Would YOU take the free oil changes?

[buickman50401]

Originally Posted By: ctrcbob

Friend of mine had this offer. He then found out that he had to get an alignment EVERY 5000 MILES. Man, thats a lot of expensive alignments in order to get "free tires".

Wow.

Hmm. Let's see. An alignment around here goes for about $75 including tax.

Normally I have an alignment done before getting a new set put on and once halfway through the tires' treadlife unless the tire place (Fleet Farm in my case) notes cupping, feathering, or other odd wear patterns.

So a decent set of tires for $375 (I only buy on the buy 3 +1 free specials, usually Coopers sometimes Dean and never the bottom of the barrel).

On a 50k treadlife tire I'd spend:
$375 + 150 = $525

So assuming I'd put 100k on the car before getting rid of it, I'd spend about $1025 in tires (since I've yet to seen an OEM tire that didn't disappoint beyond 30k mi).

On the stealerships deal I'd spend:
100k mi/5k = 20, 20x$75 = $1500 and have the privilege of having whatever bottom rung tire they forced on me and driving the tires out the the very end of their treadlife along with all the "benefits" that come with it (poor wet & snow traction, bad handling).

 

[RW1]

I think it really depends on the dealership. On my current Toyota truck, I got 2 yrs/25K free maintenance and oil changes. I've had one oil change, tire rotation, and system check. Over the course of a few months, I asked the salesman I bought the truck from, the service rep, and a worker just walking by what kind of oil they use. All three replied "Castrol 5-20". I do double check fluid levels and lug nuts before taking off; I'm very satisfied so far.

I think I trust this dealership more than I do any other vehicle repair/oil change place in the Tacoma area.

I certainly don't trust the local Dodge dealership one bit. You know something is going on when the service manager comes over to you and starts telling you a whole laundry list of stuff that needs to be done. Meanwhile, all of the workers are looking away, looking down, keeping their mouths shut, hands in their pockets, and generally looking embarrassed. The local Jiffy Lube is even worse.

So it depends on your comfort level. "doveryai, no proveryai"

 

[chet2]

i think many stealerships just use cheapest bulk oil they can find

 

[kemo]

Originally Posted By: daman
I wouldn't let a stealership within 50' of my stuff!


Then you are better off walking.

Originally Posted By: chet2
i think many stealerships just use cheapest bulk oil they can find


Way to start more controversy! If the dealership had a reputation of poor work quality and products, the manufacturer would pull the plug on them.

 

[daman]

Originally Posted By: kemo
Originally Posted By: daman
I wouldn't let a stealership within 50' of my stuff!


Then you are better off walking.

Anyday!!

 

[Knox]

Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
Instead of the free oil changes for a new vehicle I ask for more oil filters. Every dealer I've asked has provided quite a few.

I don't go to the dealership for ANYTHING other than warranty work (if needed).

Bill


+1

 

[R2d2]

If you can watch through the window as there changing the oil, absolutely. Since you bought the car the price of the "free" oil changes was written into your car price. To those of you who are worried about what kind of oil they use, your paranoid, they use whatever is cheapest that MEETS specs.

 

[steveh]

Just a way to get you to come back to the dealer and make some real money off you!! Another dealer in our town has the my warranty forever scam. You get a lifetime powertrain warranty with every new or used car. But all the routine maintenance must be done at that dealer.

 

[subiedriver]

I'd say no, because most dealers use the cheapest oil they can get that meets the minimum spec. I care about my motor, I know some oils are much better than others, so I usually do it myself, or I supply the oil/filter and let the dealer do it.

 

[FZ1]

Don't let the oil changes distract you from getting the best price on the car. After you get the best price,then tell the salesman you will buy,if,they throw in the oil changes.