Prices on oil changes at dealer or mechanic shop

[icegradner]

Agreed.

Still, it's amazing how often:

* Drain plugs are not replaced
* Drain plugs are left finger tight and fall out
* Drain plugs are cross-threaded or over-tightened
* The wrong grade and/or viscosity oil is used
* An incorrect amount of oil is added
* An oil filter is over or under tightened

It's probably rare that a torque wrench is used.

Not to mention that some dealerships up charge you just to get the factory required oil. My selling dealership does. An extra for $40, which is a joke since retail the difference is $5. I change it myself now.

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[Maverick Country Club]

I do all my fluid changes. Why?…
I have had one transmission rebuild and one engine seal blown because they severely overfilled them both on different occasions, made it less than 25 miles. One was a private owned garage and the other was a quick lube place. When I confronted them I was told they would redo the oil/fluid service for free, but I would have to pay for the fluid and filter. I knew I had to leave immediately or I was going to prison.

 

[Tim d]

Agreed.

Still, it's amazing how often:

* Drain plugs are not replaced
* Drain plugs are left finger tight and fall out
* Drain plugs are cross-threaded or over-tightened
* The wrong grade and/or viscosity oil is used
* An incorrect amount of oil is added
* An oil filter is over or under tightened

It's probably rare that a torque wrench is used.

None of those things have happened to me yet thank goodness!

 

[sajohnson]

None of those things have happened to me yet thank goodness!

That's great!

I would only add that some of those things are not apparent, like, "The wrong grade and/or viscosity oil is used."

That's less likely with vehicles that use oil with a commonly available API rating and viscosity, but it is a potential problem.

There's also a chance that some places charge for 100% synthetic but use a blend or conventional oil.

I'm not trying to talk anyone out of going to any particular shop or into DIY. At 64, I won't be doing oil changes forever and I'll have to find a place I trust.

 

[Tim d]

That's great!

I would only add that some of those things are not apparent, like, "The wrong grade and/or viscosity oil is used."

That's less likely with vehicles that use oil with a commonly available API rating and viscosity, but it is a potential problem.

There's also a chance that some places charge for 100% synthetic but use a blend or conventional oil.

I'm not trying to talk anyone out of going to any particular shop or into DIY. At 64, I won't be doing oil changes forever and I'll have to find a place I trust.

Same here iam 65. I do have an antique that I do the oil changes on myself because I dont want a scratch or stain on it.

 

[Gpp]

I get life time free oil and filter change every 7500 miles. I don't rotate tires except when I am traveling down the road. Front tires wear out first, buy 2 then the rears, buy 2.

 

[dalola]

Well being 75 and not driving as much i,m thinking about paying the price and let someone start changing it for me.never let anyone service my vehicles but me and i hate to start.especially since i have a 4 post lift in shop!

If you are physically able, I would keep doing DIY. Or consider teaching a young person interested in automotive...you supervise, teach them the right way to do things, pay them a fair price, best of both worlds. Aside from the cost savings, no one cares more about your vehicle than you. You want it done right....see to it yourself. You've got ten years on me, but I plan to do my own maintenance & repairs as long as I possibly can.

 

[Blackbelt]

I did all my own oil changes etc most of my life, but at 69 it's just too difficult now. I ttok my mav in earlier this month and got "the works" package" and PA state inspection. Total bill was $180 and i got a $20 rebate. PA state inspection is pretty intense and generally takes at least 45-60 minutes, plus PA charges $11 for the windshield sticker. I know the total was a bit pricy, but the dealer gives me a free loaner (this one was a Ranger FX4) and has always been great to deal with. I am OK throwing them a few hundred $$ once a year. They will even come pick up my truck and bring it back when done if i wished. I did have a local guy who serviced my other vehicles, but he lost the lease on his facility and had to close up. I hope he is able to find another facility and reopen but he did have to take a job to feed his family.

 

[Tim d]

Those of you who don’t change your own oil what does a oil and filter change cost at local shop or dealership?just wondering out of curiosity.

So much variation, even among Ford dealerships. We pay 69 dollars at our local dealership for just an oil change. When its off warranty I will use Walmart which charges 29 dollars. I cant do it myself for that price.

 

[Maverick Country Club]

So much variation, even among Ford dealerships. We pay 69 dollars at our local dealership for just an oil change. When its off warranty I will use Walmart which charges 29 dollars. I cant do it myself for that price.

My neighbor said he would do it for $18.95 and include a list of local tow truck drivers for free!

 

[Tim d]

My neighbor said he would do it for $18.95 and include a list of local tow truck drivers for free!

 

[Sugarbush Bob]

What oil do they use at the Ford dealers for a hybrid? 0-20 semi-synthetic? Semi-synthetic is all I've ever seen advertised.

I don't have access right now to my manual but I think my hybrid calls for Full synthetic. Anything else may void warranty

 

[Fibrepunk]

Lol, my Ford dealer just sent me this promotion for oil change. Of course, I have a 2023 Maverick Hybrid and it says 0W-20 on the oil cap. In another word, they are showing me a really good price for oil change, then when I go in, they will tell me my Maverick Hybrid needs 0W-20 which is not under promotion and I need to pay full price for the oil change...... Yes, they have record of me owning a 2023 Maverick Hybrid.

 

[North Coast Joe]

I will get my first oil change this spring at my dealer.
I don't know what they usually charge, but I have two(2) free full services promised. Of course, I will take advantage of that.
However, after those I will use a local garage that has serviced my after warranty vehicles for over twenty years. They always do a thorough check; included in the oil, filter and tire rotation. They have caught potential problems before they caused a breakdown. i.e brakes, hoses, belts and premature rust on the frame(Toyota 4Runner).
They are about 30-40% less expensive than the dealer.

 

[MaverickDragon]

One item I did not see mentioned is the advantage of doing your service at the same location.
If there ever is a problem, the shop you visit is the only one who worked on the car.

I had that work well for me when I was informed that "someone" has stripped out my oil drain plug, and they needed to repair it to do the oil change.
They asked where did you get your last oil changed?
I told them here - and showed them the receipt. Free repair.

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