Oil Changes - Dealership vs Local Mechanic

[Area51BS]

I use my points at dealer. Last oil change on my Bronco the oil filter worked its way loose. 1st time in my life. This past time they left a dash clip on floor board doing a warranty software update and left the steering wheel adjustment completely loose. Thankfully my points are used up now.

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[Donaldw]

For our other car, a Forester, we've been using a really good mechanic outfit for at least 15 years. But they are Japanese car specialists. When we bought the Mav., my first American car, I thought the dealer, Ford Store San Mateo, were straight shooters and aware of what they were doing. We're at about 4k now and I plan to service at 5k. There is a recall on the turn signals. My plan is to let the dealer do the first one and then evaluate.

 

[Chicolini]

I always use the dealer during warranty. They do the recalls at the same time. I have not had a problem with the dealer's performance so far, but I have only been going there for 30 years. The service manager is kind of new, she has only been there 15 years but she seems to be working out.

I don't buy trucks from some rando Ford dealer.

 

[ndmiller]

Oil changes while simple to execute are simple to screw up, so go with who you're comfortable with who does a good job. My dealer seems to be well thought of and has great wifi, coffee, snacks, and ice cream. Comfortably waiting there beats uncomfortably waiting at my local guy I use for Japanese cars.

 

[Oscarcat]

My first Ford ever. Not impressed with Ford dealer. After first complimentary oil change I learned they use a synthetic blend, not full syn. They obviously didn't give it time to drain fully as the new oil didn't look as transparent as it did when I did the next oil change at home and let it drain until the drips were 10 seconds or so apart. I know this sounds anal but fully draining out old oil is important to me as is pre-filling the new oil filter before spinning it on. I'm certain the dealer doesn't do that either.

My GMC dealer wasn't much better with my previous truck. Best dealer service I had was at Lexus, Toyota and believe it or not, Chrysler 5 Star dealers.

 

[homerdog]

I use the Ford dealer where I bought my Maverick. They'll pick it up and bring it back when they're done. A little expensive but not having to sit there and wait for them to do it is worth it.

 

[Dudley]

HA! Thanks for that tip, I had no idea! I do everything DIY, and was keeping a notebook (which I will keep doing...), but I'll also add it to the app now as well.

OP, go with your trusted source, and keep your own records. Easy decision my friend.

I DIY and keep book, and found out I need to add it to my Ford Pass or it yells at me TIME FOR SERVICE!

 

[Johnny maverick]

I had the dealership do the first oil change it was free. My second oil change was by me and I found that 4 of the 12 skid plate bolts were missing and my filter was loose. So much for a free oil change

 

[ejgroth2620]

I just take it to my dealer but I trust them and they charge a reasonable price. If you have a mechanic you trust take it to them instead. It won't affect the warranty and if you are worried about record keeping there is a button in the FordPass app where you can add your own service records.

Car dealers are (generally speaking) an untrustworthy lot. I had my first oil change done by the dealer where I purchased my Maverick, but unless you can watch them service your vehicle, there's a nagging suspicion they're pumping in inferior oil or using an inferior filter.

 

[siberdraknon]

Do all Mavericks have this at the top of the driver's windshield? Or do I just have a dealer trying to be sneaky/manipulative. I ignored it of course and do my own maintenance.

 

[CajunMick]

When I go to a dealer, I ask service mgr ”are your people qualified?” They say ”Yes”. Couple times they made a boo boo, hic cup. Should see mgr face when I ask again.

Doing mechanic work in 60s, I use to do my own oil/filters change on my old F250 diesel. Thereafter, I would record into the Ford online records. As I git older, resorted to letting the local Ford Quick Change outfit do the chore. But I can honestly say I was nervous. I do check my vehicles before I leave them. If they spill oil anywhere, I ask them to wipe it clean, cause any oil drips on the ground would be cause for alarm.

 

[Bob The Builder]

My local mechanic now does all my service as I am no longer willing to crawl under my vehicles in my driveway to do so. On top of that, he charges $75.00 an hour less given his much smaller overhead.

 

[dalola]

Do all Mavericks have this at the top of the driver's windshield? Or do I just have a dealer trying to be sneaky/manipulative. I ignored it of course and do my own maintenance.

Unbelievable what some shady dealers will stoop to......

Remove it, and stick it on the forehead of the moron who put it on your truck.

 

[Kevin DeLuca]

What do you consider reasonable price these days. My dodge dealer is $40.00 cheaper than valvoline for wife's Durango.

I just take it to my dealer but I trust them and they charge a reasonable price. If you have a mechanic you trust take it to them instead. It won't affect the warranty and if you are worried about record keeping there is a button in the FordPass app where you can add your own service records.

 

[Kevin DeLuca]

Traded my month old xlt yesterday for the xl i ordered a month b4 the xlt. Long story i'll post elsewhere.
Anyway offered me the oil change tire rotation etc package. Told him nah do it myself every 3000 miles. No problem. Gave me 8 in 24,000 miles for $360. Heck of deal. Dealer is couple miles away.

What dealer? That is a heck of a deal.

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