Did I Get Taken?

puppyduks · July 13, 2009

I went to a 76 station to get my Yukon Denali smogged. While I was there I had them change the oil. They said they used a "synthetic blend", their own brand, which was supposed to be better than just the straight motor oils like Pennzoil or Castrol. I paid roughly $5 more because of this. Should I take the truck back there next time the oil needs changing, or were they just feeding me a line? I am female with no knowledge of cars/trucks beyond starting them up and driving them, but trying to learn.

svensk · July 13, 2009

I went to a 76 station to get my Yukon Denali smogged. While I was there I had them change the oil. They said they used a "synthetic blend", their own brand, which was supposed to be better than just the straight motor oils like Pennzoil or Castrol. I paid roughly $5 more because of this. Should I take the truck back there next time the oil needs changing, or were they just feeding me a line? I am female with no knowledge of cars/trucks beyond starting them up and driving them, but trying to learn.

I'd ask to see sample containers of their oil tiers they use. But honestly, if you bring your vehicle anywhere to get it's oil changed your susceptible to someone trying screw you. If you take your truck to a valvoline instant oil change they actually take a case of oil and crack them open like you would doing it yourself. When I've taken mine in during the winter (don't feel like crawling under my truck at -30) I sit in my truck and watch them.

GPGuy · July 13, 2009

Personally I like to stay with the brand name oils. Theirs might be just fine but I'd just feel better about a name brand oil. If they are a reputable place and have been in business a long time then they might be alright. I'd talk to some others in your area and see if anyone else goes there on a regular basis.

TexasAl · July 13, 2009

A synthetic blend is better than straight dino motor oils, so paying a bit extra is fine. I don't think you got ripped off at all.

fbachman · July 13, 2009

My GMC dealer changes the Oil/Filter and rotates the tires for about $38.00.

The Jiffy/Instant/While-u-wait places probably charge on the same order as that. I, generally, take it to the dealer. They are a good dealer, times are tough for them right now, why not prop them up a little if possible?

If ya got the work done you wanted for a price you consider fair... then....

BTW, I have had some interesting experiences/near misses at the jiffy places (back in the college days when +/- $5 seemed huge to me).. I would avoid them myself (and still do).

Tsmith · July 13, 2009

I totally quit dealing with the quick lube places years ago. Most are rip offs always trying to up sale you something you don't need. Both the Chrysler and GM dealers in town will do an oil change for $10 and $12 if you provide the oil & filter.

Guymoe · July 13, 2009

I totally quit dealing with the quick lube places years ago. Most are rip offs always trying to up sale you something you don't need. Both the Chrysler and GM dealers in town will do an oil change for $10 and $12 if you provide the oil & filter.

True that. I worked for a fast lube place year's ago.The boss was always on our ass to upsell additives,top ups,filters etc.He got pissed when added sales were down.(Guess it affected his bonus)

davzog · July 13, 2009

76 Semi-synthetic is exactly the same as Conoco and Phillips 66 Trop Artic semi synthetic....it is also a very similar oil formula as offered by Ford in the Motorcraft semisynthetic oil....

These are really all great motor oils...not meeting the level of full synthetics, but a darn fine group of semi-synthetic oils. They are all made by Conoco-Phillips Oil Corporation, and exceed all the requirements of any enign manufacturer and beat out most other semisynthetics.

Go to bobistheoilguy.com and you see that thousands of oil experts will verify this information. How do I know this? My son-in-law is a project engineer for Conono Phillips and that's about all we use....no harm no foul.

Don't know if you were ovrcharged, but you did get a quality product that always costs extra at any service facility....

puppyduks · July 14, 2009

Thanks guys. I feel better knowing it's not crappy oil. I am happier paying more for quality than trying to do things on the cheap. The chevy/gmc dealership here closed down. We are a small town and the nearest one is now 45 minutes away. I will take it back to 76 when I need more oil changes.