Where is the oil filter? Any advice on changing it? 97 mazda 626

A oil change in my area is about $25.00. A filter for my car is about $6.00. Oil is about $1.50 a quart. A oil filter tool is about $4.50. A oil catch pan is about $2.00.

You asked for my advice ... here it is: I'm not going to spend an hour crawling under my car and get dirty for the $5.00 'savings' I might achieve to be stuck with five quarts of dirty oil that I cannot dispose of.

If you are not convinced, the oil filter on your car is probably toward the rear of the engine, normally white. It will look like a small or large soda can (it will be 1/2 quart size or 1 quart size). They come in two 'standard' sizes but are not interchangable. You will need a wrench for the your sized filter. The oil drain is on the bottom of the oil pan. You will likely have to jack your car up and properly support it (dont trust the jack) so you can get under it to remove the drain. I dont know if yours is metric or USA size plug. You will want to take a collection of wrenches or sockets with you ... probably 11,12,13,14 MM and 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8 wrenches or sockets, which ever you prefer. BE @!%@ careful you dont strip the plug when you put it back - that will add probably $75.00 to the cost of your oil change.

I hope I have helped you with your question. Thanks for your interest in FixYa.com