After recent squabbling on this board about the effectiveness of the K&N for its high price tage, I was wondering, are there other air filters out there to be considered, other than OEM? It's definitely time for an air filter change for me and I wanted to know what the best filter was for the price?

 

What's wrong with the OEM? List price is $23.56, which doesn't seem excessive to me.

 

I've always been a Fram guy. Parts stores don't seem to have the '04 part#'s yet tho. Well, at least Pep Boys didn't.

 

The question is, what are you looking for in a filter. If you're looking to lengthen the intervals between "changes" there is nothing wrong with a cotton filter. They will maintain their airflow "ratings" longer than paper, espeically if you live in a dirty environment like I do (where it doesn't rain very often). But if you're willing to change paper filters often (like with every oil change), any paper filter will work just fine.

 

what mileage do you change the air filter at?

 

The MID will tell you by displaying number "2", which is replace air filter element, dust and pollen filter, and inspect drive belt. However, it is always a good idea to inspect the filter from time to time and replace it when it appears to be dirty.

The MID doesn't give a mileage figure for normal use, but under dusty conditions it says to change at 15,000 miles, so I would estimate 20,000-25,000 miles under normal use.

Again, periodic inspection is a good thing.

 

Skeedatl,

I think you should be able to get more from a paper filter than that, how often are you changing oil?

 

K & N is the way to go, I had one for my 2002 TL-S, 75k miles and only bought the one K& N filter.

Even if there is no performance gain or better MPG you will never ever need to buy another filter

 

Agreed, aside from the performance debate, you spend $25-$35 on the filter then $7 on the recharger kit and you're set for awhile.