Buying Oil at Walmart
- Thread starter buster
- Start date
- Status
Originally Posted By: Oregoonian
And BTW...to avoid the long lines at WM, park your vehicle where the tire section is... and check out your purchases there. It much faster doing it that way.
+1
And BTW...to avoid the long lines at WM, park your vehicle where the tire section is... and check out your purchases there. It much faster doing it that way.
+1
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2006
- Messages
- 29,558
Mobil 1 for example:
Walmart 5 quart jugs,$26
Autoparts chains,5 quarts,$45
The choice is clear :^) That`s nineteen extra dollars in my wallet.
Walmart 5 quart jugs,$26
Autoparts chains,5 quarts,$45
The choice is clear :^) That`s nineteen extra dollars in my wallet.
Originally Posted By: fdcg27
It makes sense to me, or I wouldn't have posted it.
That Ford Mod can go well beyond 5K on a suitable oil, and the M1 would be a good pick.
Again,you dont know all the details,but yet you know which oil would be better because of price??! First off,the car has 243,000 miles,do you honestly think it's really worth it at this point and time to invest more $$ per quart of mobil EP when a cheaper version of of Mobil 1 has got it this far with its "weaker add pack"?
It makes sense to me, or I wouldn't have posted it.
That Ford Mod can go well beyond 5K on a suitable oil, and the M1 would be a good pick.
Again,you dont know all the details,but yet you know which oil would be better because of price??! First off,the car has 243,000 miles,do you honestly think it's really worth it at this point and time to invest more $$ per quart of mobil EP when a cheaper version of of Mobil 1 has got it this far with its "weaker add pack"?
Originally Posted By: addyguy
I buy my oil at WM or at Canadian Tire. Between the two, you get pretty well the best prices in Canada.
If on special. For regular prices, RCWC and the Flying J (at least the one in Saskatoon) are hard to beat for regular prices. That being said, I tend to wait for the WM or CT sales. Partsource has some decent sales on occasion, too, as does NAPA. The nice thing about those two is that the sales are for a whole month, so not everyone's rushing there to clean the place out the first day of the sale.
I buy my oil at WM or at Canadian Tire. Between the two, you get pretty well the best prices in Canada.
If on special. For regular prices, RCWC and the Flying J (at least the one in Saskatoon) are hard to beat for regular prices. That being said, I tend to wait for the WM or CT sales. Partsource has some decent sales on occasion, too, as does NAPA. The nice thing about those two is that the sales are for a whole month, so not everyone's rushing there to clean the place out the first day of the sale.
Originally Posted By: DragRace
Originally Posted By: fdcg27
It makes sense to me, or I wouldn't have posted it.
That Ford Mod can go well beyond 5K on a suitable oil, and the M1 would be a good pick.
Again,you dont know all the details,but yet you know which oil would be better because of price??! First off,the car has 243,000 miles,do you honestly think it's really worth it at this point and time to invest more $$ per quart of mobil EP when a cheaper version of of Mobil 1 has got it this far with its "weaker add pack"?
I didn't say that the oil would be better because of price.
It is simply a better oil.
The difference in price, when spread over a typical OCI, amounts to nothing.
Also, you didn't write of any flavor of M1 in your post, but rather of Mobil Super, a completely different animal, with a much cheaper add pack.
Originally Posted By: fdcg27
It makes sense to me, or I wouldn't have posted it.
That Ford Mod can go well beyond 5K on a suitable oil, and the M1 would be a good pick.
Again,you dont know all the details,but yet you know which oil would be better because of price??! First off,the car has 243,000 miles,do you honestly think it's really worth it at this point and time to invest more $$ per quart of mobil EP when a cheaper version of of Mobil 1 has got it this far with its "weaker add pack"?
I didn't say that the oil would be better because of price.
It is simply a better oil.
The difference in price, when spread over a typical OCI, amounts to nothing.
Also, you didn't write of any flavor of M1 in your post, but rather of Mobil Super, a completely different animal, with a much cheaper add pack.
I work at a dealership. The price WM sells oil for, is what we pay for it from a distributor. Hard to compete with that. People complain and moan about paying $32 for an oil change, and expect the moon and stars in return when they do have it.
Let's look at the average oil change. We charge no labor, just markup on oil and filter. Non-bulk oil (Pennz, etc...) sells for lets say, $5 per quart. That's $25. Filter, $8. We make $1 per quart on oil, and about $3 on a filter. That's $8 "profit".
That does not cover the lube tech's wage, $10 per hour. The wash tech probably get's $10 per hour. We are already in the hole. Now, there is the expense of chemicals and waxes to wash and clean the vehicle, not to mention the water bill. Then, most customers want a loaner to go to town so they don't have to wait. At two gallons of gas burned, there is easily another $6 in gas expense. Or, you have the customer that wants you to pick their car off then drop it off after it is done. They takes tech time and money in wages.
As you can see, oil changes are not profitable for a dealership. Paricularly when they try to stay competitive with WM oil prices.
Let's look at the average oil change. We charge no labor, just markup on oil and filter. Non-bulk oil (Pennz, etc...) sells for lets say, $5 per quart. That's $25. Filter, $8. We make $1 per quart on oil, and about $3 on a filter. That's $8 "profit".
That does not cover the lube tech's wage, $10 per hour. The wash tech probably get's $10 per hour. We are already in the hole. Now, there is the expense of chemicals and waxes to wash and clean the vehicle, not to mention the water bill. Then, most customers want a loaner to go to town so they don't have to wait. At two gallons of gas burned, there is easily another $6 in gas expense. Or, you have the customer that wants you to pick their car off then drop it off after it is done. They takes tech time and money in wages.
As you can see, oil changes are not profitable for a dealership. Paricularly when they try to stay competitive with WM oil prices.
Originally Posted By: otis24
I work at a dealership. The price WM sells oil for, is what we pay for it from a distributor. Hard to compete with that.
Agreed. We've had distributors up here buy oil from Walmart on rollback to resell, since it was cheaper than getting it from up the line.
You're absolutely right. Walmart's rollbacks have skewed our way of thinking about what oil really costs. They have the resources to set prices where they want, and even use oil as a loss leader. The local shop (independent, dealer, or independent parts store) doesn't have the same freedom.
I work at a dealership. The price WM sells oil for, is what we pay for it from a distributor. Hard to compete with that.
Agreed. We've had distributors up here buy oil from Walmart on rollback to resell, since it was cheaper than getting it from up the line.
You're absolutely right. Walmart's rollbacks have skewed our way of thinking about what oil really costs. They have the resources to set prices where they want, and even use oil as a loss leader. The local shop (independent, dealer, or independent parts store) doesn't have the same freedom.
Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
Mobil 1 for example:
Walmart 5 quart jugs,$26
Autoparts chains,5 quarts,$45
The choice is clear :^) That`s nineteen extra dollars in my wallet.
M1 0W40 at 6.47/quart. Cannot find another place even online to beat WM price.
Mobil 1 for example:
Walmart 5 quart jugs,$26
Autoparts chains,5 quarts,$45
The choice is clear :^) That`s nineteen extra dollars in my wallet.
M1 0W40 at 6.47/quart. Cannot find another place even online to beat WM price.
For regular every day price nobody beats Walmart on oil, but auto parts chains have some oil (plus filter) on sale almost every month, but sometimes it is not exactly the brand(s) you like.
Whenever I'm ready to do my 6 month oil changes I go to either a local auto parts store or our local farm supply store and pick up whatever brand name is on sale. There's always a sale on either Quaker State, Pennzoil, or one of the other brand names. I pick up enough to cover the oil changes, but I never hoard oil.
Even if I do pay a dollar or two more for a 5 quart container, it's well worth it not to have to go into a Wal-Mart and deal with poor customer service, customers and employees that look as though they've just crawled out from under a rock, and aisles of imported garbage. I also don't care to support a company like Wal-Mart with their nefarious business practices. For me it's a matter of personal values and integrity, and that's why I don't shop at Wal-Mart, no matter how cheap their prices may be.
If Wal-Mart offered oil at no cost whatsoever, I'd still shop elsewhere.
Even if I do pay a dollar or two more for a 5 quart container, it's well worth it not to have to go into a Wal-Mart and deal with poor customer service, customers and employees that look as though they've just crawled out from under a rock, and aisles of imported garbage. I also don't care to support a company like Wal-Mart with their nefarious business practices. For me it's a matter of personal values and integrity, and that's why I don't shop at Wal-Mart, no matter how cheap their prices may be.
If Wal-Mart offered oil at no cost whatsoever, I'd still shop elsewhere.
Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
Whenever I'm ready to do my 6 month oil changes I go to either a local auto parts store or our local farm supply store and pick up whatever brand name is on sale. There's always a sale on either Quaker State, Pennzoil, or one of the other brand names. I pick up enough to cover the oil changes, but I never hoard oil.
Even if I do pay a dollar or two more for a 5 quart container, it's well worth it not to have to go into a Wal-Mart and deal with poor customer service, customers and employees that look as though they've just crawled out from under a rock, and aisles of imported garbage. I also don't care to support a company like Wal-Mart with their nefarious business practices. For me it's a matter of personal values and integrity, and that's why I don't shop at Wal-Mart, no matter how cheap their prices may be.
If Wal-Mart offered oil at no cost whatsoever, I'd still shop elsewhere.
Point well taken. Good post.
Whenever I'm ready to do my 6 month oil changes I go to either a local auto parts store or our local farm supply store and pick up whatever brand name is on sale. There's always a sale on either Quaker State, Pennzoil, or one of the other brand names. I pick up enough to cover the oil changes, but I never hoard oil.
Even if I do pay a dollar or two more for a 5 quart container, it's well worth it not to have to go into a Wal-Mart and deal with poor customer service, customers and employees that look as though they've just crawled out from under a rock, and aisles of imported garbage. I also don't care to support a company like Wal-Mart with their nefarious business practices. For me it's a matter of personal values and integrity, and that's why I don't shop at Wal-Mart, no matter how cheap their prices may be.
If Wal-Mart offered oil at no cost whatsoever, I'd still shop elsewhere.
Point well taken. Good post.
I'm far from Wal-Mart's biggest fan, but I do buy oil and other automotive stuff there. However, I think sales at most of the chains are equal, and sometimes better, than Wal-Mart's stock prices...
Originally Posted By: Stephen_G
Not really, imho the armpit was Ames. I always considered it to be a chain that was below wal-mart in standards, the products were even worse, for example they sold a cheap bed with two dwarers beneath the matress, problem is the bed support was made of particleboard that just slotted into a groove around the perimiter, no cross support by decent wood. So 5 months later it broke on a corner....
I actually miss Ames, but it was an armpit LOL. They did have decent deals on oil and I used to get Mobil 1 for below $4 a quart there long ago...
Incidentally, all the major chains (Pep Boys, Advance, Autozone) are offering essentially free Valvoline NextGen oil via rebate, and have big discounts for shopping online...
Not really, imho the armpit was Ames. I always considered it to be a chain that was below wal-mart in standards, the products were even worse, for example they sold a cheap bed with two dwarers beneath the matress, problem is the bed support was made of particleboard that just slotted into a groove around the perimiter, no cross support by decent wood. So 5 months later it broke on a corner....
I actually miss Ames, but it was an armpit LOL. They did have decent deals on oil and I used to get Mobil 1 for below $4 a quart there long ago...
Incidentally, all the major chains (Pep Boys, Advance, Autozone) are offering essentially free Valvoline NextGen oil via rebate, and have big discounts for shopping online...
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: otis24
As you can see, oil changes are not profitable for a dealership. Particularly when they try to stay competitive with WM oil prices.
Isn't that why dealerships charge around $100/hour labor? And usually find something else to sell while in for just oil? Ones near me charge $60-$90 for an oil change anyway. So I guess they're not doing as bad.
As you can see, oil changes are not profitable for a dealership. Particularly when they try to stay competitive with WM oil prices.
Isn't that why dealerships charge around $100/hour labor? And usually find something else to sell while in for just oil? Ones near me charge $60-$90 for an oil change anyway. So I guess they're not doing as bad.
Originally Posted By: Nickdfresh
Originally Posted By: Stephen_G
Not really, imho the armpit was Ames. I always considered it to be a chain that was below wal-mart in standards, the products were even worse, for example they sold a cheap bed with two dwarers beneath the matress, problem is the bed support was made of particleboard that just slotted into a groove around the perimiter, no cross support by decent wood. So 5 months later it broke on a corner....
I actually miss Ames, but it was an armpit LOL. They did have decent deals on oil and I used to get Mobil 1 for below $4 a quart there long ago...
Incidentally, all the major chains (Pep Boys, Advance, Autozone) are offering essentially free Valvoline NextGen oil via rebate, and have big discounts for shopping online...
I cashed in on 6 jugs of NextGen so far and will definitely apply for more rebates with the new deals that just came out this month. 5k OCIs should be perfect and it will only cost me $5-6 per OC. I love it!
Originally Posted By: Stephen_G
Not really, imho the armpit was Ames. I always considered it to be a chain that was below wal-mart in standards, the products were even worse, for example they sold a cheap bed with two dwarers beneath the matress, problem is the bed support was made of particleboard that just slotted into a groove around the perimiter, no cross support by decent wood. So 5 months later it broke on a corner....
I actually miss Ames, but it was an armpit LOL. They did have decent deals on oil and I used to get Mobil 1 for below $4 a quart there long ago...
Incidentally, all the major chains (Pep Boys, Advance, Autozone) are offering essentially free Valvoline NextGen oil via rebate, and have big discounts for shopping online...
I cashed in on 6 jugs of NextGen so far and will definitely apply for more rebates with the new deals that just came out this month. 5k OCIs should be perfect and it will only cost me $5-6 per OC. I love it!
Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
Even if I do pay a dollar or two more for a 5 quart container, it's well worth it not to have to go into a Wal-Mart and deal with poor customer service, customers and employees that look as though they've just crawled out from under a rock, and aisles of imported garbage. I also don't care to support a company like Wal-Mart with their nefarious business practices. For me it's a matter of personal values and integrity, and that's why I don't shop at Wal-Mart, no matter how cheap their prices may be.
Really? How hard is it to go straight to the oil section, pick up your preferred oil jug, bypass the "aisles of imported garbage" and do the self check-out? I can usually make it in and out with my jug in under two minutes, without saying a word to anybody. If you choose not to shop there, fine. That is totally up to you. But please don't infer that those of us that do shop there do not have any personal values or integrity. Gas here is $4.35 a gallon. Gotta save some coin somewhere.
Even if I do pay a dollar or two more for a 5 quart container, it's well worth it not to have to go into a Wal-Mart and deal with poor customer service, customers and employees that look as though they've just crawled out from under a rock, and aisles of imported garbage. I also don't care to support a company like Wal-Mart with their nefarious business practices. For me it's a matter of personal values and integrity, and that's why I don't shop at Wal-Mart, no matter how cheap their prices may be.
Really? How hard is it to go straight to the oil section, pick up your preferred oil jug, bypass the "aisles of imported garbage" and do the self check-out? I can usually make it in and out with my jug in under two minutes, without saying a word to anybody. If you choose not to shop there, fine. That is totally up to you. But please don't infer that those of us that do shop there do not have any personal values or integrity. Gas here is $4.35 a gallon. Gotta save some coin somewhere.
Originally Posted By: bigdawg74
Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
Even if I do pay a dollar or two more for a 5 quart container, it's well worth it not to have to go into a Wal-Mart and deal with poor customer service, customers and employees that look as though they've just crawled out from under a rock, and aisles of imported garbage. I also don't care to support a company like Wal-Mart with their nefarious business practices. For me it's a matter of personal values and integrity, and that's why I don't shop at Wal-Mart, no matter how cheap their prices may be.
Really? How hard is it to go straight to the oil section, pick up your preferred oil jug, bypass the "aisles of imported garbage" and do the self check-out? I can usually make it in and out with my jug in under two minutes, without saying a word to anybody. If you choose not to shop there, fine. That is totally up to you. But please don't infer that those of us that do shop there do not have any personal values or integrity. Gas here is $4.35 a gallon. Gotta save some coin somewhere.
I'm not sure that Pop_Rivit meant that if somebody shops at Walmart they do not have personal values or integrity. He was referring to his own set of values and opinions. It's his personal choice and in fairness I don't think he was trying to put-down anyone.
As for your comment about "How hard is it...."? Well, it's not about being hard. One thing some folks consider of value when shopping is the total experience...not just saving a few dollars (although to most of us THAT IS the most important thing). I just don't LIKE going there. I do it to save money....but I don't like it. For me it's getting old to buy my oil there because at my stage in life (over 45) I feel that I have a certain level of expectation from my fellow man.....and the Walmart crowd often falls far short of that. I'm no snob, and I've been shopping at bargain places my entire life. But I completely understand from ethical viewpoints as well as being around folks of a certain class that Walmart is not a very comfortable place to spend ones hard earned cash. I don't like being around sloppy people of questionable manners with soiled, screaming children in tow. Not my 'thing' anymore. I'm also very tired of the Chinese imported garbage that you often find there too. But.....I have nothing against anyone that chooses to shop there any more than I do somebody that decides not to.
Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
Even if I do pay a dollar or two more for a 5 quart container, it's well worth it not to have to go into a Wal-Mart and deal with poor customer service, customers and employees that look as though they've just crawled out from under a rock, and aisles of imported garbage. I also don't care to support a company like Wal-Mart with their nefarious business practices. For me it's a matter of personal values and integrity, and that's why I don't shop at Wal-Mart, no matter how cheap their prices may be.
Really? How hard is it to go straight to the oil section, pick up your preferred oil jug, bypass the "aisles of imported garbage" and do the self check-out? I can usually make it in and out with my jug in under two minutes, without saying a word to anybody. If you choose not to shop there, fine. That is totally up to you. But please don't infer that those of us that do shop there do not have any personal values or integrity. Gas here is $4.35 a gallon. Gotta save some coin somewhere.
I'm not sure that Pop_Rivit meant that if somebody shops at Walmart they do not have personal values or integrity. He was referring to his own set of values and opinions. It's his personal choice and in fairness I don't think he was trying to put-down anyone.
As for your comment about "How hard is it...."? Well, it's not about being hard. One thing some folks consider of value when shopping is the total experience...not just saving a few dollars (although to most of us THAT IS the most important thing). I just don't LIKE going there. I do it to save money....but I don't like it. For me it's getting old to buy my oil there because at my stage in life (over 45) I feel that I have a certain level of expectation from my fellow man.....and the Walmart crowd often falls far short of that. I'm no snob, and I've been shopping at bargain places my entire life. But I completely understand from ethical viewpoints as well as being around folks of a certain class that Walmart is not a very comfortable place to spend ones hard earned cash. I don't like being around sloppy people of questionable manners with soiled, screaming children in tow. Not my 'thing' anymore. I'm also very tired of the Chinese imported garbage that you often find there too. But.....I have nothing against anyone that chooses to shop there any more than I do somebody that decides not to.
Probably 80% of my oil change and air filter purchases have been at WM. Between my current cars and the late TDI, I have bought Delvac1, M1 0w-40, Rotella T 5w-40, G-Oil, Nextgen Mxlife and M1 0w-30 at WM. I've never had a problem and while I'm there I can stock up on BBQ chiccarones and Wrangler jeans.
- Status
