I am interested in your informed opinions on whether I should use a good local mechanic for my 30, 60, 90,000 tune up or go to GM Goodwrench. My local mechanic that I have used for years (on other cars) has a standing coupon price of around $134.00.

What can I expect to pay at GM? and is there that much difference in quality service.

Sorry if I sound like a newbe.....but heck, I am what I am! this is my first Bonneville.

Thanks for your input

How about neither? We'll help you do it yourself for half that cost.

x2

what do you have for tools?

Hey guys, I appreciate the thought.....but I seem to be the only Bonneville owner in SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA......cost of gas to Oregon and back east (LOL) would cost me more than GM goodwrench!.........

I feel so lonely out here, by myself.....seems all the good guys are somewhere else......closest I know of is Phoenix!

Thanks for the offer.......

we'll help you through online help

its really quite simple, you will learn quick, and after you are done, you will have the greatest sense of accomplishment possible.

Yup, that is what we are here for

We can get you started on easy stuff such as changing the air filter, plugs and wires, oil, etc...

before you know it, you will not want to ever take your car in to the shop again

ok I should have every tool needed......

anyone want to give me a list of parts that I need to purchase.....?

I have already learned that I need to stay away from Bosch spark plugs....any other suggestions?

We have Pep Boys, AutoZone, Kragen, out here in Southern California......will they all have what I need?

I knew that I should have taken autoshop when I has in HIgh School.......

always in the books and then into computers........orignial geek, Commodore 64, Victor 9000, 386 machine........now on to Vista (after comes out) LOL

but I really do appreciate the help....you would think at 53 years old I would have learned how to do these things with my 69 VW van (red and white, 12 passenger)

Mapquest says 371.44 miles from Phoenix (8502 to Buena Park.......at an average 70 mph = 5 hours and 18 minutes. So far, no problem....I like road trips!

Lets say 25 mpg/371 = 14.84 gallons....at $2.77 per gallon here = $41.11.....then the trip back with 3.16 gallons left of the original 18 gets me 79 miles towards home ($8.75). I'll need to go 292 more miles, so I'll need 11.68 more gallons. Let'* assume California gas cost $3.15 = $36.80.......hmmmmmmmmmm.............add that, and this, carry the 1, move the decimal.......total = $86.66

Clark.....um.....I guess your on your own, pal

Kidding aside, I would like nothing better than to be able to come out and hang out and help. If you really want me too, I am sure I could work it out. But, If you tackle this on your own (I am sure you can do it) and you have anything that you are not comfortable doing, if you swing through here on your roadtrip, I would be happy to assist in getting things done. I have any tools needed and driveway or garage space to finish off anything you don't get done or don't want tackle on your own. (either that or I need to convince the family it'* time for a trip to DisneyLand )

Oh, I would have liked to have seen that VW van. Did you have the crazy hair to go with it?

Any of the places you listed should have the filters and oils you need.
The oil filters are nicely accessible on our cars, as is the drain plug. Our cars are pretty easy to work on.

Good luck on which ever way you decide to go. Sounds like you're taking good care of the car one way or another, and yes: Stay away from Bosch!

Adam