No Oil Changes Here!!!!! (ever again)

[captain1202]

I went to the Havoline oil change place on 441 just north of Baylee Plaza for an oil and filter change today. I have used the place several times before when it was Texaco Express Lube with no incident. Very good service in fact.

Today was a different story. The place appears to be under new management. The attendant checked me in and I clearly stated that I wanted and oil and filter change ONLY. The car was taken into the bay and the service commenced. Shortly thereafter another fellow came in to the waiting room for the "upsell", which, of course, I expected.

He asked of the car had been laid up for a while because the air filter and serpentine belt were "really bad" and the two front directionals weren't working either. In addition the rear differential was badly in need of service.

I agreed to the differential service because I knew it had not been done for the 60,000 miles I put on the car and in fact may have never been done in the life of the car. The rest of the stuff I put on hold for my regular service people to look at.

A woman came in to the office and she could check me out while they were finishing the car. I went to the counter and she presented me a with a bill for $92.00!!!!!

Keeping in mind I went in for a $23 oil change I was quite taken aback. When I questioned her she said the differential service was $59.95!!!! The service amounted to to removing the drain plug, dropping less than a gallon or so of gear oil, replacing the plug and re-filling the oil.

I admit, I did not ask the price when the guy suggested it, but I had maybe an additional $10 or $15 in the back of my mind. MY BAD for not asking!!

In view of that fact, I agreed to pay the bill, but I told her I would never, ever even think about coming back. Furthermore, I would tell everyone I knew, including the TOTV viewers about this experience.

When I got home I checked the following items on the car:
1) Blinkers - both OK
2) Air Filter - barely dusty
3) Serpentine belt - fine
So that was all B.S. The funny thing is, the one thing that obviously needed replacing, my wiper blades, were never mentioned.

Anyway, I post this note so that some unsuspecting person pulling in to this establishment will not have the same experience I did. I'm particularly concerned about someone not in tune with the car, i.e. my wife, getting duped by these clowns. It's hard enough to find good service people without having deal with places like this.

[pjolson]

Went there once. Never again. They tried to sell me everything short of a new car. None of what they tried to sell was needed. We now use Walmart on 466 for routine oil changes.

[buggyone]

"I admit, I did not ask the price when the guy suggested it, but I had maybe an additional $10 or $15 in the back of my mind. MY BAD for not asking!!

In view of that fact, I agreed to pay the bill, but I told her I would never, ever even think about coming back. Furthermore, I would tell everyone I knew, including the TOTV viewers about this experience."

What was their reaction to you saying you had only figured $10 or $15 for the extra service? Also, what was their reaction to your statement about telling TOTV viewers about the experience?

I hope you told someone in charge and not just the cashier.

[The Great Fumar]

Went there once. Never again. They tried to sell me everything short of a new car. None of what they tried to sell was needed. We now use Walmart on 466 for routine oil changes.

I too used to go there but got so fed up with them telling me that my transmission fell out when they raised it up on the hoist "only kidding" but its very nearly that bad..They are as troubling as a Tiger Woods ball drop...I now go to Walmart for lube jobs.....Walmart is not my favorite place but you go in ...tell them what you want and they call you when its ready.....my kind of service...

Blue light special fumar........:wave:

[justjim]

Since they were doing something beyond the original agreement you should have been told the cost PRIOR to the differential service. Of course, when they didn't tell you what the additional cost would be, that should have been an immediate red flag! There is an old but true saying: We learn more from our mistakes than we do our successes.

[chuckinca]

The funny thing is, the one thing that obviously needed replacing, my wiper blades, were never mentioned.



We had our car serviced there a couple years ago and had new wipers installed. They fell off the next day.

.

[Golfingnut]

The Villages car wash will change your oil and filter and give you a discount on the Car wash at the same time and like the marshalls at the TPC, I have no doubt whatsoever that Tigers drop was fine and honest. They were standing right there and I was not.

[kittygilchrist]

thanks for the post. I appreciate knowing where NOT to go. I recall being told at an oil change place, "Little lady, if you don't get the struts done on this car, you won't make it to Georgia".
thanks again!
Kitty


I went to the Havoline oil change place on 441 just north of Baylee Plaza for an oil and filter change today. I have used the place several times before when it was Texaco Express Lube with no incident. Very good service in fact.

Today was a different story. The place appears to be under new management. The attendant checked me in and I clearly stated that I wanted and oil and filter change ONLY. The car was taken into the bay and the service commenced. Shortly thereafter another fellow came in to the waiting room for the "upsell", which, of course, I expected.

He asked of the car had been laid up for a while because the air filter and serpentine belt were "really bad" and the two front directionals weren't working either. In addition the rear differential was badly in need of service.

I agreed to the differential service because I knew it had not been done for the 60,000 miles I put on the car and in fact may have never been done in the life of the car. The rest of the stuff I put on hold for my regular service people to look at.

A woman came in to the office and she could check me out while they were finishing the car. I went to the counter and she presented me a with a bill for $92.00!!!!!

Keeping in mind I went in for a $23 oil change I was quite taken aback. When I questioned her she said the differential service was $59.95!!!! The service amounted to to removing the drain plug, dropping less than a gallon or so of gear oil, replacing the plug and re-filling the oil.

I admit, I did not ask the price when the guy suggested it, but I had maybe an additional $10 or $15 in the back of my mind. MY BAD for not asking!!

In view of that fact, I agreed to pay the bill, but I told her I would never, ever even think about coming back. Furthermore, I would tell everyone I knew, including the TOTV viewers about this experience.

When I got home I checked the following items on the car:
1) Blinkers - both OK
2) Air Filter - barely dusty
3) Serpentine belt - fine
So that was all B.S. The funny thing is, the one thing that obviously needed replacing, my wiper blades, were never mentioned.

Anyway, I post this note so that some unsuspecting person pulling in to this establishment will not have the same experience I did. I'm particularly concerned about someone not in tune with the car, i.e. my wife, getting duped by these clowns. It's hard enough to find good service people without having deal with places like this.

[mulligan]

I have grown to have a great deal of confidence in Wildwood Tire for all my mechanical/oil change needs. Local owners, honest, reasonable prices, and they have done good work for several neighbors when I sent them there. They're on 44 on the left just before 301.

[rubicon]

There are so many of these franchise repair where some just seem to take advantage making it difficult for the honest shops.

By the way this post was about a bad experience with a local repair shop and not about sexism and Tiger Woods

[Buffalo Jim]

Captain : Thanks for the informative post . It always amazes me how some business owners choose to take the low road . There is plenty of business available for the " honest merchant " . No need to stoop so low .

By sharing your experience you have no doubt helped many of your fellow Villagers .
It was a bit sad to see that someone chose to wade-in with a critical comment accusing you of sexism . To that poster -- lighten up ! .

[queasy27]

I go to Wal-Mart for oil changes and they've never tried to upsell me, which I appreciate. They open early and are usually able to get me in right away.

[Standard disclaimer about Wal-Mart applies, should you be so inclined.]

[justjim]

Most new cars have a maintenance minder on them and except under unusual driving conditions your oil doesn't need changed until 6,000 or even 7,500 miles. I know a lot of the oil change franchises tout every 3,000 miles but your car manuals disagree. It might cost a bit more ( not if you follow your manual) but I take my car to the Dealer and that keeps my warranty up to date. Years ago I had an attempt to scam me when I took my car into a place similar to OP and was told I needed new shocks or my tires would wear and would need replaced. Two months prior----I had my shocks replaced and no way did they now need replaced again. Be careful out there----automobile manintenance can be an outright scam!

[Mikeod]

I used to to go to one in CA because they had a good price for oil changes on my diesel truck. One visit I asked them to service the differential. At my next visit, they approached me in the waiting room with a sample of my differential fluid to show me how bad it is, and recommend changing it. So, I asked to speak with the manager and pulled my receipt from the previous service with the charge for the differential service. I told him either you're trying to scam me, or you didn't perform the differential service I paid for last visit. Either way, I want the fluid changed and I want to watch it being done, or should I call the sheriff. They did the service with me watching. I never went back.

[batman911]

I do not want to say all, but all the franchised oil change places I have visited (mostly for safety inspections) have all tried to up sell me on needless services. They will do the oil change at cost just to get their "victims" in the door. I change my own oil because I would not let their untrained workers touch my engines. What ever happened to the neighborhood gas station with trusted owners and workers?

[OnTrack]

I do not want to say all, but all the franchised oil change places I have visited (mostly for safety inspections) have all tried to up sell me on needless services. They will do the oil change at cost just to get their "victims" in the door. I change my own oil because I would not let their untrained workers touch my engines. What ever happened to the neighborhood gas station with trusted owners and workers?

Just out of curiosity, what do you do with your used oil?


.

[KeepingItReal]

...

[Shimpy]

One experience I had with a "tire store" was when I went in to get my tires rotated. I happened to look into the shop and seen they had my hood up. Of course I wondered, why do you have to open my hood to rotate the tires? Sure enough they said I needed an air filter. I gave them hell for dismantling my car without my permission and told them I'd have it taken care of elsewhere. I've got to say I had the same service done at Coloney with no problem.

[Bogie Shooter]

There are so many of these franchise repair where some just seem to take advantage making it difficult for the honest shops.By the way this post was about a bad experience with a local repair shop and not about sexism and Tiger Woods

Haven't found one in 50 Years. The oil change is just a front for getting into you wallet!

[Mccannable]

$60 for a diff service sounds cheap.

[Skip]

I used to to go to one in CA because they had a good price for oil changes on my diesel truck. One visit I asked them to service the differential. At my next visit, they approached me in the waiting room with a sample of my differential fluid to show me how bad it is, and recommend changing it. So, I asked to speak with the manager and pulled my receipt from the previous service with the charge for the differential service. I told him either you're trying to scam me, or you didn't perform the differential service I paid for last visit. Either way, I want the fluid changed and I want to watch it being done, or should I call the sheriff. They did the service with me watching. I never went back.

When I got home I checked the following items on the car:
1) Blinkers - both OK
2) Air Filter - barely dusty
3) Serpentine belt - fine
So that was all B.S.

In instances like these, I open my glove box and pull out this FORM (http://myfloridalegal.com/webfiles.nsf/WF/MRAY-8KMFXT/$file/ConsumerComplaint.pdf) and ask the manager how to spell his name so I get it correct. When they see the form, they usually do any service that day for free! They all know dealing with the S.A.G.O. is a nightmare for them.

I'm not about to have them pull the wool over my eyes.

Skip

[Topspinmo]

I agree also sounds like good deal!?! Seen the price of gas lately? OIL has gone way up also. regular oil $4 buck quart, semi syn. $6 to $7 bucks quart... I was afraid to look at full syn..... (so what quality of oil are you think your getting at $23 oil change?.

80/90W Differental oil also is NOT cheap (haven't priced it lately but I guessing full syn $20 bucks or more bottle, usually takes over bottle) depending who makes the rearend it may not have drain plug, which means the differental cover has to be removed and resealed.... All of this is not free.....IF you took it to the dealer you would of really been Bill shocked! IMO they stuff they are trying to sell you would be routine maintenance Items..Dealer would probably ask the same questions with bit higher price tag... Bottom line is are you mechancially inclined to know wheather you car needs it our not???? Most don't have clue and they are the one's that get prey upon!

[JB in TV]

I agree also sounds like good deal!?! Seen the price of gas lately? OIL has gone way up also. regular oil $4 buck quart, semi syn. $6 to $7 bucks quart... I was afraid to look at full syn..... (so what quality of oil are you think your getting at $23 oil change?.

80/90W Differental oil also is NOT cheap (haven't priced it lately but I guessing full syn $20 bucks or more bottle, usually takes over bottle) depending who makes the rearend it may not have drain plug, which means the differental cover has to be removed and resealed.... All of this is not free.....IF you took it to the dealer you would of really been Bill shocked! IMO they stuff they are trying to sell you would be routine maintenance Items..Dealer would probably ask the same questions with bit higher price tag... Bottom line is are you mechancially inclined to know wheather you car needs it our not???? Most don't have clue and they are the one's that get prey upon!

You make all good points, but most of them are immaterial. IMHO, the "bottom line" is the customer should have been told how much the additional work that was suggested was going to cost. THIS is the real "crime" here.

[batman911]

Just out of curiosity, what do you do with your used oil?


.

I am not currently in TV but in Hawaii you can just put it in one of the boxes you can buy for a dollar or two and throw it in the trash. All thrash here is burned to generate electricity. I have not changed oil in TV yet but if you cannot throw the boxes in the trash there should be a recycle program. Any back yard mechanics in TV know the local answer?

[Topspinmo]

"customer should have been told how much the additional work that was suggested was going to cost. THIS is the real "crime" here. "

Your right he should of been told... I guess I am cheap and have worked hard for my money... I always ask What's that going to cost? before the service.... If not told before hand or you don't ask you open yourself for over charging after the fact which may not of been bad deal if told before hand?.

As for what to do with used oil when you change it yourself. Most all autoparts stores (Autozone example) has waste barrel in the back of the store. Usually it's free service beings they can sell the used oil, but I suspect a charge in the future the ways things are going....tax, tax, TAX. TAXXXXXXX.

[OnTrack]

I'm surprised that businesses allow the public to dispose of their used oil.

Especially since they have no idea if it is only used oil, or someone has thrown in solvents, paint thinner, antifreeze, etc.....that then makes it a "hazardous waste."

Not only are they taking a chance of creating a hazardous waste (requiring costly and specific disposal procedures), once they reach a certain quantity/weight, they are then classified as a "generator" and must meet additional stringent standards.

Although I used to always change my own oil, the hassle of properly disposing of it makes the less than $30 cost to have someone else do it....well worth it.


.

[KeepingItReal]

...

[Topspinmo]

"I'm surprised that businesses allow the public to dispose of their used oil."

Depends on the store/business? some alow you to dump it, some supervise (watch and look what's in the Bottle), some will take if from you and they dump it. Some have logs....

I agree Simple oil change can be BIG problems and even the dealers can't garrantee quality.... That's why you have to follow up especially the ones that offer free oil changes for the first so-so....or the blue light specials for to good price to be true. I have caught some NOT changing the oil for lady co-worker....Some overfilling (actually alot over fill cause they use the nozzle and pump it from 55 gal barrel) too lazy to check their work.

That's why I always follow-up before I start the car or leave the lot.. The service manager's are some times dumb founded when I Shut the car off and pop the hood and say let's see how you done. My honda dealership actually does excellent work, haven't found one mistake yet after servicing but, time will tell, they are 2-0 so far.... GM and Fords that I have owned under warranty don't far nearly as good....That's why after 45 years they lost my business.

[Pegamyheart]

I still go to Walmart off of Rt 466. $41.

[twinklesweep]

It's important that we take the time to post bad experiences like this in venues such as TOTV--and it's equally important to let managers of businesses know about these venues and that consumers' experiences are being shared among hundreds (and possibly more!) of other consumers. This can be highly motivating to a business!

However--and also equally important--we need to take the time to compliment when this is appropriate and share this as well, not only for us to confidently consider using a merchant, but again also to let the managers of these businesses that positive experiences are being shared among a large number of potential customers. This too can be highly motivating!

[Shimpy]

I am not currently in TV but in Hawaii you can just put it in one of the boxes you can buy for a dollar or two and throw it in the trash. All thrash here is burned to generate electricity. I have not changed oil in TV yet but if you cannot throw the boxes in the trash there should be a recycle program. Any back yard mechanics in TV know the local answer?

I put my used oil in a 2 1/2 gal gas can and take it to Advantage Auto where they have a disposal tank. I only have to do it every other change since it takes two changes to fill the gas can.

[eremite06]

I change my own oil on all my vehicles. I have a Ford diesel that takes 15 qts. I take my used oil to the Lady Lake dump on Rolling Acres which is open only Tues. and Sat.

I recently checked out the Sumter county dump, it's on I-75, the 470 exit just east. You can also dispose oil there for free.

Back in '88, I bought a brand new Camry and it came with 3 free oil changes. I marked the oil filter to see if they would change it. They didn't. Told and showed the service mgr. the original filter with my mark. He offered me a years free oil changes. I never went back.

Seems like whenever I have someone else change my oil, they always overfill it. You want something done right.....DIY!!!!

[Mel 2013]

THANK YOU for this post! I am new to the area and am looking for a good place for my next oil change. Being female, I dread these errands as I know how we get treated at some places. It is good to know which ones to avoid! Thanks again.


I went to the Havoline oil change place on 441 just north of Baylee Plaza for an oil and filter change today. I have used the place several times before when it was Texaco Express Lube with no incident. Very good service in fact.

Today was a different story. The place appears to be under new management. The attendant checked me in and I clearly stated that I wanted and oil and filter change ONLY. The car was taken into the bay and the service commenced. Shortly thereafter another fellow came in to the waiting room for the "upsell", which, of course, I expected.

He asked of the car had been laid up for a while because the air filter and serpentine belt were "really bad" and the two front directionals weren't working either. In addition the rear differential was badly in need of service.

I agreed to the differential service because I knew it had not been done for the 60,000 miles I put on the car and in fact may have never been done in the life of the car. The rest of the stuff I put on hold for my regular service people to look at.

A woman came in to the office and she could check me out while they were finishing the car. I went to the counter and she presented me a with a bill for $92.00!!!!!

Keeping in mind I went in for a $23 oil change I was quite taken aback. When I questioned her she said the differential service was $59.95!!!! The service amounted to to removing the drain plug, dropping less than a gallon or so of gear oil, replacing the plug and re-filling the oil.

I admit, I did not ask the price when the guy suggested it, but I had maybe an additional $10 or $15 in the back of my mind. MY BAD for not asking!!

In view of that fact, I agreed to pay the bill, but I told her I would never, ever even think about coming back. Furthermore, I would tell everyone I knew, including the TOTV viewers about this experience.

When I got home I checked the following items on the car:
1) Blinkers - both OK
2) Air Filter - barely dusty
3) Serpentine belt - fine
So that was all B.S. The funny thing is, the one thing that obviously needed replacing, my wiper blades, were never mentioned.

Anyway, I post this note so that some unsuspecting person pulling in to this establishment will not have the same experience I did. I'm particularly concerned about someone not in tune with the car, i.e. my wife, getting duped by these clowns. It's hard enough to find good service people without having deal with places like this.

[Skip]

Some states have laws that require service stations to accept customer's used oil. Also I think the station gets a few $$ per gallon recycled.

I do my own changes too. Years ago the attendant forgot to put the filler cap back. I lost it on the road somewhere after it hit the fan blade. Then the manager said "it can't be our fault". Wrote to the home office and never got a response.

Never went to an oil change station since then.

Skip

[Villager1957]

Walmart on 466 is the best for oil changes!!

[mmac321]

I agree with Wildwood Tire.

[springfield]

An oil change is an oil change, go to Walmart while you shop..so easy. We went for an oil change at Wallie World, they said we needed a new battery..ok go ahead. After a long time, my husband saw a bunch of guys standing around our car..not a good sign. Seems they not only put in the wrong battery, they hooked it up backwards. Long story short, it fried all the electrical boards, $3000 later, which they paid, we traded in our poor car not knowing what the future held. We did however, let the dealer know what had happened. Walmart for service...I don't thing so