[OnTrack]

Originally Posted by 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?

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


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[KeepingItReal]

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[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]

Originally Posted by 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

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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 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]

Originally Posted by Rc Moser

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]

Originally Posted by OnTrack

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


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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.


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[KeepingItReal]

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[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!