!

try this too;
http://endwrench.com/main.php?smPID=HTML::home.html

and www.usmb.net has some stuff. There are also 'stickies' and other
info at www.nasioc.com

Carl