I don't have enough room to get underneath my Toyota Echo in my driveway so I'm considering buying a manual oil extractor to change my oil. I've never used one so could someone please tell me if this is a good option or not? I'm a DIY older lady, who has changed oil before on other cars that I could get underneath. I know how much my Echo takes ( 3.8 Quarts) and I know to make sure that is how much comes out. I will take the time to make sure I get out as much old oil as possible. I will still have a problem replacing the old filter, but not as much I think as finding enough space underneath to get the oil pan bolt off. I'm always afraid I'll strip the bolt or not put it on tight enough. As for ramps or jacks, I don't feel confident using either so that's why I like the idea of the manual oil extractor. I don't have a compressor so I would be pumping the oil out. Any advice would be appreciated. Don't know if it makes a difference, but I will be using Castrol high mileage synthetic blend 5w30 and an OEM Toyota filter.
Thanks!
I wouldn't. Extractors don't empty out junk that collects in the pan.
There's nothing wrong with ramps.
I would reconsider the ramps. Any decent ramps will have no problem safely supporting a car as light as an Echo, and they're a lot more convenient than dealing with a jack and stands.
That is not a good idea, you want to properly drain the fluid and that means using the drain plug. There’s no way around it for an oil change.
@cb007 - Your post entitled "2002 Toyota Sienna with 561,639 miles. Should I buy it?" was accidentally deleted. There were multiple copies posted due to site lag and I (yes I own up to it!) accidentally deleted one too many. Sorry about that!
(My short answer to your question by the way, is NO, don't buy it.)
If you try jack stands or ramps, ramps are pretty self explanatory. Use e-brake and chock rear wheels, see below. For jack stands, your manual should show you the jack points. Always jack car on hard level surface like concrete. Apply e-brake, and chock the rear wheels. I have some bricks. I put one in front and back of each rear wheel (4 bricks)
