I just now came inside from doing this job, and let me tell you, it's a piece of CAKE. Thanks for the clear and concise instructions, Hondaman.
Don't let anyone tell you it's difficult. I didn't have any of the problems so many people have talked about - no difficulty getting that right hand screw out, I didn't even have to pull back the dash to get to the one on the left, as in the instructions.
I've been putting this off for a while because I didn't know how long the car would be tied up if I ran into trouble like others did, but I'm back inside sipping a cool one just 30 minutes after I decided to tackle it. And it will be even easier next time because there will be no plastic strip to cut out.
Speaking of that strip, I was planning on using my Dremel rotary tool to cut it, but when I opened it up I discovered there was no appropriate attachment, so I used an old pair of tin snips. It was a minor struggle, but the pre-cut grooves gave me a place to get a bite on the piece and it came out in less than 2 minutes.
As for a good place to get the filter, I got mine at my local Napa. They did have to order it, so it took a few days, but it cost me a whopping $22.29 US - less than half what the dealer wanted, and no Ebay hassles or shipping charges.
I hadn't noticed any deterioration in the air quality or amount of air flow, but my filter was dirty just like everyone else's - maybe they blacken them at the factory??
After a dusty, dirt road vacation out west, my cabin air now is sweet and clean once again.
