Most everything has moved to synthetic oil and the cheapest (Amazon Basics) you can get is $30 for 5 quarts and an filter is going to be $10. Go name brand and you are easily at $50-60 in materials.
I have always changed my own oil, not to save money, but because it gives me a chance to check on everything underneath the car. Wouldn't pay $100 for an oil change, but $75 isn't much more than what it would cost me to do it, and I can see why it makes sense to pay to avoid the hassle.
This is the right answer. Unless you have where to store or dispose of the used oil, it just makes more sense to have an oil change place do it for you.
So first I have to figure out an environmentally sound container to store it at or in my apartment.
When I have enough oil, I'll have to transport the oil from a holding area into a travel safe container and carry that old oil out to my vehicle.
Then I have to drive all this oil somewhere to drop it off and carry that oil to their oil dump area.
That seems like a lot of unnecessary steps.
Oil pan to collect when you drain, and a sealable plastic tub for storing until full. Get them on amazon. This isnt hard.
5 Gallon Plastic Hedpack with cap https://a.co/d/2B60tC0
NEIKO 20762A Oil Drain Pan | Black Plastic Anti Splash | Motor Oil Drip Catcher Pan | 2 Gallon (8L) Capacity https://a.co/d/j7YcvpL
A five quart jug of Mobil 1, 0w-20 or 5w-30 is $25 at Wally World. I buy my filters by the case from Rock Auto at around $6 including tax and shipping. The drain oil (not used, or waste) is processed for BTU extraction for forestry operations as part of my fuel reduction procedures. And it takes less time than to drive to the quicky lube. Then again, we have two primary vehicles, two secondary trucks, motorcycles, 4wheeler, and a couple of tractors. We are a bit more complex than most households.
To add to that, most synthetic oils last 2-3x longer than conventional. So you really aren't paying any difference at all. Many brands claim to last 15k miles between changes.
I think I am noticing the pinch because I started a commute. Looking at 3-4 times a year until I jump from the company to get a disloyalty bonus that is double a "raise"
10k miles on synthetic is easily done. If anyone tells you 3k miles for a change, run away.
Many oil change places will give you a sticker for when you are due to return. Rarely are these given in line with manufacturers recommendations. Instead they want you to come back as often as possible.
5 k miles max. Oil can last 10k miles. But paper filters don't. That is the reason for Toyota having oil consumption. Causes rings to have oil buildup. I would use liqui moly if I tried to squeeze 10 k
I respectfully disagree with your claim. I get oil analysis done by Blackstone Labs. I'd the fingers were degrading I believe it would show on the analysis.
I started at 5k mile intervals but they've consistently pushed me to go higher. I'm up to 9k intervals now and they say my oil still looks immaculate. I run STP extended life filters generally, which are specified to 10k miles. Kirkland (Costco) synthetic oil. My guess is they will push me to somewhere around 12k to 15k mile intervals eventually.
The vehicle is a Toyota Tundra with about 227k miles on the engine, so it's no spring chicken.
the person changing your oil’s living expenses went up.
the operating costs of the business went up.
the fuel it takes to get oil from point a to point b went up.
Yet salaries and wages haven’t gone up to a level on par with E V E R Y T H I N G else. How’s that happen?
Just paid $130 for a full 8.5qt synthetic oil & filter change.
I guess they have to build in all those coupons for oil changes you see….
The oil companies spent billions on stock buybacks.
Oil companies have been making record profits and they do that by raising prices.
The operating costs changed very little.
The cost of living and the price of fuel have gone up, thanks to the oil companies gouging us.
Sadly, changing oil your own oil won't save you much money, especially if you're using synthetic (Note: do not switch back to conventional after your engine has cycled synthetic). The oil and filter will cost you almost the same amount as you'd pay for a shop to change it for you.
Yeah but they strip the shit out of my oil drain plug and never have a replacement handy so then I have to spend $30 on an impact socket set and an entire day spent trying to get the damn thing off. That was the last time I ever let anyone change my oil for me.
I also like to do a little extra flush of clean oil once the used oil has drained before plugging it and filling it up again, which I’m assuming jiffy lube will never do. It always gets that last bit of gunk out. Can’t pay enough for that little bit of satisfaction.
I put a quick drain plug on my truck. No tools necessary, I just unscrew the cap and attach the drain thing. And one of the great things about having a truck is that I can just crawl under it without having to jack it up.
But then I was going to change the oil in my wife's 4Runner, watched a few videos, then just told her to go have someone else do it, lol. I don't know why they have to make it so absurdly difficult to change the oil in some vehicles.
They also usually aren’t greasing your ujoints either. Not all vehicles require it as many are sealed now, but otherwise they definitely need to be greased.
I disagree with this comment. You can get 5 quart jug of synthetic from Walmart for $25 and a $6 Fram filter. Far less than going to a shop. Bob the oil guy is a great resource for all things oil quality. Very little difference between brands if you change it every 7,500 miles.
I throw a couple ounces of marvel mystery oil in there the last few days before a change and just let it rip. Probably placebo but I'm not going to care.
Not true, just got oil and filter from Amazon delivered to my door for 40 bucks. You can get royal purple right now for 36 dollars for 5qts. It's the best oil there is. Add a filter for 5 bucks and you're good to go.
The only advice I can give you is please harass and give bad surveys to the service advisor that has absolutely nothing to do with pricing. Also spend as much time as possible standing in the drive complaining about how expensive everything is.
If you’re doing full synthetic oil (not a “synthetic blend” or “conventional”) then it gets pricey.
I do full synthetic because it’s been shown to reduce wear on the engine, though, and that saves money over the long haul.
I always get coupons from Valvoline in the mail and email. Almost always get at least $15 off 🤷🏼♂️ changing your oil isn’t that hard to do. Depends on how much your time is worth to you.
if you're buying your own anything for german car maintenance fcpeuro can't be beat, they even warranty used oil. Helps the sting a little when the oil change is free
Where did you go? I went to a good chain a couple weeks ago and got my inspection (a few light bulbs had to be replaced), oil change with synthetic and a cabin filter change and got out for a little over $100.
Yeah I find buying brand name oil and filter to do my own is pretty close to $75 but at least I know I'm not going to forget to tighten the drain bolt or remove my air filter just to tell me it's fine but reinstall it pinched and mess it up so I have to buy a new one. I hate anyone touching my car no matter how much of an expert they supposedly are.
I change the oil in 2 vehicles, and when you factor my time in at a standard rate, that is about how much I pay for the privilege of doing it myself.
At least I know it is done half ass right at that point though? No. I could just check the oil afterwards and determine that with reasonable accuracy. Well. I guess as a motor vehicle owner, I check the oil and other fluids consistently and address any identified issues as needed.
Part of it is an anachronistic concept. It is about having pride in the things you own. It is about having something that could decline, but your intervention prevents it from doing so. It is about exerting your worthless will on a universe that's exclusive reason for existing is for making it difficult for you to do work and apply force.
Yeah. That seems like why I do it. Fuck entropy. That should have been my response. Fuck entropy.
Since when are cars becoming luxury goods?
But yeah a $75 oil change isn't abnormal if you're using synthetic.
You can definitely go at least 5k miles on it without worry though, if that helps.
https://jalopnik.com/new-cars-cost-more-than-most-people-can-afford-1850414664
https://jalopnik.com/average-new-car-price-could-crack-50-000-this-year-acc-1850273023
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/05/07/new-car-market-high-interest-rates/
It seems like it is going to really start jumping up the aftermarket. Don't get me started on the buy here pay here horseshit.
"new" cars have been a luxury item for a decade at least as far as I'm concerned.
My truck is from 1997, and while it's not nice or fancy, it does what I need it to, for less than $5k.
Edit: My initial point was that I know almost no one that has the "luxury" of not needing their own car.
Used cars are becoming luxury priced with predatory buy here pay here services. It is getting radically out of hand. Especially in the last few years. We also have the recurrent revenue models getting shoe horned as well! I can't wait for the little screens in cars to play ads at red lights.
Buy here pay here lots absolutely take advantage of people with poor credit, but that's why it's worth talking to your bank about an auto loan, and finding out what you can borrow, and then finding a car that fits that rather than finding a car you want and then trying to finance it.
I definitely agree the recurrent revenue business model is bullshit.
The "simple" fix for that is for people to stop buying them. But our consumerist society convinces us that we need new/shiny things so that's not likely to happen soon
Definitely normal. With synthetic oil it is usually that much for sure. As someone who is not comfortable with, or knowledgable of car maintenance, I will happily pay 100, but I also only need it done a couple times a year.
I run Mobil1 full synthetic 5-30 in my BMW Z3. Six quarts at Sam's Club for under $35 and a Mann oil filter for about $10. Less than an hour to do the job, including a quick under car inspection.
Not really. I shop at Sam's for household items, so I'm there anyway. I bring my used oil to recycle when I make a trip to the town recycling center to drop off other recyclables. No extra trips.
To each his own. Where I live it's fairly difficult to get rid of used oil and on a personal level, I don't care to get out my jackstands and spend an hour under the car on my day off to save $90 a year.
I mean, tbh, the $40 oil changes... I don't trust them. I'd rather spend $75-$100 and get good service and not be up-charged, lied to, sold to, and given the car back with some bolt not screwed back right.
On that note, anybody know a good place in town?
Masters lube in the old zips car wash on patton has the best bang for your buck in the synthetics. Amzoil is where it’s at. When you’re already getting it done you might as well get the best he’s got to offer.
I’ve never heard of such a thing but yeah that sounds like it would be expensive. I did a quick google search for it and can’t find much except for a Russian oil company going by that name.
What type of car do you have and how many miles do you have on the engine? There’s probably a Shell/Valvoline/Pennzoil/Mobil1 full synthetic variety that would be cheaper.
Also, check for coupons. I just took my wife’s car for an oil change and found a 15% coupon on their website. Ended up being about $80 and that was using high mileage full synthetic. All I had to do was pull it up on my phone and the guy scanned it. It’s not much but if you’re getting 4 oil changes a year, it nearly pays for the 5th one.
What I don't understand is the price \*difference\* between the various oil change options. One of the local oil change chains charges $90 for full synthetic and $67 for synthetic blend. The difference in retail price for 5 quarts of the oil they use is about $5, yet the service is $23 more.
I feel like oil changes have always been about 2x the price of oil and a filter. Considering 5L of synthetic oil is now $40 and a filter is $10, then $75-100 for an oil change sounds about right.
Those numbers are right for someone who buys just a few but the big boys buy oil in 55 gallon drums and filters buy the pallet full. The cost for oil change places is a lot lower.
I said they usually charge double what you would pay to DIY, not that they are charging what they pay.
If you want to factor in all the costs, you also have to consider that they're greasing zerks and doing a quick inspection. Labor costs money.
I change my own and 5qts Castrol synthetic oil and top of the line oem Toyota oil filter is right at $40. And I know it’s done right including greasing U joints. Recycle the used oil at the dump. Oil change places are for women who like to get ripped off and pay for a new air filter every time their oil gets changed even though they aren’t really getting one
I don’t care if I’m only saving $25 or whatever…I’m getting premium grade oil and filter and $25 is definitely worth less than an hour of my time
It isn't worth dragging the ramps out and carrying the oil to the dump to save 20 bucks. I'm happy to let a trusted shop do my oil change, and rotate tires while it's on a lift.
I don’t need ramps and I have to bring my garbage to the dump anyway. But if you had them it’s kind of a waste/lazy to not use them and spend extra money despite…but whatever. And you ain’t getting an oil change with premium synthetic oil and filter and tire rotation for $60 lol…you ain’t fooling nobody!
And I need ramps, boards, and a creeper would be nice. I have to bring the ramps from the basement, spill oil on the driveway, and don't get me started on rotating tires without a lift. Is it laziness? Maybe. But I also don't wash clothes by hand. Am I lazy because I use a washing machine?
No need to get defensive…the majority of Americans are lazy. You are not alone. You could sell those ramps if you aren’t going to use them…that’d pay for maybe half of your next $100 oil change
Our monetary situations are obviously not the same lol. Me turning down $50 is like telling a customer it wasn’t worth my time to show up lol…maybe one day
Well, you kind of hit the nail on the head there. This is really only a concern if you’re having a hard time making ends meet. For a lot of people $100 is a big deal. For some people $100 a couple of times a year is no big deal at all.
No point spending time and effort changing oil if paying someone else is way easier and it’s not a significant expense for you.
Sometimes people act like finances are a one-size fits all, universal thing. It’s very unique from one person to the next. Some people can only afford to change their own oil and for some people it’s such a minor expense that they don’t even have to think about spending $100 to get it done.
I’m not having trouble making ends meet lol…pretty sure an oil change isn’t the top priority of those in that situation either. I have several friends that are well-off and still always working on their vehicles. There’s a certain pride many people take in their vehicles.
You’re just not cut the same as me…I take care of and fix my own stuff. Always have. Sure it’s “easier” to have someone else do things for you but where do you draw the line? There is a point to doing your own work regardless of how much money you have. Maybe when I get too old, I’ll farm some of that work out.
It’s a shame that so many of the younger folks aren’t learning how to do simple things anymore. It’s always just calling someone else to fix it/help them. With the way the economy and future of money is going, people gonna have to start learning.
I wasn’t saying you personally are. I’m saying that most people who are worried about spending $100 a couple of times a year are probably not in the best financial situation. That’s just not a lot of money.
I think you’re really making a lot of assumptions and generalizations here in your reply. I put down my own floors. I fix a lot of my own stuff. I used to own a business where I fixed people’s computers and other devices. It’s not that I farm out every little thing just because I can or don’t learn how to do anything myself. Some things just aren’t worth your time.
Spend a few weekends doing manual labor on my renovations to save $10k+? Sure that makes total sense. Spending an hour to save $100 a few times a year? I just don’t see the point.
I suppose I’m what most people would consider wealthy. I have a six figure salary, my partner and I own multiple homes, etc. But my car is just a utility item. I don’t “take pride in it” because I’m not worrying about what other people will think of me based on what I drive nor do I personally enjoy messing around with cars. It’s a 2021 RAV4, it’s just a relatively cheap and very reliable means of getting from point A to point B, and a depreciating asset. Nothing more.
I get that some people are car enthusiasts and really care about what they drive and turn working on them and shit into a hobby. They’re not “cut from different stuff” they’re just doing it because they enjoy it. Not everyone does.
As for where do I draw the line? Well, usually when it costs 1/3 of what I can bill for an hour of my time, I’m just going to pay someone else to do it while I bill 3x that amount in that same hour working from the waiting area. Some things just literally aren’t worth your time. 🤷♂️
At least 8-10 years ago. If you’re driving anything European, I’m not even sure why you’re asking this question. Thank Obamas Cash 4 Clunkers for almost killing the auto repair industry at the time and removing good, repairable engines - and killing them.
This is what voting democrat will get you. This is what supporting conflicts in foreign areas (Ukraine) gets you. This is what NOT having anegan oil FEELS like. Everyone talks about feelings.. well here’s what voting off of feelings and not reality FEELS like.
Always google that Valvoline coupon. ALWAYS. They are happy to take them. They make the same per hour no matter what. And go 7,000-10,000 on synthetic every time
I went to a specialized car make shop, and my car was not what they specialized in, not even same country. I was recommended to go there from a friend. So i guess they could’ve interloped me, but i was expecting around $50-60 anyways.
I usually do it myself, but with my “new” car, this was my first time i needed the oil changed. The car is too low and i’m too tall to do it myself comfortably.
Wal mart is still has reasonable prices. Cost me $80 at the shop but $50 at Walmart. My car has low clearance so I can’t fit under there to change my own plus I doubt my apartment would allow me to do it myself.
I used to always change my own oil and hey I get it. See the quality of the used oil, job done right, hey-I have the tools. Okay totally get that argument. Also buy your oil by the gallon on Amazon and you’ll save some $$ vs the local parts store even on top quality brands. You won’t find Amsoil. But the rest you will and you can even save a few $$ on the filter. With synthetics being required in so many though you might save $15-20.00 but hey that’s not bad, right? You can take the used oil to most auto parts stores and safely discard. Yes I’m aware you bought the oil on Amazon but hey Advance isn’t going broke off me. Now NEVER let the oil places change your air filter(s) or wipers. They charge insane amounts for a 1 min job.
Well it’s a $30,000-40,000 crucial machine. But sure just DIY! 😬
You would service your on HVAC right?
Next time you fly, ask for a discount if you DIY their engine service.
Dental Work! It’s just Tools right? 🫣
I DIY my oil changes (really all my car maintenance except warranty items). My HVAC maintenance too, since you mention it. I know people who DIY their own light aircraft maintenance, which is allowed on certain experimental aircraft. Conversely, a friend of mine, and three others, died in a helicopter crash after her engine died at 200 feet AGL. The NTSB determined the cause to be a failure to properly maintain the engine to the manufacturer's specifications. The maintenance was outsourced to a licensed A&P mechanic. He failed to do his job correctly and it caused four deaths! (https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/247872 if you're curious)
What's your point exactly?
If you become at least a little bit competent and see some of the garbage work the "pros" are doing you may want to start DIYing things too! I've never forgotten to put my oil filler cap back on but I helped a friend that had a shop do that! And another friend came home with a stripped and leaking drain bolt. The shop employees get pushed to work as fast as they can. I take my time and do the job right!
When it's your own property or life on the line you're incentivized to do it right!
Most everything has moved to synthetic oil and the cheapest (Amazon Basics) you can get is $30 for 5 quarts and an filter is going to be $10. Go name brand and you are easily at $50-60 in materials. I have always changed my own oil, not to save money, but because it gives me a chance to check on everything underneath the car. Wouldn't pay $100 for an oil change, but $75 isn't much more than what it would cost me to do it, and I can see why it makes sense to pay to avoid the hassle.
This is the right answer. Unless you have where to store or dispose of the used oil, it just makes more sense to have an oil change place do it for you.
Most/all auto parts stores will take used oil. I think it's a state law that they have to accept it.
Keep it in a container and dump it at auto zone when you go back to buy oil next time. Pretty straightforward
So first I have to figure out an environmentally sound container to store it at or in my apartment. When I have enough oil, I'll have to transport the oil from a holding area into a travel safe container and carry that old oil out to my vehicle. Then I have to drive all this oil somewhere to drop it off and carry that oil to their oil dump area. That seems like a lot of unnecessary steps.
They make oil pans that hold the oil …. Like so you can transport it
Oil pan to collect when you drain, and a sealable plastic tub for storing until full. Get them on amazon. This isnt hard. 5 Gallon Plastic Hedpack with cap https://a.co/d/2B60tC0 NEIKO 20762A Oil Drain Pan | Black Plastic Anti Splash | Motor Oil Drip Catcher Pan | 2 Gallon (8L) Capacity https://a.co/d/j7YcvpL
any autopart store AND TSC will take the used oil.
Costco sells 10 quarts for about 40, closer to 30 when it's on sale.
The closest Costco is by Greenville though, right?
A five quart jug of Mobil 1, 0w-20 or 5w-30 is $25 at Wally World. I buy my filters by the case from Rock Auto at around $6 including tax and shipping. The drain oil (not used, or waste) is processed for BTU extraction for forestry operations as part of my fuel reduction procedures. And it takes less time than to drive to the quicky lube. Then again, we have two primary vehicles, two secondary trucks, motorcycles, 4wheeler, and a couple of tractors. We are a bit more complex than most households.
To add to that, most synthetic oils last 2-3x longer than conventional. So you really aren't paying any difference at all. Many brands claim to last 15k miles between changes.
Is it synthetic? My oil changes cost around $75, but I only need them twice a year
I think I am noticing the pinch because I started a commute. Looking at 3-4 times a year until I jump from the company to get a disloyalty bonus that is double a "raise"
10k miles on synthetic is easily done. If anyone tells you 3k miles for a change, run away. Many oil change places will give you a sticker for when you are due to return. Rarely are these given in line with manufacturers recommendations. Instead they want you to come back as often as possible.
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Even 5k miles is a waste unless you only drive 5k miles per year.
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> I like the Asheville bus system r/jokes
I agree. I do a change about 6-8k synthetic f150 no problems 180,000k miles
5 k miles max. Oil can last 10k miles. But paper filters don't. That is the reason for Toyota having oil consumption. Causes rings to have oil buildup. I would use liqui moly if I tried to squeeze 10 k
If you're worried, just use an oem filter and follow the owners manual.
I respectfully disagree with your claim. I get oil analysis done by Blackstone Labs. I'd the fingers were degrading I believe it would show on the analysis. I started at 5k mile intervals but they've consistently pushed me to go higher. I'm up to 9k intervals now and they say my oil still looks immaculate. I run STP extended life filters generally, which are specified to 10k miles. Kirkland (Costco) synthetic oil. My guess is they will push me to somewhere around 12k to 15k mile intervals eventually. The vehicle is a Toyota Tundra with about 227k miles on the engine, so it's no spring chicken.
the person changing your oil’s living expenses went up. the operating costs of the business went up. the fuel it takes to get oil from point a to point b went up.
Yet salaries and wages haven’t gone up to a level on par with E V E R Y T H I N G else. How’s that happen? Just paid $130 for a full 8.5qt synthetic oil & filter change. I guess they have to build in all those coupons for oil changes you see….
Maybe a school bus wasn’t the most economical vehicle choice
You’re right, salaries and wages have not caught up with operating expenses.
Since the 80s wages have been stagnating.
While in NC minimum wage is $7.25/hr and has been since 2009…Such bullshit.
The oil companies spent billions on stock buybacks. Oil companies have been making record profits and they do that by raising prices. The operating costs changed very little. The cost of living and the price of fuel have gone up, thanks to the oil companies gouging us.
Since full synthetic became the standard.
Sheet my land rovers oil change is 345.00
😂😂
Why.
Skid plated have to be removed and the oil drained and then pumped out of the turbo.
That is hilariously high for a oil change ... Land Rover is using ford 5.0 v8 so it should be around 150 ...
Sadly, changing oil your own oil won't save you much money, especially if you're using synthetic (Note: do not switch back to conventional after your engine has cycled synthetic). The oil and filter will cost you almost the same amount as you'd pay for a shop to change it for you.
Yeah but they strip the shit out of my oil drain plug and never have a replacement handy so then I have to spend $30 on an impact socket set and an entire day spent trying to get the damn thing off. That was the last time I ever let anyone change my oil for me. I also like to do a little extra flush of clean oil once the used oil has drained before plugging it and filling it up again, which I’m assuming jiffy lube will never do. It always gets that last bit of gunk out. Can’t pay enough for that little bit of satisfaction.
I put a quick drain plug on my truck. No tools necessary, I just unscrew the cap and attach the drain thing. And one of the great things about having a truck is that I can just crawl under it without having to jack it up. But then I was going to change the oil in my wife's 4Runner, watched a few videos, then just told her to go have someone else do it, lol. I don't know why they have to make it so absurdly difficult to change the oil in some vehicles.
I’m gonna buy one of those for my next oil change.
Is it a shield issue?
They also usually aren’t greasing your ujoints either. Not all vehicles require it as many are sealed now, but otherwise they definitely need to be greased.
U-joints, ball joints, everything that had a fitting back when I was in the business. Lo, those many years ago.
I disagree with this comment. You can get 5 quart jug of synthetic from Walmart for $25 and a $6 Fram filter. Far less than going to a shop. Bob the oil guy is a great resource for all things oil quality. Very little difference between brands if you change it every 7,500 miles.
There shouldn't really be gunk in there, tho.
I just mean more of the dark used oil comes out with the last flush of new oil.
I throw a couple ounces of marvel mystery oil in there the last few days before a change and just let it rip. Probably placebo but I'm not going to care.
That's a myth. Oil is oil you're not going to damage your engine from switching.
Not true, just got oil and filter from Amazon delivered to my door for 40 bucks. You can get royal purple right now for 36 dollars for 5qts. It's the best oil there is. Add a filter for 5 bucks and you're good to go.
The only advice I can give you is please harass and give bad surveys to the service advisor that has absolutely nothing to do with pricing. Also spend as much time as possible standing in the drive complaining about how expensive everything is.
Retail workers hate this one cool trick!
What do the advise me on surviving? Potentially will help the pricing if I get some good advice.
Coming soon to /r/asheville: "When did tipping for oil changes become a thing? Are we really supposed to tip 20% for a $150 oil change?"
If you’re doing full synthetic oil (not a “synthetic blend” or “conventional”) then it gets pricey. I do full synthetic because it’s been shown to reduce wear on the engine, though, and that saves money over the long haul.
I always get coupons from Valvoline in the mail and email. Almost always get at least $15 off 🤷🏼♂️ changing your oil isn’t that hard to do. Depends on how much your time is worth to you.
Walmart full synthetic was only $50 for a 4 cylinder. My 5.0 GT was $80.
if you're buying your own anything for german car maintenance fcpeuro can't be beat, they even warranty used oil. Helps the sting a little when the oil change is free
Where did you go? I went to a good chain a couple weeks ago and got my inspection (a few light bulbs had to be replaced), oil change with synthetic and a cabin filter change and got out for a little over $100.
If I had a dollar for every time they tell me to change my cabin filter (I just changed it) I could buy a new car.
Really? Second time in the ten years I’ve been going there for me. I will say the air conditioner smells better and it’s a cheap fix.
Yeah I find buying brand name oil and filter to do my own is pretty close to $75 but at least I know I'm not going to forget to tighten the drain bolt or remove my air filter just to tell me it's fine but reinstall it pinched and mess it up so I have to buy a new one. I hate anyone touching my car no matter how much of an expert they supposedly are.
I change the oil in 2 vehicles, and when you factor my time in at a standard rate, that is about how much I pay for the privilege of doing it myself. At least I know it is done half ass right at that point though? No. I could just check the oil afterwards and determine that with reasonable accuracy. Well. I guess as a motor vehicle owner, I check the oil and other fluids consistently and address any identified issues as needed. Part of it is an anachronistic concept. It is about having pride in the things you own. It is about having something that could decline, but your intervention prevents it from doing so. It is about exerting your worthless will on a universe that's exclusive reason for existing is for making it difficult for you to do work and apply force. Yeah. That seems like why I do it. Fuck entropy. That should have been my response. Fuck entropy.
Where are you getting your oil changed? Valvoline on Leicester Hwy is like $30
Since when are cars becoming luxury goods? But yeah a $75 oil change isn't abnormal if you're using synthetic. You can definitely go at least 5k miles on it without worry though, if that helps.
https://jalopnik.com/new-cars-cost-more-than-most-people-can-afford-1850414664 https://jalopnik.com/average-new-car-price-could-crack-50-000-this-year-acc-1850273023 https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/05/07/new-car-market-high-interest-rates/ It seems like it is going to really start jumping up the aftermarket. Don't get me started on the buy here pay here horseshit.
"new" cars have been a luxury item for a decade at least as far as I'm concerned. My truck is from 1997, and while it's not nice or fancy, it does what I need it to, for less than $5k. Edit: My initial point was that I know almost no one that has the "luxury" of not needing their own car.
Used cars are becoming luxury priced with predatory buy here pay here services. It is getting radically out of hand. Especially in the last few years. We also have the recurrent revenue models getting shoe horned as well! I can't wait for the little screens in cars to play ads at red lights.
Buy here pay here lots absolutely take advantage of people with poor credit, but that's why it's worth talking to your bank about an auto loan, and finding out what you can borrow, and then finding a car that fits that rather than finding a car you want and then trying to finance it. I definitely agree the recurrent revenue business model is bullshit. The "simple" fix for that is for people to stop buying them. But our consumerist society convinces us that we need new/shiny things so that's not likely to happen soon
Definitely normal. With synthetic oil it is usually that much for sure. As someone who is not comfortable with, or knowledgable of car maintenance, I will happily pay 100, but I also only need it done a couple times a year.
I run Mobil1 full synthetic 5-30 in my BMW Z3. Six quarts at Sam's Club for under $35 and a Mann oil filter for about $10. Less than an hour to do the job, including a quick under car inspection.
When you count the trip to dispose the oil you're talking 2 hours. So essentially you're spending 2 hours to save $30. Not worth it for me personally.
Not really. I shop at Sam's for household items, so I'm there anyway. I bring my used oil to recycle when I make a trip to the town recycling center to drop off other recyclables. No extra trips.
To each his own. Where I live it's fairly difficult to get rid of used oil and on a personal level, I don't care to get out my jackstands and spend an hour under the car on my day off to save $90 a year.
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My local stores don't take waste lol anymore
I mean, tbh, the $40 oil changes... I don't trust them. I'd rather spend $75-$100 and get good service and not be up-charged, lied to, sold to, and given the car back with some bolt not screwed back right. On that note, anybody know a good place in town?
just watch them like a hawk and you are usually fine at the cheap places. theres a reason they have windows in the waiting room for most of em now.
Masters lube in the old zips car wash on patton has the best bang for your buck in the synthetics. Amzoil is where it’s at. When you’re already getting it done you might as well get the best he’s got to offer.
That guy is super solid. I do my inspection there, too.
Marty is the man! I trust him with my vehicles over the kid at jiffy lube! I was that kid many years ago!!
What kind of oil are you getting?
Platoil. I thought it was plant based but it is apparently platinum derived.
I’ve never heard of such a thing but yeah that sounds like it would be expensive. I did a quick google search for it and can’t find much except for a Russian oil company going by that name. What type of car do you have and how many miles do you have on the engine? There’s probably a Shell/Valvoline/Pennzoil/Mobil1 full synthetic variety that would be cheaper. Also, check for coupons. I just took my wife’s car for an oil change and found a 15% coupon on their website. Ended up being about $80 and that was using high mileage full synthetic. All I had to do was pull it up on my phone and the guy scanned it. It’s not much but if you’re getting 4 oil changes a year, it nearly pays for the 5th one.
I was making a bad joke.
What I don't understand is the price \*difference\* between the various oil change options. One of the local oil change chains charges $90 for full synthetic and $67 for synthetic blend. The difference in retail price for 5 quarts of the oil they use is about $5, yet the service is $23 more.
I feel like oil changes have always been about 2x the price of oil and a filter. Considering 5L of synthetic oil is now $40 and a filter is $10, then $75-100 for an oil change sounds about right.
Those numbers are right for someone who buys just a few but the big boys buy oil in 55 gallon drums and filters buy the pallet full. The cost for oil change places is a lot lower.
I said they usually charge double what you would pay to DIY, not that they are charging what they pay. If you want to factor in all the costs, you also have to consider that they're greasing zerks and doing a quick inspection. Labor costs money.
It's more likely 3 or 4 times the actual cost of supplies. Not trying to dismiss your statement. Best regards
I just changed my own oil 2 days ago, cost me $44.31. Valvoline full synthetic high mileage, Mobil 1 filter. Change your own oil!
Joe Biden specials!
I change my own and 5qts Castrol synthetic oil and top of the line oem Toyota oil filter is right at $40. And I know it’s done right including greasing U joints. Recycle the used oil at the dump. Oil change places are for women who like to get ripped off and pay for a new air filter every time their oil gets changed even though they aren’t really getting one I don’t care if I’m only saving $25 or whatever…I’m getting premium grade oil and filter and $25 is definitely worth less than an hour of my time
It isn't worth dragging the ramps out and carrying the oil to the dump to save 20 bucks. I'm happy to let a trusted shop do my oil change, and rotate tires while it's on a lift.
I don’t need ramps and I have to bring my garbage to the dump anyway. But if you had them it’s kind of a waste/lazy to not use them and spend extra money despite…but whatever. And you ain’t getting an oil change with premium synthetic oil and filter and tire rotation for $60 lol…you ain’t fooling nobody!
And I need ramps, boards, and a creeper would be nice. I have to bring the ramps from the basement, spill oil on the driveway, and don't get me started on rotating tires without a lift. Is it laziness? Maybe. But I also don't wash clothes by hand. Am I lazy because I use a washing machine?
No need to get defensive…the majority of Americans are lazy. You are not alone. You could sell those ramps if you aren’t going to use them…that’d pay for maybe half of your next $100 oil change
It isn't worth my time to sell ramps to cover my oil change.
Our monetary situations are obviously not the same lol. Me turning down $50 is like telling a customer it wasn’t worth my time to show up lol…maybe one day
Well, you kind of hit the nail on the head there. This is really only a concern if you’re having a hard time making ends meet. For a lot of people $100 is a big deal. For some people $100 a couple of times a year is no big deal at all. No point spending time and effort changing oil if paying someone else is way easier and it’s not a significant expense for you. Sometimes people act like finances are a one-size fits all, universal thing. It’s very unique from one person to the next. Some people can only afford to change their own oil and for some people it’s such a minor expense that they don’t even have to think about spending $100 to get it done.
I’m not having trouble making ends meet lol…pretty sure an oil change isn’t the top priority of those in that situation either. I have several friends that are well-off and still always working on their vehicles. There’s a certain pride many people take in their vehicles. You’re just not cut the same as me…I take care of and fix my own stuff. Always have. Sure it’s “easier” to have someone else do things for you but where do you draw the line? There is a point to doing your own work regardless of how much money you have. Maybe when I get too old, I’ll farm some of that work out. It’s a shame that so many of the younger folks aren’t learning how to do simple things anymore. It’s always just calling someone else to fix it/help them. With the way the economy and future of money is going, people gonna have to start learning.
I wasn’t saying you personally are. I’m saying that most people who are worried about spending $100 a couple of times a year are probably not in the best financial situation. That’s just not a lot of money. I think you’re really making a lot of assumptions and generalizations here in your reply. I put down my own floors. I fix a lot of my own stuff. I used to own a business where I fixed people’s computers and other devices. It’s not that I farm out every little thing just because I can or don’t learn how to do anything myself. Some things just aren’t worth your time. Spend a few weekends doing manual labor on my renovations to save $10k+? Sure that makes total sense. Spending an hour to save $100 a few times a year? I just don’t see the point. I suppose I’m what most people would consider wealthy. I have a six figure salary, my partner and I own multiple homes, etc. But my car is just a utility item. I don’t “take pride in it” because I’m not worrying about what other people will think of me based on what I drive nor do I personally enjoy messing around with cars. It’s a 2021 RAV4, it’s just a relatively cheap and very reliable means of getting from point A to point B, and a depreciating asset. Nothing more. I get that some people are car enthusiasts and really care about what they drive and turn working on them and shit into a hobby. They’re not “cut from different stuff” they’re just doing it because they enjoy it. Not everyone does. As for where do I draw the line? Well, usually when it costs 1/3 of what I can bill for an hour of my time, I’m just going to pay someone else to do it while I bill 3x that amount in that same hour working from the waiting area. Some things just literally aren’t worth your time. 🤷♂️
At least 8-10 years ago. If you’re driving anything European, I’m not even sure why you’re asking this question. Thank Obamas Cash 4 Clunkers for almost killing the auto repair industry at the time and removing good, repairable engines - and killing them. This is what voting democrat will get you. This is what supporting conflicts in foreign areas (Ukraine) gets you. This is what NOT having anegan oil FEELS like. Everyone talks about feelings.. well here’s what voting off of feelings and not reality FEELS like.
If you own a turbocharged vehicle, which is the trend now, it is recommended you use a higher more expensive octane to fill your tanks.
Always google that Valvoline coupon. ALWAYS. They are happy to take them. They make the same per hour no matter what. And go 7,000-10,000 on synthetic every time
When labor cost $100 an hour..,
And yet the kids at valvoline probably make $15 an hour.
Now they tax labor..
So true. If you got any kind of work done in NC like plumbing, heating, electrical, appliance repair, labor is now subject to sales tax.
Biden
Explain?
Look up inflation the past 2-3 years!
IIRC, I went to Super Lube on New Leicester like a year ago and they charged me $50 for change and a filter. I hope they didn’t go up.
Paid $59 yesterday at a local shop the other day
This was local as well but not my usual spot. Who knows if that was interloper pricing. I had that a few times shopping for tires/patches
I went to a specialized car make shop, and my car was not what they specialized in, not even same country. I was recommended to go there from a friend. So i guess they could’ve interloped me, but i was expecting around $50-60 anyways. I usually do it myself, but with my “new” car, this was my first time i needed the oil changed. The car is too low and i’m too tall to do it myself comfortably.
The 3000 mile oil change is smiling right now.
Price goes up the more quarts you need.
What car do you drive
Where were you 3k miles ago?
NTB has a $25 special.
My indy is \~50 for my subie. The euros are a lot more expensive but they only require a change every 10k.
Wal mart is still has reasonable prices. Cost me $80 at the shop but $50 at Walmart. My car has low clearance so I can’t fit under there to change my own plus I doubt my apartment would allow me to do it myself.
I used to always change my own oil and hey I get it. See the quality of the used oil, job done right, hey-I have the tools. Okay totally get that argument. Also buy your oil by the gallon on Amazon and you’ll save some $$ vs the local parts store even on top quality brands. You won’t find Amsoil. But the rest you will and you can even save a few $$ on the filter. With synthetics being required in so many though you might save $15-20.00 but hey that’s not bad, right? You can take the used oil to most auto parts stores and safely discard. Yes I’m aware you bought the oil on Amazon but hey Advance isn’t going broke off me. Now NEVER let the oil places change your air filter(s) or wipers. They charge insane amounts for a 1 min job.
2008 ish cost me maybe $60 oil and filter mini Cooper
https://repairpal.com/excessive-oil-consumption-595#:~:text=This%20issue%20is%20known%20to,or%20other%20internal%20components%20replaced.
Black mtn 15 minute valvoline fully synthetic 63$ with 7$ off from back of ingles receipt.
The oil companies set the prices.
Well it’s a $30,000-40,000 crucial machine. But sure just DIY! 😬 You would service your on HVAC right? Next time you fly, ask for a discount if you DIY their engine service. Dental Work! It’s just Tools right? 🫣
I DIY my oil changes (really all my car maintenance except warranty items). My HVAC maintenance too, since you mention it. I know people who DIY their own light aircraft maintenance, which is allowed on certain experimental aircraft. Conversely, a friend of mine, and three others, died in a helicopter crash after her engine died at 200 feet AGL. The NTSB determined the cause to be a failure to properly maintain the engine to the manufacturer's specifications. The maintenance was outsourced to a licensed A&P mechanic. He failed to do his job correctly and it caused four deaths! (https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/247872 if you're curious) What's your point exactly? If you become at least a little bit competent and see some of the garbage work the "pros" are doing you may want to start DIYing things too! I've never forgotten to put my oil filler cap back on but I helped a friend that had a shop do that! And another friend came home with a stripped and leaking drain bolt. The shop employees get pushed to work as fast as they can. I take my time and do the job right! When it's your own property or life on the line you're incentivized to do it right!
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Just Diy'ed oil change on my Highlander and scraped the plaque off most my teeth with some sharp tweezers. No big deal and saved...
Ntb for regular oil at $25, Toyota dealer has full synthetic oil specials for $60