how much should oil change cost?
#32
08-23-2011 | 12:24 PM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 43
From: Los Angeles
Rep Power: 17
In Los Angeles, I have gotten quotes for about $225-$350 from the dealerships. Indies are about $160 - $200.
I like Jeremy's philosophy that these should be good will to allow the mechanics to look at the car but also keep the maintenance schedule and build a relationship with your mechanic.
After purchasing mine used via private party, I had it changed at an indie twice, but decided to do it myself the last time and will continue to do that going forward - it is much easier than i thought and i also enjoy working on the car. The DIY section spells it out well. If you have a wrench and socket set, you can do it. You spend more time waiting for the oil to drain.
I like Jeremy's philosophy that these should be good will to allow the mechanics to look at the car but also keep the maintenance schedule and build a relationship with your mechanic.
After purchasing mine used via private party, I had it changed at an indie twice, but decided to do it myself the last time and will continue to do that going forward - it is much easier than i thought and i also enjoy working on the car. The DIY section spells it out well. If you have a wrench and socket set, you can do it. You spend more time waiting for the oil to drain.
#36
08-24-2011 | 01:17 AM
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 343
From: Chicago
Rep Power: 30
$225 for an oil change certainly sounds like a lot, but I think it might actually be worth it. Indie shops can be great, even better than dealerships - but from a buyer's perspective, a dealership-maintained vehicle with full service history will certainly be perceived as more valuable than a car with no history, even if it was maintained by the greatest mechanic in the world.
Assuming oil is changed yearly/10k, a 5 year old car would have had 5 oil changes. Paying a dealer premium of $125 per oil change (versus $100 for parts and doing it yourself) means $600 total premium over those years.
Now, as a buyer, would you purchase the $48k Porsche partially maintained by owner, or the $49k Porsche fully maintained by dealer? I think the answer is quite easy.
Assuming oil is changed yearly/10k, a 5 year old car would have had 5 oil changes. Paying a dealer premium of $125 per oil change (versus $100 for parts and doing it yourself) means $600 total premium over those years.
Now, as a buyer, would you purchase the $48k Porsche partially maintained by owner, or the $49k Porsche fully maintained by dealer? I think the answer is quite easy.
#37
08-24-2011 | 03:14 PM
Registered User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 203
From: Minneapolis, MN
Rep Power: 31
I do my own oil/filter changes. Usually you can get Mobil1 on sale at most chain stores; Walmart, Pep Boys, Auto zone etc.. Filters and washers bought through Suncoast are $12.00. Porsche recommends a 20-30 minute drain time and I don't trust Porsche dealers to wait that long.
Once the oil is drained and cools, I transfer it to used gallon milk containers/with screw tops and take to Walmart or Auto zone and they recycle for free.
I also like working on the car and when under it, clean the inside of the wheels and look it over.
To me, the suspensions on our cars are a work of art and I think of all the racing history and technology that goes into the building of the car.
I find it relaxing to work on the car.
Once the oil is drained and cools, I transfer it to used gallon milk containers/with screw tops and take to Walmart or Auto zone and they recycle for free.
I also like working on the car and when under it, clean the inside of the wheels and look it over.
To me, the suspensions on our cars are a work of art and I think of all the racing history and technology that goes into the building of the car.
I find it relaxing to work on the car.
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