Finding an Honest Shop for Oil Change...

Pennzoil motor oil
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GROGAN

Joined
Oct 10, 2013
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35
Location
Indiana
Due to many reasons I am unable to change the oil in my F-150 myself any longer.

Last week I checked with a few shops in my area and they all said they would change my oil (((((with my oil and my oil filter)))) as I am requesting and also rotate the tires...

Today I did searches on the businesses and found many complaints on all of them. I realize getingg $20 to $35 for an oil change (( even with my oil and filter))) is not a lot of money to a shop, But if that is all I NEED then that is all I want...

The bad reviews state how shops state how things need repair and parts replaced even when they don't and sometimes they break things that had been working fine...


I just want to honestly pay to have my oil and filter changed with my own oil and filter and that's it..I don't want a horror story and to be told I need things that I don't need..

How can I insure a shop will not rip me off either intentionally or by incompetence..

This sucks, I wish I could change my own oil. I'm using a blend containing Redline oil so Quick -Lube places don't serve Redline so I bought it myself and a Mobil 1 Extended Performance oil filter to be installed..
Thanks..
 
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The setup at most Jiffy Lube locations generally allows the customer to see everything that's going on. I brought a car in when I wasn't in the mood to change the oil myself, and I could see everything that was going on and would have loudly complained had they done something that I didn't want done.
 
If you can stomach walmart they don't do heavy repairs and the employees aren't paid in a manner that would lead them to want more work.

Also most let you pick bottled oil and filter off the shelf for them to use.
 
The only place for me that is honest, does the job right and with the best price is.......MYSELF.
 
Originally Posted By: ThirdeYe
Maybe a fellow BITOG'er in Indiana would be willing to help you out?


That's a great idea.


Failing that, may I suggest going to one of the shops, tell them all you want is the oil change and nothing else, no xx point check or other maintenance, and that you'd like to watch them do the work.

You'll find one soon enough that will do the work under those conditions.
 
I would go to AZ or ORlys and ask them who they would use in your town,,,they usually will give you the good ones...When I traveled over the road for a living, I would inquire at auto parts stores and it always worked out......
 
The next best thing after changing the oil yourself is finding an indy shop. Perhaps some buddies or family can recommend one to you. After finding such a shop, try working out a deal where you provide your special Redline blend and oil filter and the shop only charges you for the labor. Hopefully you can establish a rapport and relationship with the shop so unnecessary repairs aren't pushed on you. In the end, it is your car and you can decline their "recommendations." In the winter months, I do the aforementioned set up with my indy and he only charges $10 for the labor. Even if you're charged up to $20, I say the cost is worth it because you can directly see your parts going on the car. With chain shops, you just never know.
 
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Originally Posted By: solorexpy
Check yelp for reviews


I strongly recommend against Yelp.

I was a regular participator, fully filled out profile, participated in discussions, etc., etc., had a good number of well-received reviews. I posted a one-star review of a truly revolting experience at a local chain tire shop- extreme upsell, unnecessary recommendations, botched work, had to get another mechanic to fix it, eventually got my money back. I have receipts and photos of the botched work to prove it. Within a week my review was "filtered" (hidden from view) and an obviously bogus review had suddenly appeared in its place, glowing about all the kinds of things I complained about- obviously written as a point-for-point refutation of my review.

I deleted my review, all my other reviews, my profile, and deleted my account, and haven't been back since.

Originally Posted By: strat81
Ask friends, co-workers, and neighbors for a recommendation.


Bingo. I found a trusted mechanic that way.

I'm not saying the chain shop can't be trustworthy, some are owned locally and have a lot invested in the community and our just paying for the chain name but running a local shop. But please don't overlook the local mechanic working out of the back of the business park. He relies almost 100% on referrals and is not going to benefit from drive-by business or multi-million dollar advertising campaigns. And his kid goes to the same high school as yours.
 
I live in an apartment and just started doing my own..cheap...use PU..and worth it..

Since u cant..

Go by price..oil change is basic..or find a good indy guy.
 
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Originally Posted By: GMBoy
The only place for me that is honest, does the job right and with the best price is.......MYSELF.



And when, like the OP, you can't do it any more
wink.gif
?
 
If you live in or near a small town, find a good gas station/repair shop that you get good vibes from. Make small talk and get a good idea of how they do business and the type of people they are.

Do your business there. Or find a neighbor who can do it for you.
 
Yelp looks like a very bad idea.

http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2010/02/yelp-sued-for-alleged-extortion/

"But according to the complaint filed in U.S. District Court (.pdf) for the Central District of California, the site manipulates the reviews, and therefore a business’ ratings, through an extortion scheme that offers to remove a business’ negative reviews or relocate them to the bottom of a listing page where fewer visitors will see them, if the business purchases a monthly advertising subscription."
 
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