Dealer oil change vs. other places...

[FCser]

i dont know if this has been discussed already or not but i will have to get my oil changed sometime in the future and i think im going to serach out a dealership and take my vehicle there instead of some valvoline type of oil change shop. I have heard dealerships will have all correct parts on hand and the right oil but it is a bit more expensive. is it worth it?

[joatmon]

my question would be that after all you have had to do to your Vibe, why not do the oil change yourself? That way you know it's done right and at the best price.

[Mavrik]

I say take it to the dealership. Most prices are all in the same range these days they they know what to look for. Usually a cheap oil change is exactly what you get, little for your dollor.

[ragingfish]

Plus, most dealerships add that information to your VIN number's service history, so if you decide to trade at a dealer other than that which you purcahsed from (not applicable in your case), they can pull up that information direct from GM and you have proof of oil changes.

[Herb]

I'm with Joatmon, doing it by yourself also gives a good sense of accomplishment too.I've been changing my own oil religously at 5000km with synthetic. Once a year I'll take it to a dealer to get it done so they can look over my Vibe for other things, but that's about it for me.And as for getting it done elsewhere, not everyone out there is honest, even if it's a big company. I think about 12 years ago or so a Mr. Lube outlet in Edmonton was caught putting used oil into cars. The police brought in cars with new oil, and when they drove out they found that there was used oil.

[AKLGT]

ah... i used to think that too. then i realized i was getting hosed on oil changes! so now i take them to local place in town for my full synthetic. yes, i could do it myself but don't have the time. modding my engine is fun, but changing the oil is not. and i keep all receipts for everything... that's my proof.

[jake75]

My GM dealer sold me a card with 10 oil changes for $119.95. Then they try to talk you into other things but I know how to say no. Regular price is $24.95. No appointment necessary. They promise it in 59 minutes or its free but I am not going to argue if it's an hour and fifteen. Always take a couple of my magazines with me.

[ragingfish]

Took well over two hours for a dealer oil change once (went to a dealer other than my usual). Was stuck waiting, was late to work.Win some lose some.If I can't do it myself, and my regular dealer isn't gonna be doing regular service (in which case I get the oil change at the same time), I just go to STS or Midas or something.I know the guy at the local STS, he always gives me the senior citizen discount. Yes, you read that right.

[threekrows]

Ours is $23.95 and guaranteed in 30min or less(when you use gm oil)but I change my own...loldealers don't make squat on oil changes,it's just to get you in the door to upsell.But you do have them to go back on if there is a problem and you know it will be handled(like losing an oil plug after having it dealer serviced)

[ALi3N]

i would say to take it to the dealer becuase (for me anyway) all the lube places around here use penzoil. Penzoil is notorious for being the worst oil around. The dealerships use Castrol GTX, much better. Castrol and Mobil (and maybe Royal Purple) are the only oils i use.

[russ257]

valvoline instant oil change, you never have to get out of your car. and its quick unless there is a line and even then is isnt so bad

[redlava]

For the most part service stations outside your dealership are good. Most of them won't screw you just becasue it is to easy for somebody to catch them. The one thing you do have to look out for is making sure that the filter is a new one, and if you can watch them through a window to make sure they lube the chassis. You can easily tell if the oil is old by looking at it. If it looks dirty it probably is, new oil should be a very light brown almost clear. I usually go to Car-X here in Iowa City cause they do the same stuff as the dealership for $15.00 less and the wait is usually shorter. The key is to just find somebody you trust, I have been going to them for 5 years now and they haven't messed up once yet.

[savedbyzero]

In my own garage, it costs me $35 with Amsoil synthetic! Something to consider!

[Sputnik]

I always take mine to the dealer. Costs about $30 canadian.