Saving Money on Maintenance

Thought I'd share a couple of things for everyone that does some of their own maintenance. I'll drop some links below. Perhaps everyone can share where they get good deals on maintenance parts in this thread.

When I first started changing my own oil and doing tune-ups I was buying parts from my local dealer. I was getting an employee discount too and I thought I was getting great deals on everything but even then the price on the invoice dropped my jaw to the floor. I did some searching online and found 5 packs of oil filters for WAYYY cheaper than the parts department. Guess that's why they call them stealerships, eh? lol

Another part I found to be very convenient for oil changes that also saves money is the Fumoto oil drain valve. They're application specific so the one in the link I provided below is for the 2nd gen V6. It's convenient in a way where you just flip the valve open and the oil starts draining. Flip it close and the oil stops draining. No more needing to break loose the drain bolt or replacing the bolt gasket or wiping off the bolt when oil gets all over it. Not having to replace the bolt gasket is the money-saving part haha.

oil filters (2nd gen V6): http://amzn.to/2woGEgh
oil plug gasket: http://amzn.to/2v6RB68
Fumoto oil drain valve: http://amzn.to/2iqgfJc

Anyone have any deals or cool parts to share?

Members' Recommendations:
Chuy - EZ oil drain valve http://amzn.to/2irUkS0 (alternative to Fumoto)


Other tools I like to keep handy for maintenance (saves you from going to the dealer or a shop):
Oil change reminder (not everyone needs it but I like to remind myself, 1 roll and you're set for life lol) http://amzn.to/2w4zrPJ
Wheel chocks (great quality, hasn't failed me yet): http://amzn.to/2wofHcp
Craftsman universal oil filter wrench (for when it's too hard to take off by hand): http://amzn.to/2w4xEu8
Air grease gun (you CAN pump it manually if you want...lol): http://amzn.to/2ipViOu
TEKTON 3/8 torque wrench (came in REALLY handy for tightening spark plugs to spec): http://amzn.to/2iqVTiS
3 ton low-profile jack with rapid pump: https://tinyurl.com/ydx4xljm

 

I pay about $5 each for filters at my usually overpriced dealership. I think they often have them on sale, so I buy several at a time. Love the fumoto though...drain it right into a milk bottle. Don't forget to sneak a small water bottle under the filter oil catch area after removing the bottom plug to have a truly drip free oil change.

 

Thanks for posting the fumoto link. I've been meaning to pick one of those up. Is the one in the link compatible with ALL 2nd gens?

 

Thanks for the info. I like the drain plug!

 

BTW, I have the F-103 drain valve without the "N"ipple. It's a little lower profile, with less to knock off, and the oil drains straight down into your bottle.

http://www.fumotousa.com/parts.php?partname=F-103&partnumber=20

 

Most maintainance can be done on your own with the proper tools.

 

https://www.ebay.com/p/toyota-engin...m/658723922?iid=251823453058&trdt=0&rdtsrc=vi

Heres 10 filters for $45

 

My dealership sells 2 oil filters for $9, and $3 spark plugs. They are actually the best deal around

 

thanks

 

I wouldn't trust my engine oil to a Fumoto valve that could open accidentally.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/oil-drain-crush-washers.503235

 

Here we go again...a mini hose clamp can be easily installed to prevent this. And, it's virtually impossible for these valves on the Tacos to open accidentally. Most open when hit by debris. A cross-member in our Tacos provides protection from debris striking the valve.

Personally, I prefer the EZ Valve; it has a larger inside diameter and drains a bit quicker. I have both - the Fumoto on the wife's Lexus, and the EZ Valve on my Taco; I recommend the EZ Valve. It also has an O-ring; so, you need not worry about washers.

$24 EZ-103 EZ Oil Drain Valve

https://smile.amazon.com/EZ-EZ-103-...rd_wg=KALgc&psc=1&refRID=FYASRY2HC34HGYZQQAAD

 

I only use Wix filters, maybe I'm just old school, I used to the the big Toyota filters on my Cruisers but when they started with the peanut filters I switched to Wix, them and Mann are my go to brands for most filters. I just got a Fumoto, haven't changed the oil since so I'm waiting to install it, I have little to no concern about the thing opening up on me and it has a little plastic locking thing.

 

I don't trust that plastic clip so I use a wire to wrap around the valve( where it flip $ turn the tap).

 

My daughter ran over a truck recap in her 2003 Camry. It tore off the plastic cover under the car and the plastic clip on the Fumoto valve was gone. The Fumoto valve was not damaged at all. It is going to take a lot to damage the valve.

 

My dealer wanted $55 for 6 spark plugs....

 

First world problem.

 

Isn't this thread about saving money? What's your point?

 

No point. Just stating the obvious.

 

Thanks for the post.
Just put one of the Fumoto valves in my shopping cart along with the keeper!

 

I'm not 100% sure. It would be best to check your year and engine before ordering to make sure it'll fit.
Here's a link to check http://www.fumotousa.com/about-fumoto-valves.php