I'm not sure if this is the right forum, but it seems to be the best one to post at. If not, feel free to clown on my noobness, move/delete my topic, etc.

Anyway, my 08 xB is right at 30K, and I called the dealer to see how much the service would be. They said the 30k recommended maintenance was $356.20!  Eff that. It seems like most of what you're paying is inspections. I checked the Edmunds Maintenance Calculator, supposedly in my area it should be $167, but I assume that's at independent shops. I figure I'm just going to have them change my oil and rotate my tires for $60, since those are the only two things that I can't do myself at home (elevated hill for parking, so impossible to get under the car).

I know how to change the cabin air filter, but how do I go about changing the engine air filter? And my breaks SEEM like they aren't working as well, but I'm pretty sure it's my imagination telling me that. I've known tons of other xB and other Scion owners who've never complained about their brakes after 60K+. And I don't think I have to change my engine coolant, because I've heard that most cars now can go 100K before flushing and changing it. For other inspections, like transmission, fuel system, axles etc, I think I'll live without, unless you guys think I need it.

Basically, my questions are:

1) How do I change my engine air filter?
2) Is there anyway I can inspect my brakes myself, or do some small bit of maintenance on them?
3) Do I have to the coolant flush/change now?
4) Do I have to change the engine oil? If so, how do I go about doing that.
5) Does my transmission fluid need inspecting/changing?
6) Any other things you guys recommend? Is it better to just do service? Go to an independent shop?

Please consider helping a poor college guy who has to pay for everything himself, haha. Thanks in advance, everyone.