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I take mine to the dealer. It was free for the first year I had the car.(Just made a year recently) I will continue to go there because I like and trust them,(no high pressure up-selling) and they keep sending coupons so the service will cost $24.99. That's worth it to me.
My dad taught me how to change oil and do small stuff but in recent years, i just take it to my trusted AAA approved and NAPA certified mechanic. I get a AAA discount so it comes out pretty inexpensive. I will not go back to the dealer unless it is the last resort.
I just don't understand how so many can feel comfortable spending $70+ at a lube shop for a synthetic oil change that takes maybe 10 minutes to perform, when it can be done so easily in ones parking lot for less than half the price... That's $40 in labor for 10 minutes!
I used to do all my own oil changes too ... until I moved to California and I no longer have a place to do them. So I take my car to my local mechanic and he does it for about $50.
I take my Lexus to an independent shop in Fremont, CA. They do exceptional work, far better, and for far less money than the Lexus dealership service department. They are honest and really take care of my car, which still runs like a dream at 172K miles. I had an oil leak once that the Lexus dealership charged me $500 to incorrectly diagnose. They changed a bracket which didn't fix the problem, even though they claimed it was fixed when I drove away. This shop found the problem, took care of it for a reasonable fee, and I've been going to them ever since.
I have been driving for 46 years, and have done every oil change on my vehicles. I have always used top grade oil, and the best filters. Today I use Mobil 1, and Purolator Pure One filters. You can never be sure of the bulk oil used by quick lube places, and the generic filters may be dicey at best. I wouldn't even use a Fram in my cars.
... I guess. If you can find somewhere that does it at a reasonable price.
Also, ramps make the whole lifting of the car MUCH easier.
The used oil is accepted by most shops, as they actually get PAID to dispose of it. They are happy to take it.
In my case, I save a good $40 every time I change it myself.
Plus, you get the right amount of the exact oil you choose, you get the oil filter you pick out, it's not cross-threaded, nor is the drain plug cross threaded.
I don't think I have ever paid for an oil change on anything. DIY all the way, bro.
A tip. Since you did not promise anyone to finish in 10 minutes, drain the oil hot, but then walk away for at least an hour. Take the oil filter off warm to cold, rather than hot. Good bit easier. Usually less messy this way too.
I go to a local independent garage that's been in business over 30 years. Oil change is $18.95. I've been going to them for service for over 10 years. They know me, they know my vehicles, I've never had an issue, they're honest vs dealer, I'm very happy and satisfied.
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Independent shop
