Yes, I was wondering the same thing myself when wanting to check the valve clearance. I also just put a new spark plug in and that was very hard to get to as well. I have the official service manual and it lists several pages of specialized tools you need to perform all the maintenance. Perhaps they are trying to make everyone use the over-priced dealer mechanics. Have you tried changing a trans-belt and rollers yet? mine needs it after 8300 miles, the manual claims I need 2 specialized tools. I may end up taking it to the dealer.