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Pep Boys Complaint - When Is A $19.99 Oil Change $27.87
Complaint
BROADVIEW, ILLINOIS -- When you are the victim of deception and misinformation. I have a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. I needed a simple oil change. Upon getting to the service desk at Pep Boys, I was asked what service I needed and the make, model, and year of my vehicle. I was offered two types of oil changes and I chose the least costly, the price of which, was quoted as $19.99. I ended up being charged $27.87. Here is the cost breakdown: parts were $21.13, labor was $2.55, "other" (shop fees) was $1.89, and tax was $2.30.
At no time before the car went into the bay was I informed that the price of the oil change would be greater than $19.99. When the car was ready, I inquired why the price had escalated to $27.87. I was told that the car needed "a little more than five quarts" and the $19.99 oil change was based on up to five quarts. I was also told that the oil filter was a more expensive type necessitating an extra charge. Of course, the charge for the shop fees were not included in the $19.99 quote. Wouldn't you think that, with all their self-espoused knowledge and expertise, Pep Boys and their employees should have known the actual cost of the oil change and quoted me an accurate price before the car went into the bay?
It was a rip-off as far as I'm concerned. Never again will I go to Pep Boys and the word from my mouth to others will be to avoid them like the plague.
At no time before the car went into the bay was I informed that the price of the oil change would be greater than $19.99. When the car was ready, I inquired why the price had escalated to $27.87. I was told that the car needed "a little more than five quarts" and the $19.99 oil change was based on up to five quarts. I was also told that the oil filter was a more expensive type necessitating an extra charge. Of course, the charge for the shop fees were not included in the $19.99 quote. Wouldn't you think that, with all their self-espoused knowledge and expertise, Pep Boys and their employees should have known the actual cost of the oil change and quoted me an accurate price before the car went into the bay?
It was a rip-off as far as I'm concerned. Never again will I go to Pep Boys and the word from my mouth to others will be to avoid them like the plague.
Comments:
Posted by justcuz3993 on 2008-11-29:
I bet there is a disclosure on the service contract that outlines everything you were told. $27.87 seems pretty reasonable to me, mine cost almost $80 at the VW dealership.
Posted by JohnInSoCal on 2008-11-29:
JC is right. $19.99 sounds like the basic oil, oil filter and labor. In California there are added charges (not included in the price) for oil recycling/enviornment charges. I think that is what bumped up your price. Check the service order. I am pretty sure you will see these items disclosed there as well as your final receipt.
Posted by GenuineNerd on 2008-11-29:
It would be easier for the oil changer/garage to charge a "flat out-the-door fee" for the oil change. Wal-Mart does this, as well as many quick-lube places. One chain, NTB, proudly advertises "$16.99 Oil Changes", but then disclaims the "plus shop and disposal fee". They should just charge a flat out-the-door fee for any vehicle up to five quarts, and include the disposal and shop fees in the final price. I know that some trucks, vans, and SUV's take 6 or more quarts, and that Cadillacs with Northstar V-8's take 8 quarts. However, some auto service/oil change places could not do flat fees, since shop and disposal fees could vary with the vehicle.
Posted by GenuineNerd on 2008-11-29:
And does the Cobalt use a cartridge-type filter instead of a spin-on? My 2004 Cavalier, which probably has the same engine as the Cobalt, uses a cartridge-type oil filter. However, I always patronize Lube Stop, and I'm charged a $32.99 flat fee, less if I have a coupon.
Posted by Contrary 2 Ordinary on 2008-11-29:
JC, I hope you're using synthetic at that price!
Did you get a lube job too?
Pep Boys is the master at all those little fees. If you buy tires there you will really get a laugh. I went for the buy 3 tires and get the 4th free one time. Tires were $59 each and the total was $379. I had to go out to look, and make sure I wasn't mistaken on how many tires are on a car. lol.
Pep Boys sucks! Don't go back.
Did you get a lube job too?
Pep Boys is the master at all those little fees. If you buy tires there you will really get a laugh. I went for the buy 3 tires and get the 4th free one time. Tires were $59 each and the total was $379. I had to go out to look, and make sure I wasn't mistaken on how many tires are on a car. lol.
Pep Boys sucks! Don't go back.
Posted by justcuz3993 on 2008-11-29:
It is synthetic C2O..so my car can go 5k miles between oil changes instead of 3k..my service also includes checking of all the other liquids, tire balancing, etc...it's a little steep I know, but I'd rather pay more then trust my car with a chain.
Posted by Contrary 2 Ordinary on 2008-11-29:
I'm sure a fit, smart, and energetic gal, like yourself, could change your own oil, JC.
I can swing by and show you how to lube it. :)
I can swing by and show you how to lube it. :)
Posted by JohnInSoCal on 2008-11-29:
C20? JC? I feel so dirty now. LOL
Posted by justcuz3993 on 2008-11-29:
John, C2O has a true knack..he can turn ANY comment into a dirty comment..LOL
Posted by JohnInSoCal on 2008-11-29:
LOL I've noticed that. :)
Posted by justcuz3993 on 2008-11-29:
Yes, and politely ignoring them doesn't stop them either! LOL
Posted by Contrary 2 Ordinary on 2008-11-29:
Get The Knack!..... THAT was a great 8 track tape! lol!
I'm sorry for the way you feel there, John. JC is a dirty girl, despite what she'll lead folks to believe.
I offered some cost saving measures, and once again, it blew up right in my face!
Yep, it's high time I learned that JC is gonna blow it for me every time I pop up. Geeeezzzz....
I'm sorry for the way you feel there, John. JC is a dirty girl, despite what she'll lead folks to believe.
I offered some cost saving measures, and once again, it blew up right in my face!
Yep, it's high time I learned that JC is gonna blow it for me every time I pop up. Geeeezzzz....
Posted by beauford on 2009-02-19:
Most of these places state right on the ad up to five quarts.
Sounds like a good price to me. Go to jiffy lube where they charge almost 40 dollars for basic oil change
Sounds like a good price to me. Go to jiffy lube where they charge almost 40 dollars for basic oil change
Posted by Rick on 2012-04-01:
Yes the oil change is 19.99 uo to five quarts and like you said there are shop fees for storing the used oil out of your car, labor for the guy changing your oil and yes your car does take a cartridge filter which is more expensive. I work for pepboys and at our store, we use castrol oil. I don't know where you would find a cheaper oil change using castrol or any other name brand oil. Hope this solves your problem
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