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In the 90s, I used to go to a small place for an oil change. It seemed that every 2 or 3 changes, the CV Boot cover was also to be discovered to be torn. I got tired of the repairs.
I eventually started going someplace else, and the problem went away. Then, later on 20/20, or some similar news show - I saw the scam that some shops do. They have a razor blade in their hands, and they cut it as they look around the bottom of the car (on the lift).
After I saw that - I am pretty sure that guy was doing that....
Stand there and watch. Refuse to authorize any product or service other than an oil change.
If they suggest anything else, politely tell them you will have your mechanic check it out.
Yep. ^^^. I would look at the condition of the place, if it looks trashy, go somewhere else. Most oil change places simply want to provide a service and are honest. My one son worked at one while going to college, and it was an honest business.
And, yes, refuse the wiper blades, trans flush, etc. Just let them change the oil and filter, and that is it.
OP don't have a friend of family member with their own yard that would allow them to do a basic oil change?
Whatever OP decides, do not go to any dealer for an oil change. A dealership will tell you that you'd need 1500 dollars worth of preventive maintenance. They always attempt to up sell and use fear mongering tactics. Google and find an independent garage near you that has reviews from their customers. Stand right outside the garage door and watch the entire process from start to finish.
Good luck
OP don't have a friend of family member with their own yard that would allow them to do a basic oil change?
Whatever OP decides, do not go to any dealer for an oil change. A dealership will tell you that you'd need 1500 dollars worth of preventive maintenance. They always attempt to up sell and use fear mongering tactics. Google and find an independent garage near you that has reviews from their customers. Stand right outside the garage door and watch the entire process from start to finish.
Good luck
Maybe in New Jersey dealers do because New Jersey is a expensive state to begin with but not we’re i live if they say i need something else and i say no then they don’t try to pressure me. Maybe it’s because of my age and my knowledge of vehicles but i never get pressure to get anything else done but the oil change. And if it’s a new vehicle you better keep your receipts in case any warranty issues arise and the dealership wants proof of you keeping up with the maintenance you’re vehicle requirements to keep warranty in tact. That’s why i go to the dealer everything is on their computer system.
I take it to the dealer because oil changes at the dealership are not expensive like they use to be i get mine changed for $35 and i don’t have to crawl on the ground and then dent rid of the old oil. I changed my own oil when i was younger but now i i let dealer do it while i have a free coffee and donut waiting. Many dealers have express oil change service.
Yep. Oil changes aren't expensive at my dealership. By the time I hit Walmart to buy 7 quarts of Mobil 1 and buy the OEM filter and drain plug crush washer online, it's not much of an up-charge. I kind of like my car up on a lift with a mechanic eyeballing it several times per year. I can then ignore them telling me I need to replace my brand-new engine air filter and cabin air filter I change myself. I won't go to a quick change place. Too much risk. If a dealership messes up, I have far more recourse.
Most standalone oil change places have the worst prices. Their sole purpose is to make money off of fluid changes. This is ONE service that I've seen dealers offering better prices. Go to a Valvoline shop and get full synthetic and it's close to $100. Dealer? $50.
Yep. Oil changes aren't expensive at my dealership. By the time I hit Walmart to buy 7 quarts of Mobil 1 and buy the OEM filter and drain plug crush washer online, it's not much of an up-charge. I kind of like my car up on a lift with a mechanic eyeballing it several times per year. I can then ignore them telling me I need to replace my brand-new engine air filter and cabin air filter I change myself. I won't go to a quick change place. Too much risk. If a dealership messes up, I have far more recourse.
You are correct I’ve seen these 10 min oil change places strip drain pan plugs, over fill the oil or not even put in oil and put in wrong oil filter. These are a bunch of high school kids working there. I’ve never ever taken my vehicles to one of those places ever since I’ve been driving since i was 16 years old in 1971.
OP don't have a friend of family member with their own yard that would allow them to do a basic oil change?
Whatever OP decides, do not go to any dealer for an oil change. A dealership will tell you that you'd need 1500 dollars worth of preventive maintenance. They always attempt to up sell and use fear mongering tactics. Google and find an independent garage near you that has reviews from their customers. Stand right outside the garage door and watch the entire process from start to finish.
Good luck
I disagree. I have been going to the same Nissan dealership for 8 years now. They never do that.
You are correct I’ve seen these 10 min oil change places strip drain pan plugs, over fill the oil or not even put in oil and put in wrong oil filter. These are a bunch of high school kids working there. I’ve never ever taken my vehicles to one of those places ever since I’ve been driving since i was 16 years old in 1971.
Back in the 1990s, I had a friend who worked at one. He told me that despite the Pennzoil stickers everywhere, that was not what was being put into the cars.
Say "NO" to every single service or product they offer. Just say you're there for an oil, filter, tire rotation, and check the yelp reviews for the business.
Quote:
Originally Posted by joee5
Whatever OP decides, do not go to any dealer for an oil change. A dealership will tell you that you'd need 1500 dollars worth of preventive maintenance. They always attempt to up sell and use fear mongering tactics. Google and find an independent garage near you that has reviews from their customers. Stand right outside the garage door and watch the entire process from start to finish.
Good luck
Disagree. Each dealer and independent auto-stop is completely different.
This isn't the old days where dealerships could get away with robbery. There is massive recourse today in the form of bad reviews, auto insurance companies who will side with the customer, and factory or extended warranties. People are more informed about the cost of repairs or replacement parts and a warranty will even cover a rental car while your car is in the shop.
I've been to dealerships, independent auto shops, and "10 minute oil change" places. I'd trust the dealership over all of them because the workers aren't inexperienced high school dropouts and they work with extended warranties.
Last edited by Rocko20; 11-06-2018 at 03:03 PM..
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