Hi,
new here, im after a bit of advice.
Im thinking of taking my car to a fastfit place locally thats doing cheap oil changes.
I have in the past im sorry to say been ripped off by fast fit chains claiming this and that needs doing as i am not paticulaly automotive mechanicaly minded which leaves me on a back foot. :(
The oil change at 14.95 is obviously a loss leader so im wondering if anyone has used this service and most importantly what they say then the hard sell comes in.
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Ok,
I would fist ask yourself "Is £14.95 cheap to change the oil and filter", answer - it's not. My local garage does it for less and still makes money. They also do full services (excluding extra parts and timing belt) for £80.
So IMO that is not a loss leader, just a fairly keen price. However doing it youself could still cost you only £10, but you are not buying a small country's oil production and the quantity of filters to keep a small factory on 24 hour shifts.
To answer your main question. seek recommendations as to where to go. If your local fast fit place is one of the better more honst ones, then fine. But otherwise and independent garage may be your best bet. See what they charge for oil and filter changes.
The good ones are so busy they don't need to look for extra work. In fact, to find a vehicle needs extra is a right headache for them as it knocks their plans out.
Hugo
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After doing some digging around on these Forums, I approached some local places and asked them what sort of oil and filter they use. The oil turned out to eb good stuff (semi-synth Mobil 1 or Duckhams QXR) but the quality of the oil filter varied. National use 'Wix' filters while Kwik Fit use Coopers. I toyed with the idea of buying a genuine PUG filter and asking them to fit it in lieu of their own filter just wasn't economical.
I went with K/F and the Coopers filter for peace of mind. With prices around £20 I wont be getting my own hands (and clothes and drive way!) dirty :)
Have a bit of faith man - if in doubt get them to 'show you' what they mean and if you're not happy with their diagnosis, then you're under no obligation to have the work done if you don't want to.
Just my two pence worth man - good luck! :)
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I have used the oil change deal you refer to on my previous car, although now I've got a very friendly Peugeot Express Fit that does everything (6,000 mile service intervals!) I would recommend the branches I have experience of without hesitation (in both London and Wales) as being honest, reliable and friendly as well as keenly priced.
And if you're talking about the people I think you are, you get Tesco Clubcard points too.
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I use National for oil and filter changes (Duckhams semi-synthetic) and half price MOTs - work and attention to detail is first class and my VW has always passed its test without difficulty.
I get a reminder by post shortly before the next MOT is due, along with the half-price offer and Tesco ClubCard points....:-)
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
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I use Kwik-Fit for Mobil 1 changes four times a year.
They don't carry the filters for my cars in stock, so I supply them. They are now accustomed to this and mark the invoice "customer's own filter"; new staff are often resistant until I show them an old invoice (corporate legal liability and all that). Even with the filter taken into account, I get a bargain with Mobil 1, because their price is fixed regardless of quantity, and the cars take 12 litres between them, which would be at least 30% more as retail packs.
They never try it on for other work. They do need watching: one of them once drained an autobox, thinking it was the sump (I got that job done for half price, so don't discourage them from going wrong, but do keep an eye on them).
I've posted on this topic many times; search for "Kwik-Fit" under my name if you want more.
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I prefer to change my own oil because (a) I can allow plenty of time for complete draining (b) I know what is being fitted (c) I make sure the engine is not overfilled, and (d) I get a Pug filter and a gallon of Total semi-syn from a nearby Pug dealer for £15. So you pays your money ...
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Just back from Florida where a friend took his car in for a while-you-wait lube. Turned out there was a problem with the drain plug, requiring a lot of waiting for two parts shipments and some extra effort. While we were hanging around the garage also supplied and changed the fuel filter.
Total bill? $40 - a little over £20.
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I change semi synthetic Comma oil and Fram filter from locla stockist - myself. change from £15. And drained properly:-)
madf
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its not national, its a place called f1 autocentres
i think they are nationwide, has anyone any experience of them at all?
aparently they use castrol 15w40, my car uses 15we0 but i cant buy the castrol one for under £12 anywhere so if anyone can instal a bit of confidence in me, it may not be cost effective to do it myself
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sorry meant confidencve in using f1 autocentres as i dont know anybody who has
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