First Post and first time self maintenance because of Nico

[Datarock]

Hello everyone.

This is my first post to the site and I want to say thanks to everyone out there.

I was at Jiffy lube the other day as I needed to get my oil changed. The very fast talking very "smooth" sales person said that I needed X,Y,Z and so on and so forth due to the car's mileage. I own a Nissan Versa 08 with 66,000.

That was it. It just occurred to me. Why am I going through this same scheme every 3 months or so. I mean I dread going to those places.

So. I kindly accepted the oil change only (this was at 62,000ish miles) and decided that would be my last time.

After some research online I came across this site and this link. http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/
That link answered a lot of my questions and pointed me in the right direction. A few youtube videos later...
I have now changed my own oil/Transmission fluid/coolant/air filter/cabin filter/checked the brakes and even rotated my tires.
I have never performed car work since owning a car. (I am 28) So thanks to all who helped with that link and letting me see my repair manual.
I look forward to spending time on this site and searching for anything that will help me further progress down this path.
Ron

[sx moneypit]

Welcome to NICO!
This is a great community!




-Ben

[Ozzie]

to Nico!

I'm glad you dove right into some self-maintenance jobs by using the FSM.
There is a separate section of the forums dedicated to the Versa, where you can ask questions about your specific model and join discussions with other Versa owners from all over the country.
(It's here if you want to check it out versa-general.html)

Now that you have done a few jobs on the Versa, do you feel a bit more confident about doing more work on your own car(s)?
If you come across something that is giving you trouble, try using the search button (near the top right corner) and you may find someone has had the same trouble as you in the past and written a post (and a following thread) on how they fixed it.
(I can't tell you how many times I have used information I found here, to fix problems on my car)

Take some pics of your car and post them up to share!

[Jesda]

I received a free automotive education here. Welcome.

[Bmore-coupe]

Welcome to NICO

[skydragoness]

It's great you had that realization and stopped taking your car there before something bad happened (besides the ripping you off part), Jiffy Lube is pretty terrible.

Welcome to the club

[Razi]

I received a free automotive education here. Welcome.

Welcome to NICO.
Post pictures of your car!

[Gold Digger]

Best first post in AGES!!!

Welcome to NICO. Glad you found a place you can enjoy. Kick off your shoes, put your feet up, read up and enjoy! You'll be glad you did.

[AppleBonker]

I received a free automotive education here. Welcome.

This.

I, too, am 28. And, like you, I had not really done anything mechanically speaking to a car before finding NICO. I had installed numerous stereos, but nothing maintenance-wise. After finding out the dealer wanted an insane amount of money to replace brake pads on my Altima, I decided to read up here and do it myself. Since then, I do most of the work myself. I'll still take the truck (dumped the Altima for the truck) in for oil changes (I'm lazy and doing this myself doesn't save a ton of scrap), but if they want me to pay them to fix anything else I tell them no and take care of it on my own. This site has been a life-saver when it comes to saving me money. Glad you found us.

[Datarock]

Thank everyone!!
My wife drives....a 95 Toyota Camry and I have already ordered the Haynes book for $2.00 on Ebay!!!
She just won't part with the thing. 228,000 miles and counting.
As far as posting picture of my Nissan while I am honored at the suggestion, I have not done anything more then install a bike rack to the rear lol. It might not be as awesome and thrilling as most of the cars I have seen on here. But perhaps now I can start.

[rc1honda]

It's funny how much shops scam people for basic car maintenance isn't it?

[AppleBonker]

My wife drives....a 95 Toyota Camry

As far as that goes, don't be afraid to ask questions about her car, too. There is a wealth of information here, even outside of the Nissan brand. I can guarantee there are members here who have worked on that model Camry.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

My mom has a 95 camry V6 with about that same mileage on it, if not a little more. I've changed the starter on it, replaced a few gaskets, spark plugs, flushed the transmission, countless oil changes... and that's about it. The thing runs like a top. They have been known to develop sludge problems if you are lax on the oil changes though.

[Towncivilian]

Welcome to NICO!

I also started doing my own vehicle maintenance as a result of NICO. It's fun and productive, and I've learned a metric ton about my vehicle over time! Enough to write this giant post (shameless plug ).

[hannibal]

Congrats on taking the first step. Once you've done a few jobs, you'll learn there is nothing to be afraid of and working on your car can be much easier than you thought.

Welcome aboard!

[300ZXttZMAN]

Welcome to Nico!

Enjoy your stay! Don't forget to check out what all we have to offer.

[300ZXttZMAN]

Best first post in AGES!!!

+1