Service advice

[Grumpy1954]

I've had my "150" auto hatch just over a year now (must check on my membership renewal). I used to service my cars myself, till my health problems stopped play.
The dealer wants nearly £200 to do it, but I've done around 6,000 in the time I've had it, it's on 19,784 miles.
What does it actually need, and is it stuff I should be able to do? Laying under cars is no longer my strong point though I can do it in short bursts, I've read on here the sump plug can be a real mare.
I know these are not cars to run on the cheap, but we've just had to have a new mattress, new solid bed and newish oorthopaedic mattress is killing us. I'll need 4 new tyres by MoT time - and I've never really trusted garages to do it properly. Any advice welcome.

[Rapala]

Hi Grumpy, Im getting on a bit myself now and Ive just spent a few hours working on my sons Vectra B changing four rose bushes and two anti roll bar bushes on the rear suspension with the car on axle stands and I can safely say that it was a job and a half. It all went according to plan but when these bolts have not been moved for around ten years they are tight right up to the last thread. Anyway if you are going to have a go at changing the oil and filter you will need a 32mm (1 and 1/4 inch AF socket) to get the top off the oil filter housing and a six sided 13mm (1/2 inch AF) socket to remove the sump plug. If you use a normal socket to try and remove the sump plug its odds on that the socket will slip and round off the corners on the sump plug as they seem to be made from some material that is as soft as lead

[Penfold101]

Bound to be someone round your area who'd do it for a cup of coffee mate - if I had my tools with me I'd volunteer... When are you thinking of getting it done by?

[m8internet]

I've had my "150" auto hatch just over a year now
The dealer wants nearly £200 to do it, but I've done around 6,000 in the time I've had it, it's on 19,784 miles

Depends on which service it is due, as it is 3 years old
Brake fluid change will also be due
See the front section of the Service Book for what requires to be done

Basically you could replace all the filters (oil, air, pollen, and fuel), lubricate the door hinges, and then put the car through MoT
That would just leave a visual inspection of the brake material

[roswell]

You could ..... change the diesel and air etc filters yourself then just take it in to a local indy for an oil change ?

[chrisvectra]

pity your miles away fella as id have done that for you

[Grumpy1954]

Cheers for all the above, has a K & N on, if I take it in I'll put original back. Had considered doing all but oil change myself. Looking at 3 -4 weeks time, wanted to check options and assemble anything needed first. There's a couple of local independents, one I trust but have to book weekd in advance as they're very popular, the other I'd be prepared to give a chance but main man has had a car accident and in a lot of pain with his neck and back. I suppose, if indepedent did oil change, I'd get a stamp in service book for it.
I really would like to have a go, but reading threads about cheese sump plugs, stuffed sump threads and broken clips (fuel filter) wary of it all going pear shaped, can't afford to do major damage to self or car ( no car = no go out).

[triple595]

you're not too far from me mate if you fancy a run out, i have all the tools, just do the oil n filter change the air filter and job done, bits should be no more than 60 quid max

[Bigtee]

Cheers for all the above, has a K & N on, if I take it in I'll put original back. Had considered doing all but oil change myself. Looking at 3 -4 weeks time, wanted to check options and assemble anything needed first. There's a couple of local independents, one I trust but have to book weekd in advance as they're very popular, the other I'd be prepared to give a chance but main man has had a car accident and in a lot of pain with his neck and back. I suppose, if indepedent did oil change, I'd get a stamp in service book for it.
I really would like to have a go, but reading threads about cheese sump plugs, stuffed sump threads and broken clips (fuel filter) wary of it all going pear shaped, can't afford to do major damage to self or car ( no car = no go out).

As it's low mileage just get the interim service done which is a oil change and the safety check which is just a look.

Vauxhall will do this and stamp your book.

Much cheaper and do the other little bits when you can.

[Grumpy1954]

you're not too far from me mate if you fancy a run out, i have all the tools, just do the oil n filter change the air filter and job done, bits should be no more than 60 quid max

Thanks, may take you up on that - car/oil would be warm by the time I got there, lol. Seen a box of filters, oil, air, fuel, pollen for the 1.9 "150" on ebay for £30, think others have bought them. Just need oil then.