GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Just called the Pontiac dealer : $ 44 ( without taxes) for oil change ???I asked why and they say because of special oil filter !!!

haha that's hilarious. If you have an 09+, 1.8 i believe then they are referring to the drop-in filter, there is no way that is "special" or more costly than and ordinary filter. How pathetic of them.

GM is running a $39.95 oil change, tire rotation special. I would call another dealer and ask. I used to do my own Mobil 1 and it cost $30 with a Mobil 1 filter.

I just called all the dealers in my area and they would not do it without 44 dollars ! I called PepBoys and they told me to take the car to te ... dealer !!! because they do not have the filter ! What is going on ? This is my first oil change on my 2010 Vibe !

I don't see the problem here.Let's round off...$10 filter $12 cheap 5-30 oil______$22 for materials.$10 pay for kid changing oil________$12 for shop overhead. Electric lights, insurance, workman's comp, mortgage, taxes, owner's new Mercedes, service writers pay, managers commission.Actually a fair bargain if you ask me. The low oil change prices are usually a come on for getting your car in the shop and finding more profitable repairs or service to do. For a new car, there is no additional work to be found.Run synthetic oils and you'll see your supplies cost skyrocket to $35 or $40, depending upon the brand used.Or, buy the parts and supplies for $22 and do it yourself.Dave

You do not see the problem !!!? Well, I do not take to the dealer a Boeing 777, it is just a ... 2010 Vibe !

Do it yourself!!! Not too hard and get the satisfaction of not giving GM the time of day!http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=38351

That's crazy! How much do they want for that filter? You can always try getting an OEM filter from Toyota (probably cheaper there) and bring the filter to an independent shop. I do that all the time, saves the hassle of getting the work done at the dealer and you still get quality parts put on.

What would be the best oil , non sintetic one !?I am changing the oil at no more then 3,000 mile.

...if you're using synthetic oil, then 5,000 miles is probably OK, but I wouldn't go the 10,000 miles that they claim for synthetics.

Quote, originally posted by iucu »You do not see the problem !!!? Well, I do not take to the dealer a Boeing 777, it is just a ... 2010 Vibe !Sorry, color me stupid. I don't see the problem. As one who has worked in a repair shop yet has NEVER paid a repair shop for a repair, I only see someone who basically wants an oil change for the cost of parts and supplies.There is NO MONEY TO BE MADE changing your oil on the cheap. Sorry, life costs money, running a shop cost money, turning on the lights and operating the hoist cost money.In life, there are those that do, and there are those that for whatever reason pay those who do to do it for them.Learn to do, you'll save $$$'sA little research, I understand the 10 Vibe requires a synthetic oil blend? If so, that $44 just became cheap, if that's what they will put in. Was this a Noonan that you got the price?Dave

A few weeks ago, I paid $39.95 for a oil change, new oil filter and a tire rotation from my Pontiac/GMC dealer. Something does not sound right here!!Bob

Quote, originally posted by djkeev »Sorry, color me stupid. I don't see the problem. As one who has worked in a repair shop yet has NEVER paid a repair shop for a repair, I only see someone who basically wants an oil change for the cost of parts and supplies.There is NO MONEY TO BE MADE changing your oil on the cheap. Sorry, life costs money, running a shop cost money, turning on the lights and operating the hoist cost money.In life, there are those that do, and there are those that for whatever reason pay those who do to do it for them.Learn to do, you'll save $$$'sA little research, I understand the 10 Vibe requires a synthetic oil blend? If so, that $44 just became cheap, if that's what they will put in. Was this a Noonan that you got the price?DaveI don't disagree that $44 might not be excessive for an oil change and filter. However, more often than not dealers and tire stores have used promotional prices for oil changes. My old (former) Pontiac dealer had an oil change club - 10 changes for $119. I have two left on that card. That went up to $189 about a year ago. The current Pontiac dealer has an oil change deal, 6 for $99. But they said I would have to pay extra for 5w-20 oil as they do not buy that in bulk. I did get an introductory coupon from them for a $15.99 oil change. So, as with anything else, a smart shopper will seek a promotional price at a reputable establishment.One problem I see is if all the GM dealers are charging $44 that indicates a potential illegal price fixing.Have you checked what the Toyota dealer charges? They would have both the right part and the 5w-20 oil I am sure. Also, not likely that the Toyota dealers would be in cahoots with the GM dealers on prices.

I'm hungry.

Quote, originally posted by djkeev »A little research, I understand the 10 Vibe requires a synthetic oil blend? If so, that $44 just became cheap, if that's what they will put in. I thought it just required 5W20 dino, not a synthetic? My Hyundai also requires 5W20. It's around $32 at the dealer using 5W20 dino, but I take it to an independent shop and get semi-synthetic 5W20 for $30. Unless they're using a full synthetic, I see no reason why the price should be $44.

IUCU,I posted this link for you to a GMC Buick Pontiac Dealer in Washington Twp, MI who charges around $14-$15.00.I do not understand the frustration... I will provide you the link again. Take Van (removed) Expressway North, do a Michigan Left @ 30 Mile, and your there. http://driveserra.com/fast-lane.aspxhtt ... .aspxAvoid the Pep-Boys between 17 an 18 mile on Van (removed). Murray's on 18 Mile and Ryan in the VG's Complex may have the filter. Worst case, order it and will take 1-2 days to arrive if you want to go that route. Advanced Auto even has a good selection... Purchasing the filter, taking it to the dealer link I provided, and getting the oil changed. You are still falling below the $24.00 mark for an oil change - but thinking they would not stick you with that crazy price.

That's a great deal with the oil change, free vacuum and all.

I called Murray's = they have the fram filter in stock and would have to order the Ac Delco.Advanced Auto in Washington, Twp (which is on old vandyke) on the way to the dealer has the filter in stock also (Purolator brand).

I called them ! at Serra and they said 12.99 + tax !!!

Quote, originally posted by iucu »I called them ! at Serra and they said 12.99 + tax !!!I would never steer a member of GenVibe wrong! IUCU, this is the dealer I use for my oil changes on 4 GM vehicles. They were running a tire rotation special for $8.99 the other week.

12.99 for an oil change?!? That is almost worth the drive to Michigan!

Quote, originally posted by spiffy1001 »12.99 for an oil change?!? That is almost worth the drive to Michigan!Heck, with those prices, that's reason to move to Michigan

Please delete this thread, and my account.Thanks.

Looks to me like it is 30 miles North of downtown Detroit just west of Route 53.

Personally, I change my own oil on my '09 GT and on my mom's '09 GT as well. I will never take either one of them to the dealer for anything unless I absolutely have to.I get the 2.4L oil filters from the Toyota dealer. The local Pontiac dealer wanted $13.xx for a Toyota oil filter. Same exact filter costs $4.60 at the Toyota dealer. I buy four at a time from the Toyota dealer and I buy 5 quart jugs of Penzoil 5W 20 from WalMart for $11.50 each. So, I figure it costs right about $15.00 for me to do it myself, not to mention I check all other fluids, tires, cabin air filter, engine air filter, etc. All this only takes about 30 mintues tops. Also, I have been changing the oil every 2500 miles because the oil seems to get pretty dirty by 2500 and I can't even imagine leaving it until 5000 like the owner's manual says. I figure doing 2500 I will still be on schedule with the owner's manual, but will have an extra one in there. It's so cheap and easy to do that I figure what the hell. It's not like clean oil more often is going to hurt anything.

Some owners may not be able to change their own oil due to time, lack of equipment, lack of confidence, or maybe a disability that impedes one from performing such actions. Of course earlier this summer in Madison Hts, MI I seen an elderly Caucasian male with both lower extremities amputated sitting in in a wheel chair in the middle of his lawn trimming grass with a weed-whip. *shrugs*

I totally understand and agree with you.I was simply stating my personal preference. I don't want anyone else (especially a dealer) messing with my car unless it's absolutely necessary. I don't trust people these days. I have heard horror stories from my friend whose husband used to be a dealer mechanic.Just my $.02.

Changing your own oil is one of the easiest maintenance routines you can do on your own car. You will generally have more patience and let the oil drain completely, you will make sure that a new filter goes on and that the proper amount of oil goes into the crankcase. Unless you have a disability of some sort, it is easy. You only need a few tools and a suitable container for the used oil. Recycling the oil is easy as well. About 10 years ago, my wife decided to get her minivan oil changed at a shop (she thought it would give me a break in winter) and the next morning when she started the engine, I ran over to her to shut it down. It sounded like a diesel making extra clatter. I checked the oil and none showed on the dip stick. I added a quart. Checked and no oil on the stick again so I added another quart. I repeated this process until it had the 5 quarts that it needed. I had only used Mobil 1, so the engine was able to run the 12 miles home without oil. I checked to make sure that the oil filter was installed properly and that no oil had blown out anywhere. All areas around the engine were dry, so no leaks. The shop drained the oil and whomever was doing the job probably got distracted. Stuff happens. The engine started to burn oil within a couple of months. I change my own oil. If you ever decide to have someone else change your oil... at least check the oil level before you leave as a precaution.

i change my oil around close to the 5000 mile range and i just go to a local garage to do it. $60 for synthetic mobile 1 oil and toyota filter. not really sure if that's a lot or not =/ btw, the 09 2.4L uses synthetic right?

Monro did an oil change on my 1.8 2010 Vibe for the regular price with 5W20. The oil cap on the car says 5W20 or 0W20 energy conversing. The synthetic oil is like $8 a quart. The manual does say you can use either. Getting the insert filter wasn't a problem for them. My guess is that despite GM's commitment to keep Pontiac owners through "world-class customer service," they aren't going to keep too many "special" Vibe oil filters around. Toyota uses them in the Corolla, so I am sure they use plenty.Not to sound stupid, but where is the oil filter on the 2010 Vibe? I looked in the manual and under the hood, and didn't see where it is.

Quote, originally posted by lowincash »btw, the 09 2.4L uses synthetic right?No, it's just regular dino oil, but it's 5W20 and according to my dealer, it's "special" (so is the filter) so it costs more.

Hmmm, I am not gone make a case again !!! but just asking. I canged the oil today at GM Dealer ( 14 $ total price !!! ) and they put Valvoline 5W30 oil !!! In my opinion, no matter how cheap or expensive the service is, they should know the specifications or at least read the Oil Cap ! Should I dump the oil and put the right one or this grade oil is OK. The oil is very thin

My old Pontiac dealer - now a Chevy dealer - sent me their winter 10 for $10 coupon (sounds like a Supermarket ad). It includes a tire rotation so for that alone it is worth it. The other 9 are check this and inspect that - top off fluids. I will ask for future reference when I am there if they (1) use 5w20 oil, and (2) if they have the filters. Probably won't go in until nearer the 11-27-09 expiration date as I only have about 3,400 miles on the tires.

Quote, originally posted by iucu »Hmmm, I am not gone make a case again !!! but just asking. I canged the oil today at GM Dealer ( 14 $ total price !!! ) and they put Valvoline 5W30 oil !!! In my opinion, no matter how cheap or expensive the service is, they should know the specifications or at least read the Oil Cap ! Should I dump the oil and put the right one or this grade oil is OK. The oil is very thinYou are better off running 5W30 in this engine - trust me on that.

I called the Serra Manager and he said 5W30 is OK. I need the car tomorow (~40 miles) and looks like I have to change the oil again !

Just 2 quick questions : 1. Where is the bolt for oil drain ?2. What is the best 5W20 oil ?Looks like, they installed the right oil filterGM 19185485.

Quote, originally posted by iucu »I called the Serra Manager and he said 5W30 is OK. I need the car tomorow (~40 miles) and looks like I have to change the oil again ! 5W30 is fine - it will not harm your engine. Quote, originally posted by iucu »Looks like, they installed the right oil filterGM 19185485.If they installed the wrong filter there would be a lot of issues.

2010 Vibe Manual :9-11 (strange date !!!) / Vehicle Care / What kind of Engine Oil to useSAE 5W-30 is the best for the vehicle !!!!!! and on Oil Cap grade is 5W20 or 0W20 ?

A. You are better off running 5W30 in this engine - trust me on that.B. 5W30 is fine - it will not harm your engine. Which answer is good now !?

Quote, originally posted by ou.grizzly »You are better off running 5W30 in this engine - trust me on that. Better off? I'm curious, why? Is the benefit significant enough to warrant draining out the 5W20 and putting in 5W30 right now instead of at the next oil change?

Quote, originally posted by iucu »A. You are better off running 5W30 in this engine - trust me on that.B. 5W30 is fine - it will not harm your engine. Which answer is good now !?Do the engineers at Toyota know that 5w 30 is better than what they recommend?

my GM dealer wanted $48 for oil change. took it to toyota $29

Quote, originally posted by gimmegimme »Better off? I'm curious, why? Is the benefit significant enough to warrant draining out the 5W20 and putting in 5W30 right now instead of at the next oil change?Read up about oil consumption on 1.8 and 2.4L engines and 5W-20 oil... http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=38929

As long as you use a good quality oil, all these formulations will work really well. Just remember that as temperatures drop severly in Winter, the oil thickens up quite a bit. A lighter weight oil works a little more efficiently at lubricating those important metal parts in the engine as you start it up after getting cold. Also, you will find that the engine turns over a little easier in Winter with lighter weight oil in the crank case. Use a lighter weight oil in Winter and heavier weight oil in the heat of Summer.

My local dealer only charged me $35 and I got Mobile One synthetic.. My moms Cadillac gets Mobile one also, but they charge $50.. :S

Quote, originally posted by vibolista »As long as you use a good quality oil, all these formulations will work really well. Just remember that as temperatures drop severly in Winter, the oil thickens up quite a bit. A lighter weight oil works a little more efficiently at lubricating those important metal parts in the engine as you start it up after getting cold. Also, you will find that the engine turns over a little easier in Winter with lighter weight oil in the crank case. Use a lighter weight oil in Winter and heavier weight oil in the heat of Summer. I remember when 10W-30 was standard and 5W-30 was a lighter weight.

Here it is!http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=38351

I am still curious, why in 2010 Vibe Manual they recomand SAE 5W-30 Oil "SAE 5W-30 is the best for the vehicle" (see manual at 9-11) and on Engine Oil Cap, grade is 5W20 or 0W20 ? Will 5W-30 lubricate properly the engine ? Another dealer told me that 5W-20 is a MUST for this engine !!!

Interesting how this went from a rant about the price of an oil change to a viscosity discussion...Anyway though - I'm very sure my '09 manual states the 5W20 or 0W20 just like the oil filler cap. It was probably a typo in the 2010 manual that was cut-and-pasted from another GM manual.My manual also states that the car contains Dexcool coolant - and nothing else should be used. From what I can tell, the factory fill in mine is Toyota Super Long life pink - which looks nothing like Dexcool at all. I'm a bit doubtful on the compatibility of those two - but I'd need to research it more before making any claims.The 2.4 originally was designed for 5W30, but had some changes done to it in 2005 (or 2007 maybe?) when Toyota changed the spec to 5W20. The 1.8 being a new design was likely designed from the ground up for the thinner oil. If oil consumption became a real issue in high ambient temperatures, I would probably go to a 5W30 to see if it helped at all - but otherwise would stick to the 5W20 for its ability to flow faster when cold.This exact topic has been discussed several times at http://www.bobistheoilguy.com. You'll always have people on both sides of the fence. Just use whichever makes you feel better. In the long run, the oil change frequency and driving habits are going to have more of an impact than the difference between a 20 and 30 weight oil.As for the price - I don't see how a shop can afford to do it for much less than $40 these days. If they do, they're likely going to either rush it through, or look really hard for other work that's "needed right away". As long as I have the ability to do it myself, that's the way it's getting done here. I don't trust much of anyone else working on my vehicles - too many bad experiences - which was incentive enough to learn to do it myself (as well as the money savings!). If doing it yourself isn't an option, then just find someone you trust and stick with them. A few bucks a year more to get it done "right" is a good investment in my books.John

If you have a Firestone nearby, they offer a standard 5qt and filter oil change for $25. Also, they run coupons from time to time and I've seen this as low as $15. BTW: The oil they use is Kendall GT, which is a good quality Connoco-Phillips synthetic blend. I'm not sure about the filter...may want to check that at BITOG.