Oil/Filter Change Cost - Too Much?

[ScottSV6]

Hey all,

Im sure these threads have been done over and over about oil/filter change cost but i couldnt really find any relevent to my query.

I took my SV6 in for the 3000KM service and asked them to do an Oil / Filter change, they slugged me for $180.00. When i asked why so much he said because it takes around 7Litres of oil. So i said fair enough and paid it and was on my way after waiting 5.5hrs for a 3000km inspection and oil change!

However they used Magnatec, and when i think about it isnt this stuff worth about $25.00 / 5 Litres? The invoice says $90 worth of oil, $45 labour, $19 filter, $19 sump plug/seal, i could have bought 2 x 5 Litres myself for $50 and had half a bottle left over! Considering they buy in bulk and probably pay bugger all it seems way over inflated.

So i rang another Holden dealership and they told me they dont use Magnatec and use Mobil1, and the Oil / Filter change is about $140.00. I checked the price of Mobil1 and its about $60-80 / 5 Litres.

Should i shaft the dealership i bought the car from that is ripping me with Magnatec and go with the one thats cheaper with Mobil1 as i will be getting it done every 7500km, im guessing Mobil1 is better? There is a few warranty issues with the car so im hoping the other dealership will repair them without any questions as to why im not taking it down the road to the place i bought it from.

[Darren]

It would be fair to say we've all been caught up in this.

I paid ~$190 for a filter change / oil for the Clubby, no labour cost my bum.

Just had the first major service done yesterday which came to $450 which included a wheel alignment. Then to find I've only got 2mm of tread left on the rear tyres, keeping in mind I've only done 9000km's lol

In all honesty your better off doing what I do and I'm sure plenty of others, I change the oil and filter every 6 months, grab it when a parts supplier has oil out cheap ie 20% off, grab a filter from Holden and they are none the wiser, cheaper that's for sure

In terms of the warranty aspect I purchased my car from Toowoomba Holden in QLD and have it serviced in Adelaide, not a single problem at all on any issues I've raised other than price it's been good.

[TinSnips]

Shop around - I used to change my own oil, but since switching mechanics (and the fact the V8 takes over 8L) it actually works out cheaper for me to get it done with this mechanic. It's all done (including genuine filter and labour) for less than what a 10L drum of the oil I use would cost me.

[bluessv]

That's clearly a rip...hard! The Magnatec they use would no doubt be the Professional blend...most probably the same semi synthetic blend 10w30 you can see on the Castrol website. A normal bottle of Magnatec 10w40 at Supercheap is about $40...not $25. And you can bet the Dealership is getting their bulk order of the Professional blend cheaper than we can get the off the shelf product at Supercheap. So with this in mind the oil at best costs $70 at rrp prices, plus genuine filter ayt approx $15-$20. You're still only at $90 for parts which leaves approx $100 in labour. And as an oil/filter change should be about 30min....they are charging somewhere in the vicinity of $200 an hour!!! And don't tell me a sump plug washer is a) $20 and b) needed after 3000km's.

It all equals a complete rip off!!! I remember a deal my local Holden dealership had a couple of years ago where they'd do an oil/filter change for $70 on a Commo Ute V8. That was less than 2 yrs ago actully. And I came across that as I was asking several dealers prices for this. The prices ranged from $220 to $70....so the key is shop around and ask before they touch your car. Remember, anything over $90 on the bill is labour cause $90 is what is the rough rrp price for the parts if you were to do the job yourself.

[SSV Redline]

We were quoted $200 by our local holden dealer to do the oil/filter change at 3000kms. Afterwards I told them $200 was too much and we would be servicing our vehicle elsewhere. The girls shrugged her shoulders and that was that.

[Xonar]

I was quoted $420 and McGrath Holden Liverpool for oil and filter change

They lost my business right there

[ScottSV6]

I was quoted $420 and McGrath Holden Liverpool for oil and filter change

They lost my business right there

Please tell me your kidding, Surely they thought you meant a log book service or something?

I've rang around and most dealers wont give me a firm price of the phone, they beat around the bush then say yeah probably around $160.

I know $180 probably isnt a huge rip, however for a $10 filter, and some magnatec and 30minutes labour it does seem a bit over the top.

A normal bottle of Magnatec 10w40 at Supercheap is about $40

The magnatec 10w40 is going for $25 / 5L at Supercheap, i just checked - however thanks for the info on their one as they did use 10w30 Pro, even though they would get it cheaper then the 10w40 from Supercheap.

I guess ill either go to the one that "roughly" quoted me $140.00 with Mobil1 or ill just get my reputable local mechanic that does my other cars to do it and ill buy the Oil, so he should only be charging me a few bucks for the filter and a small amount of labour.

[Bravotwozero]

$19 for a washer!

[Xonar]

Please tell me your kidding, Surely they thought you meant a log book service or something?

I've rang around and most dealers wont give me a firm price of the phone, they beat around the bush then say yeah probably around $160.

I know $180 probably isnt a huge rip, however for a $10 filter, and some magnatec and 30minutes labour it does seem a bit over the top.


The magnatec 10w40 is going for $25 / 5L at Supercheap, i just checked - however thanks for the info on their one as they did use 10w30 Pro, even though they would get it cheaper then the 10w40 from Supercheap.

I guess ill either go to the one that "roughly" quoted me $140.00 with Mobil1 or ill just get my reputable local mechanic that does my other cars to do it and ill buy the Oil, so he should only be charging me a few bucks for the filter and a small amount of labour.

Nope .. just 7500 k's interim service oil and filter change
I now go to my mechanic and he does it for $150 using Shell Helix Ultra 5w-30 and Genuine filter

[Xonar]

$19 for a washer!

Must be a big washer ! And why the #### would you need to change that after 3000 k's..

I'd get a sump plug and show it up their ass !

[greenacc]

Must be a big washer ! And why the #### would you need to change that after 3000 k's..

I'd get a sump plug and show it up their ass !

That $19 is actually for a new sump plug and washer !! They don't bother to just change the washer any more because they are too Fkn lazy, saves a bit of time, and becasue it is a rubber washer also helps gaurantee theres no sand, metal particles or anything else that could damge the washer.
It's still a RIP though, but its the dum ass angineer who's to blame, not the mechanic who has to follow procedure ....

[Calaber]

That $19 is actually for a new sump plug and washer !! They don't bother to just change the washer any more because they are too Fkn lazy, saves a bit of time, and becasue it is a rubber washer also helps gaurantee theres no sand, metal particles or anything else that could damge the washer.
It's still a RIP though, but its the dum ass angineer who's to blame, not the mechanic who has to follow procedure ....

Replacing the sump plug washer every service is bullshit, too. I service my daughter's VE as it's out of warranty. The sump plug washer doesn't get replaced and it doesn't leak one bit.

Thieving shits.

[Thumpin]

I was at MCgrath spares today and a oil filter is $17. They did ask me if I wanted a sump plug but I asked why? They said that the plug has the 'o'ring in the sealing face which flattens down and can loose its sealing tension. The plug was $14.60. I didn't get the plug and I had a good look at mine when it was out and it looked fine.

Magnatec at Repco was $36. I got Valvolene Duratech 5w -40w semi syn x 2 which was on special for $29 reduced from $54.

$90 for Magnatec is a bit steep but they are going to charge you the max they can. Their is business for the money. Dealers normally change for oil disposal too. Its called an enviromental tax.
Them's the cost of modern motoring

[ScottSV6]

$19 for a washer!

Well it says Pan Seal & Plug.

[ScottSV6]

That $19 is actually for a new sump plug and washer !! They don't bother to just change the washer any more because they are too Fkn lazy, saves a bit of time, and becasue it is a rubber washer also helps gaurantee theres no sand, metal particles or anything else that could damge the washer.
It's still a RIP though, but its the dum ass angineer who's to blame, not the mechanic who has to follow procedure ....

That makes sense then, still a rort. But expected from a dealership.

Makes you wonder if the mechanic does actually change the plug or they just always wack it on the invoice as standard.

[HEXEM]

All the parts listed in this thread for the oil change will vary in price from dealership to dealership. In the ACT one dealer sells the VE V8 oil filter for $25. The other dealer is about $19, ($13 trade). The little black silicon pan seal costs around $8 but the spares shop will tell you it is easier and more cost effective to buy the sump plug (which comes with a washer).

The V8 ranges from 7.6ltrs (L76, L77, LS3) to 8.3lts (L98, LS2) (including filter). If they used a Castrol Magnatec oil, as mentioned it will be Magnatec Professional 10w30 semi synth - You can buy a 20ltr drum (as a minmum) for $138 from a Castrol distribution outlet. As its a series 2 SV6 SIDI your oil fill is 6.7ltrs with a filter.

From my understanding of the new 2011 models they should all be starting to use a DEXOS formulated oil (like the ACDelco DEXOS1 and 2). There has been some communications on this going out to dealership service departments. The DEXOS oil is now a factory fill and service fill oil in all GM cars from 2011. The oil spec is a a 5w30 full synthetic GF-4, GF-5 (DEXOS 1) oil for petrol engine vehicles and the same for the Deisels (DEXOS 2). The oil is also suitable for pre 2011.

This oil retails at $51 per 5ltrs. It is not supplied in 205ltr drums for workshops as yet so If you are charged the full cost of 2 bottles I'd be asking for the left over oil in the bottle.

At my dealership they don't replace the whole plug (unless needed), just the silicon washer. Every involving and oil change the guys are given an oil filter and sump plug washer. The reason for this is those washers harden harden during the 15,000k interval (or they split when removing the sump bolt). The reason they split is if the washer is not pushed right to the HEX end of the bolt before inserting the washer gets caught in the sumps thread. So when you undo the bolt is splits.

But I still agree it is a rip-off for a washer/plug, filter and oil. It is roughly calculated at .37 of an hour to do an oil change only. Hourly rates between dealership vary greatly also.... I have been told some are as high as $140 (GST incl.) per hour.

[Voodoo_SV6]

I guess this will be a lesson to me to shop around before getting the car serviced.

McGrath Liverpool where I purchased mine have fixed priced servicing during their extended warranty period, and very reasonable. Maybe I will find another dealer till then

[UFO]

NEVER get dealers to do services! They rob people blind because the people that go to dealer servicing arent aware that you can go to other mechanics (goodyear, ultratune, etc) and still get logbook servicing (to keep warranty intact) for half the price.

But unless you are a qualified mechanic, doing it yourself will void your warranty... so my advice is to definitely shop around, but definitely get that book stamped! You might save $100 by doing it yourself, but warranty issues could cost you thousands.

[RiCeY]

That $19 is actually for a new sump plug and washer !! They don't bother to just change the washer any more because they are too Fkn lazy, saves a bit of time, and becasue it is a rubber washer also helps gaurantee theres no sand, metal particles or anything else that could damge the washer.
It's still a RIP though, but its the dum ass angineer who's to blame, not the mechanic who has to follow procedure ....

Its cheaper to buy the plug with the washer on it than the washer alone. Why I have no idea but it is the case.

And we dont change the washer every service either, only if its leaking or scheduled to be changed.

[womble66]

Yep, i learnt my lesson after 5 years with my last 2 calais' going to the local gmh dealer for the logbook services. Use to cost anywhere between $220-$420 per service every 4 months (15K) and felt like I was only ever getting only oil/filter/plugs etc as the 'inspections' where just a joke. Cars were returned with issues that should have been picked-up all the time.

Now I source my oil & filter when on sale and the local mechanic charges me $35 to change and I get him to a quick visual check on brakes/tyres while its on the hoist. Last service cost me $93 all up.

If there are warnings or known issues then the mechanic charges me $70/hr plus parts and doesn't care if I provide them or not.

Never looking back and much happier about it.

Note: no longer in warranty so no issue there.

[BruceSS]

When I took my car back to selling dealer for 3000 km service I supplied my own engine oil and filter (genuine) and they didn't charge me anything to change

[Troy711]

UFO is on the money. Stuff dealer servicing.

[ScottSV6]

All the parts listed in this thread for the oil change will vary in price from dealership to dealership. In the ACT one dealer sells the VE V8 oil filter for $25. The other dealer is about $19, ($13 trade). The little black silicon pan seal costs around $8 but the spares shop will tell you it is easier and more cost effective to buy the sump plug (which comes with a washer).

The V8 ranges from 7.6ltrs (L76, L77, LS3) to 8.3lts (L98, LS2) (including filter). If they used a Castrol Magnatec oil, as mentioned it will be Magnatec Professional 10w30 semi synth - You can buy a 20ltr drum (as a minmum) for $138 from a Castrol distribution outlet. As its a series 2 SV6 SIDI your oil fill is 6.7ltrs with a filter.

From my understanding of the new 2011 models they should all be starting to use a DEXOS formulated oil (like the ACDelco DEXOS1 and 2). There has been some communications on this going out to dealership service departments. The DEXOS oil is now a factory fill and service fill oil in all GM cars from 2011. The oil spec is a a 5w30 full synthetic GF-4, GF-5 (DEXOS 1) oil for petrol engine vehicles and the same for the Deisels (DEXOS 2). The oil is also suitable for pre 2011.

This oil retails at $51 per 5ltrs. It is not supplied in 205ltr drums for workshops as yet so If you are charged the full cost of 2 bottles I'd be asking for the left over oil in the bottle.

At my dealership they don't replace the whole plug (unless needed), just the silicon washer. Every involving and oil change the guys are given an oil filter and sump plug washer. The reason for this is those washers harden harden during the 15,000k interval (or they split when removing the sump bolt). The reason they split is if the washer is not pushed right to the HEX end of the bolt before inserting the washer gets caught in the sumps thread. So when you undo the bolt is splits.

But I still agree it is a rip-off for a washer/plug, filter and oil. It is roughly calculated at .37 of an hour to do an oil change only. Hourly rates between dealership vary greatly also.... I have been told some are as high as $140 (GST incl.) per hour.

Thanks for the great info!

I contacted my local reputable mechanic the other day that does my other cars and he told me if i supply the oil he can do it for $60 including genuine filter so i think i'll take this car to him also!

I think you might be wrong on the GF-4 being fully synthetic though, it says GF-4 is Semi Synthetic 10w-30 (ACDelco Supreme) http://www.acdelco.com.au/PDFs/Catal...ils&Fluids.pdf
However the Supreme Plus 5w-30 is Full Synthetic.

This post also indicates the same: Does anyone leave the original engine oil in for 15 thousand K's ??

Are you sure the GF-4 is DEXOS1 though, i cant find any info anywhere about it on the ACDelco site. I read on some US sites that GF4 and GF5 are not DEXOS oils, im confused LOL? - http://acdelcoasean.com/imgUpload/Dexos1.JPG

I might try sourcing the ACDelco GF-4 and see how much it is for 20L, going by that post it says Fuch's GTO is the same so ill see how much that is also.

[greenacc]

Its cheaper to buy the plug with the washer on it than the washer alone. Why I have no idea but it is the case.

And we dont change the washer every service either, only if its leaking or scheduled to be changed.

Yeah thats right the washer is more expenssive than the washer and bolt, i heard this from my local dealer when i asked for a new washer. But there's obviously something wrong with that picture ... I mean there's no such thing as a free lunch. Someone has costed the parts that way on purpose. God knows why, maybe there is some merit to it but i can't grasp it.

What do you mean you don't change the washer every service? Do you change em every time you drop the oil, or every second ?

[bluessv]

Let's clear up your confusion. The ACDelco comes in mineral, semi syn and full syn. You can but the mineral which is a 10w30 oil rated at GF-3 but the better choice would be the semi syn which is also a 10w30 oil but is rated as a GF-4 oil. ACDelco also produces your usual full syn oil which is a 5w30 oil and also rated as GF-4.

The latest spec issued by GM and Holden engineers us called Dexos. That us the name given to a specific rating, not a brand. For example, the latest Mobil 1 5w30 has Dexos approval; in that it meets or exceeds the Dexos spec.

ACDelco have just released a new full syn 5w30 oil that meets the Dexos spec and is licensed by GM to carry that branding. This is the oil you should be chasing. To make it easy, the part number is 19246958 for 5L bottle.

Another example is Valvoline who have recently released a new oil called DX1. It is a full syn 5w30 oil, similar to their other full syn 5w30 oils, except this new oil us designed to meet or exceed the new GM spec known as Dexos.

Hope this clears things up. According to GM and Holden, if you have a 2011 vehicle us will be factory filled with an oil that is Dexos rated and this oil should be used as Service Fill also.