Oil Changes at Dealer

[Family Man]

I've been a little frustrated over the last few days. Back towards the end of December, I took my '07 Aura XE to my dealer to have the oil changed. I was shocked when they wanted to charge me about $51 CDN to change the oil and perform the routine 15 point inspection. I raised the issue with the service rep who I was dealing with, and he explained to me that the oil filter was different, etc, etc... Seeing that I was already a few weeks late on the oil change, was already at the dealer and needed to get back to work quickly, I left the car there.

I've been steaming about this ever since, so yesterday I checked the Canadian GMGoodwrench website and called other local Pontiac/Chevy/Saturn dealers to see what they charged, and low and behold, they all charge under $40 CDN for a routine oil change.

Needless to say, I called my dealer back to complain about this. How can this dealer charge me over $50 bucks (total, after tax, was almost $60) for a simple oil change that other GM dealers perform for under $40, and the local 30min oil change shops, Wal-Mart and garages most likely charge under $30? I really don't mind spending a little extra $$ to have the oil changes done at the dealer (they can check for recalls, etc), but I'm not ready to spend an extra $20 for this service, especially when it can be done at other GM dealers for much less.

My question is, would it be wrong for me to have my oil done at another dealership? Would there be any issues with having this done at a local garage/quick lube (not about warranty, but is the oil there any good?).

[GMCSonoma]

To answer your question...

Absolutely not...my GM dealership regularly services many non-GM's...such as Toyotas, Lexii & Hondas for example...namely because our customers can't tolerate the expensive, pushy & arrogant service they receive at the fancy-big city import stores...

[Family Man]

Thanks GMCSonoma. Would I still get the exact service at a Pontiac dealer, ie shuttle service, warranty work...

Is it normal to have such a huge price discrepancy for a simple oil change? I would understand paying more if I was driving a Hummer, or adding synthetic oil, but how can a GM dealer charge more than other GM dealers for the same service (yeah, I know they charge what they want, but it's not like these guys are the only dealer in town - there are two more GM dealers right within walking distance of my Saturn dealer).

Everyone talks about the great Saturn experience, but I'm really bummed out about this. I've been leasing GM cars since the late 90s and have never had an issue like this. I do my research before buying my cars (I knew replacing the stock 17" tires with winter tires was going to be expensive as I priced it out before buying my car), but the oil change shouldn't cost me $20 more.

[GMCSonoma]

Originally Posted by Family Man

Thanks GMCSonoma. Would I still get the exact service at a Pontiac dealer, ie shuttle service, warranty work...

Is it normal to have such a huge price discrepancy for a simple oil change? I would understand paying more if I was driving a Hummer, or adding synthetic oil, but how can a GM dealer charge more than other GM dealers for the same service (yeah, I know they charge what they want, but it's not like these guys are the only dealer in town - there are two more GM dealers right within walking distance of my Saturn dealer).

Everyone talks about the great Saturn experience, but I'm really bummed out about this. I've been leasing GM cars since the late 90s and have never had an issue like this. I do my research before buying my cars (I knew replacing the stock 17" tires with winter tires was going to be expensive as I priced it out before buying my car), but the oil change shouldn't cost me $20 more.

As I highlighted....that's up to the individual dealership, I'm afraid...some must not care to be competitive...here where I am, sadly people will drive 10 miles to save 10 cents, so we need to be in line with our competitors...

If it were me, I would try one out the next time...you'll know they'll use a GM filter and hopefully GM spec oil (which is Mobil in the US) and if they fail to meet your expectations...try the next GM store...

I don't think you'll be able to have cross-line warranty work done in a GM store that isn't Saturn though...

[kbg1]

hi
here in halifax i had our 2005 ion in for an oil change and some warranty work.
the oil change came to $43 including taxes.all have been done there since new.
i could probably get it cheaper at walmart but for piece of mind the extra $10 is worth it.

our 60000km warranty is just about up,i will continue getting oil changes at the saturn dealer because
the ion was the best car buying experience we have ever had,and the dealer fixed every issue we had without question.
will most likely be getting a new astra when the lease is up next summer.


jeff

[likearock00]

Here in my area, alot of times dealers will send you coupons to get you into the service dept. Most of the time they're for $20......pretty good deal! I change the oil in my truck myself and it runs me about $35-40 but I use Mobil1 xtended performance. I can't get my fat ass under the Dodge or I'd do that one too!!

[F14CRAZY]

I dunno if it helps, but the Ford dealer I bought my '03 Mountaineer from (used) offered $9.99 oil changes for as long as I owned it. I checked too and they indeed did use Motorcraft filters and Motorcraft oil of the proper weight.

[Triple-X08]

well, wherever you bought it from should be where you get service, i say that because if you are loyal to them they will help you down the road with future repairs. but yes 60 dollars is high for a oil change, unless it was a maintenance 1 or something. stay away from small shops, like uncle eds or walmart, they will not do it properly and the vehicle will not be cared for. we regularly fix vehicles that have been to small shops and they get messed up. i dont know why people think its hard to change oil, but its apparently easy to mess up if you dont know what your doing.

[Mischief007]

$35 for an oil change for my Alero at my Chevy dealer where I bought the car. $60 is definitely too much for an Ecotec oil change.

[Family Man]

Originally Posted by Triple-X08

well, wherever you bought it from should be where you get service, i say that because if you are loyal to them they will help you down the road with future repairs. but yes 60 dollars is high for a oil change, unless it was a maintenance 1 or something. stay away from small shops, like uncle eds or walmart, they will not do it properly and the vehicle will not be cared for. we regularly fix vehicles that have been to small shops and they get messed up. i dont know why people think its hard to change oil, but its apparently easy to mess up if you dont know what your doing.

How in the world can you screw up an oil change? I used to do it myself on the old clunkers I had when I was 16.

I'd like to take it to my dealer, but I hate the fact that they are screwing me for a simple oil change. Why a $35 oil change should cost over $50 plus tax is inexcusible. I'm driving a Saturn here, not a SAAB or Cadillac... I wonder if they are charging the same price for IONs and VUEs.

[montrealvue]

I'm paying about $30 from a small, local garage so $51 at a dealer is not that far off. If its a job that simple I don't see much reason in going to a dealer

[Family Man]

Originally Posted by Mischief007

$35 for an oil change for my Alero at my Chevy dealer where I bought the car. $60 is definitely too much for an Ecotec oil change.

That just bums me out... The local Pontiac dealer (which is in sight of my Saturn dealer) charges $34.95 to change to the oil on a G6. The next Saturn dealer closest to me (maybe 10min further from my dealer) charges the same $34.95 for an Aura. Why on earth does my dealer charge me over $50? The G6 is the exact same car as the Aura!!

BTW, my Aura is an '07, which either came with the 3.5L VVT V6 or 3.6L DOHC VVT V6. Mine is the 3.5L, but this engine is certainly not something special that would require a higher oil change cost.

[dishdude]

Go to another dealer or a small independent garage. I have tried in the past to be loyal and have my car maintained and repaired at the dealer I bought it from, and never received special treatment. I have actually received better service from dealerships that I did not purchase my car from.

[Triple-X08]

regardless it shouldnt cost that much. i change the oil in my ion for 12-14 dollars. my labor included

[prowlerjc]

Originally Posted by GMCSonoma

To answer your question...

Absolutely not...my GM dealership regularly services many non-GM's...such as Toyotas, Lexii & Hondas for example...namely because our customers can't tolerate the expensive, pushy & arrogant service they receive at the fancy-big city import stores...

I get the oil in my Nissan changed at the local Chevy dealer. They are about the same price as Jiffy Lube, do infinitely better work, and I get to stroll around looking at cars while the car is being serviced.