For maintenance do what the owners manual says, not what someone recommends. Beware of things like "100,000 mile maintenance special" at the dealer. My Honda dealer charges a huge amount for this and includes easy/unnecessary things like greasing door hinges (rarely needed in the south for a car kept in a garage at home and parking deck at work). Only pay for what you need. Consider doing a few things yourself. For example, I saved money by changing my cabin filter (takes 5 minutes, no tools, no mess, in my Honda). When I need a part replaced I shop around. Last month I had to replace an O2 sensor. Dealer quoted $ 400. I bought the part for 60 and paid a mechanic 70 to install it. I just think of it as shopping, not as car repair,and that makes it seem easier. :)