How much should an oil change cost ?
Posted by Most-Initiative-3402@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 120 comments
I see it’s a big thing for people getting charged more than they should for oil changes so let’s say A asian sedan and a german suv how much should these oil changes cost? and is more expensive depending on the brand of the car
RaidenTLG@reddit
Prices can vary widely but I won't pay anything above $65 most cities have 20 to 80 mechanics so shop around
Frozia_@reddit
I just did mine, German sports car, $160 for Liqui Moly and service
Adventurous-Let-930@reddit
I just got my oil changed at a car dealership because they were performing 2 recall repairs and it was $203.90 in Columbus, OH. They charged me $69.95 for parts and $133.95 in labor. I should have asked the cost before I left them do it as valvoline is around $80, but I feel like that should be illegal.
AnemosMaximus@reddit
He's one of them. They didn't pursue the traitor, pedophile thief. Because he's one of them. They know what they're doing. Any real president worth his weight would've put him on trial and have him hanged. But they went at him with kiddie gloves. It's a joke.
Unlikely_Ad7074@reddit
Are you lost
FLOHTX@reddit
I fucking agree man. Neither Biden nor Trump have ever changed my oil for a decent non-traitorous price. Hang em both.
Marlowe_Eldridge@reddit
It depends on regional location, the engine size (larger engines = more oil), oil requirements (some require conventional which is the least expensive to full synthetic which is the most expensive) as well as labor time. An oil change on a Toyota Corolla will be significantly less than one on a BMW.
EcstasyGiraffe@reddit
I think this covers it all. 💯
and to add, I don’t mind the higher labor rate for my BMW. I like knowing that professionals, who know the car well, are taking care of it. Top notch customer service, and my fluids are always topped off and corrected air in any tires.
If I still had my 97 accord, I’m changing the oil myself in the driveway.
Ftlme@reddit
I second all of this, there's so many variables that'll change the price.
Temporary-District96@reddit
on top of that, some german cars even do oil changes different using an extractor instead of the conventional pulling from the plug right under.
foolproofphilosophy@reddit
Unfortunately they’re phasing out dipsticks. My engine (BNW N55) began production over 10 years ago and doesn’t have one.
Temporary-District96@reddit
thats so fucking weird... theyve really done away with a lot of crucial stuff like on the dash of my 2018 mazda 3, theres no more oil or coolant temp gauge.
i wonder what their logic is? i mean you will always have vehicles that burn oil so to check for levels, youre screwed for. did they expect everyone to just make sure they stuck to the service intervals? because that doesnt solve diagnosing other problems before service.
BaileyM124@reddit
On my VW, the recommended way is to suck it out the dipstick tube. Gotta say that cartridge filter on top with the oil extractor it’s amazing to never have to get under the car and can easily do an oil change anywhere I want since I live in an apartment complex with no garage
Temporary-District96@reddit
eh, i still did work even when renting a basement. i just did work at night with a had lamp. that or when i know theyre at work if i need to make noise w power tools. even in this condo, were not suposed to do maintenance but security knows me already and doing it late nights isnt a bother to anyone
WeatherIcy6509@reddit
Meh, I've had both done to my Trans Am. Sucking the oil out from the top is just the "new thing" and shouldn't affect the price.
Remove oil, replace filter, put in new oil. It ain't rocket science, lol.
Temporary-District96@reddit
well, im not dictating the price.. im just saying some shops will use that as an exclusive thing to tack extra charge for that premium experience.
i do all of my own maintenance, never been to the dealership since driving off the lot so im not at all affected by these
Cpolo88@reddit
They’re right. It depends on my Alfa doesn’t come with easy access to the oil filter and oil pan so you have have have to remove the under belly to get to those things. It cost me around $179 at the dealer. Did it one time and now I just do it myself. Dumb expensive 😒
throwaway007676@reddit
Asian sedan can go to WalMart for their $24.99 service and the German SUV needs the correct oil and plenty of it, will cost a lot of money. Need to take it to a Euro shop or the dealer.
slowwolfcat@reddit
can you bring own oil & filter to walmart?
PandaKing1888@reddit
Yeah, they will keep it an use the machine pump of conventional oil and a cheap filter.
slowwolfcat@reddit
why do they do this ? and what are they to do with customer parts
PandaKing1888@reddit
Resell on ebay or craigslist
slowwolfcat@reddit
mofo
sweedishcheeba@reddit
It’s easier to find Castro euro blend at Walmart then autozone. It’s also 30% cheaper at Walmart
godlords@reddit
$24.99 you are risking stripped threads no matter the car. And the most dirt cheap trash filter and oil on earth.
wveers96@reddit
$35 for quality, just learn to do it yourself, zero excuses for not being able to do it yourself
TheWhogg@reddit
Oil change on a small engine BMW SUV like an X3 20i uses the same 5L of oil as a Corolla. The filter is a few dollars more.
Accessing the part might involve removing part of the intake adding about 15 minutes to the labour if it's a diesel 20d etc. Conversely, a BMW V8 has no dismantling required - it's much easier to do than my old GM was as it has a port for sump plug access, whereas the GM needed the whole splash guard removed which was a PITA for DIY. Minimum possible labour charge. But it takes 9-9.5L so a second bottle of synthetic oil is needed. That adds $US30 where I live.
Also note that many BMWs have access to at-cost loss leader oil changes or 3 year packages. BMW does them for what I would pay for parts, or less - the lose money on the cost of staff and the facility. The do it to get you in the door, tell you your car needs $11000 worth of repairs and sell you a new one on the same day. Or it could just be used as an extremely cheap oil change service.
There's really no excuse for not changing your own oil after warranty / free service period - it takes less time than driving to the shop, you know you're not getting ripped off with low quality oil, you know there's no fool using a rattle gun to strip out your sump plug threads or just not doing what they charge for. And I can stockpile oil during the 50% off sales, combine leftover oil from my partner's car to be my "add 1L" carry around emergency oil etc.
If you MUST use a mechanic, I find the best way is when I'm already scheduling other work. "While it's on the hoist, can you put in 2 jugs of [enclosed half price LL-01], this fuel filter, and diff oil?" Avoids me paying annoyance money for driving my car onto the hoist 3 times for 3 separate 15 minute jobs that are kind of fiddly without a hoist. But I have a long-term relationship with him dating back a couple of decades so he doesn't mind "customer supplied..." jobs from me. I know he's busy, he knows I'm flexible with timing and won't waste his time until it's a job that needs a professional. I'm way too frail now to lift out a modern transmission and change a clutch, and I don't have the tools or skill for a timing chain.
chicagovirtualbogle@reddit
6 quarts of synthetic $28 + good filter $9 = $37 Oil disposal - free via county oil recycle.
Old_Acanthaceae5198@reddit
Always one of you. Y'all just can't help it can you.
NCSUGrad2012@reddit
It drives me insane. Not everyone wants to do their own oil, this person asks a pretty simple question, but someone needs to come along and flex about it
chicagovirtualbogle@reddit
some people can't afford a $150 oil change with another $100 upselling as they struggle to pay their car payment they overcommitted to and don't want to void the warranty. Add that to the idiots some of these places employ that don't put the filter on right or oil plug. At least go to an independent shop and support small business.
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/vpxw3b/psa_please_stop_going_to_quick_lube_places_just/
godlords@reddit
I took twice as long to do it, smell like crap, and still need to lug this nasty crap somewhere to dispose of it!!! Like a real man.
BrokeBugLife@reddit
What if you live in an urban area where you don’t have access to tools, driveway is there a way to do small minor DIY maintenance and repairs?
Is there such a thing as a garage where people can rent and do those minor repairs? Does that exist?
toyauto1@reddit
Plus $18-23 labor $60 total to have it done.
WeatherIcy6509@reddit
In a sane world, about $30 bucks. In today's over inflated world, about $100 bucks.
TX-Pete@reddit
In what sane world can you get 6 quarts of a quality oil for $30? Let alone the filter, crush washer - and that’s assuming a DIY. Or someone work for free in your “sane” world?
inorite234@reddit
They cant. The materials alone are more expensive.
TX-Pete@reddit
That was my point
inorite234@reddit
Same
WeatherIcy6509@reddit
,...about 5 years ago.
Old_Acanthaceae5198@reddit
1995..
godlords@reddit
Not willing to pay adequately for other peoples time, surprised why other people aren't willing to pay adequately for your time.
WeatherIcy6509@reddit
An oil change takes like 20 min. You ain't worth $100 bucks for 20 min.
Master_Shibes@reddit
20 minutes plus the hour you waited to get in. Assuming their cost for a filter plus 5 quarts of oil (actually less since a lot of cars only need 4) is about the same as I pay at Wal Mart, it’s under $40. So that leaves $60 they charged you for that 20 minutes of labor or $180/hr, minus the peanuts they’re probably paying the tech who might accidentally drain your transmission fluid instead of the oil if it’s one of those quick lube places. Absolutely not worth it if you can do your own.
Such_Sandwich_2842@reddit
Well doesn’t expenses have to be taken into account including the rent they pay plus electricity on to of paying employees and the price of oil/filter?
WeatherIcy6509@reddit
Yes, and all of that has also gone up to ridiculously high levels in a very short time. Hence why I said, "in a sane world". I mean my smog check went from $40 to $70 in just two years! That's not "a sane world".
zemzy_oseris@reddit
In this world. With my old 2012 mazda3 it only costs $27
Initial-IceCream@reddit
I always feel like they should be charging more than I pay for the oil change because if they charged their regular hourly rate for the time it takes them to do the oil change, then the cost would be more than the 60 dollars I pay. Do they do oil changes for cheap because they know it brings people in and that leads to other work?
godlords@reddit
Techs are paid only 15 minutes for an oil change. For the majority of cars at least.
Yes, lead generation is why it's done. And it's just a basic service you expect from anyone you might have as your regular mechanic.
Initial-IceCream@reddit
It definitely takes longer than 15 minutes. But I guess it makes sense for them since most people get their cars fixed in a shop instead of DIY
LicarioSpin@reddit
I avoid the 5 minute drive-thru places. One of them wanted over $100 for full synthetic on my Subaru Forester. Not worth the 5 minutes.
Master_Shibes@reddit
And then they don’t tighten the drain plug all the way.
Suitable_Boat_8739@reddit
Or they tighten the drain plug ALL THE WAY
ASexual-Buff-Baboon@reddit
ALL THE UGA DUGGAS
Chipdip88@reddit
It's a Subaru, I've seen 3 Subarus come to me from quick lube shops where they drained the transmission fluid and then dumped 5 litres of oil into the engine so now you have no fluid in the trans and double the oil in the crankcase and the dumb dumbs can't figure out what they did wrong.
Master_Shibes@reddit
Yeah, I mean there’s a reason they work there and not at an actual garage. $100 bucks for the risk of a high school dropout destroying my engine, no thanks I’ll just do my own for 30 bucks lol.
Prestigious-Virus773@reddit
Or worse, they cross thread it
lefthook_hospital@reddit
Funny you say that, my coworker took her Hyundai to the local Jiffy Lube and a couple days later her car started smoking. It ended up being totaled due to damage being worth more than the car and she ended up with a Subaru Forester lol
Cubaris24@reddit
Yep. When I first got my 08 Forester, I took it to a place my family has always used. They wanted $124 for an oil change. Crazy to me for an engine that has a capacity of 4.2L. I buy a 5L jug of full synthetic for 35-40 and a 10 dollar filter and it takes me 5 minutes since I don't even have to jack the car up.
HYYYPPPERRR@reddit
Not sure what year your forester is. Mine is a 2020, it’s so easy to change the oil. I’d suggest doing it yourself if you can.
Ok-Change808@reddit
See how much a Bugatti Veyron oil changes are
Uncaring_Dispatcher@reddit
If you can't change the oil yourself, you're looking at about $50 to $70, depending on the vehicle.
*Note* I was a service writer for a while at a Nissan dealership and I can tell you that oil for your Bronco isn't any different from the oil in your Cadillac but you're going to pay more for an oil change in your Cadillac.
BoomerSoonerFUT@reddit
$50-70 might be just doing it yourself these days. Even quick service places like Jiffy Lube charge $100+.
Bijorak@reddit
That last sentence is why you don't go to a dealer
wanderingtimelord281@reddit
my local dealerships are normally $60-80 oil changes all day, i just got a coupon last week for a full synthetic oil change for $29.99 includes filter and up to 6 quarts of oil.
inorite234@reddit
Things have gotten more expensive buddy.
Just buying the oil and filter alone (6 qts) of full synthetic, the cheapest options you can find, would still cost about $55.
Jake3232323@reddit
$50-$70 is way too cheap for an oil charge where I am. Regular shops charge $120 minimum, and dealers can charge $160 and up.
My local Infiniti dealership usually has coupons that take quite a bit off the oil change amount but still not under $100
_totalannihilation@reddit
If I buy my own oil and filter it costs me 40 bucks and maybe an hour to do it.
I'd be willing to pay 60 if it meant they did everything like it should be done. I'm talking about using the proper oil and not just any oil, the proper filter and not some cheap POS and most importantly getting my drain plug and filter/housing properly torqued (which a lot of people don't, not willing to take the gamble to see who does it or not so I just do it myself)
My buddy pays 120 at one of those 5 minute places. I did it for him and all I paid was 40 for oil and filter. He gave me 20 bucks plus the 40.
I think 80 for regular cars is more than fair considering 60 for parts/oil and the person who does the oil change salary for 20 an hour.
godlords@reddit
Well like you just said it's more like 40 for oil/filter. Tech is given 15 minutes pay for oil change (typically). But yes 70-80 is still entirely reasonable. The shop is not making much on that I promise. The amount of environmental/disposal permitting etc. alone...
Oil changes are only a means to do a quick inspection and generate real work for the shop.
_totalannihilation@reddit
Sounds about right
Big-Passenger7038@reddit
Certain oils are more expensive such as LiquiMoly/Motul but full synthetics are around $120 CAD for a German sedan and closer to $80/$90 for a Japanese vehicle
Anachronism--@reddit
Five quarts of Mobil 1 full synthetic is under $30 us at Walmart. Is it really that much more expensive in Canada?
Superlegend29@reddit
That’s if you do it yourself. About 80 seems normal here in the states
Anachronism--@reddit
$30 for 5 quarts of synthetic and $10 for a good filter retail - $40 in parts. A shop buys in bulk so they probably pay less.
Assuming there is nothing exotic about the car $80 is pushing the limits of reasonable to me but if you don’t or can’t to do it yourself than that’s what you are going to have to pay.
Superlegend29@reddit
It’s really simple to do but I don’t have the space :-/
Temporary_Map_1632@reddit
Yes, canadian prices are wild
Such_Sandwich_2842@reddit
Buy car oil from Costco 4 pack online 18 bucks each.
revocer@reddit
I remember when oil changes were 20 bucks.
False_Mushroom_8962@reddit
That's a tough question because oil changes are a loss leader, meaning most shops are lucky to break even on them. I'd say depending on the car $75-150 from a place that actually cares about doing a good job
zemzy_oseris@reddit
I doubt it. When I worked for a take5 I was surprised how much we were charging for oil. What’s an $85 oil change for you is about $13 worth of supplies to us.
False_Mushroom_8962@reddit
Quick lube places are a little different because they're designed for speed, higher volume and typically don't pay as well or use premium supplies. Plus being a chain their parts costs are much lower. You also have to pay the tech, manager, cashier or advisor (even if it's slow), rent, utilities, uniforms, insurance, vacations etc.
slowwolfcat@reddit
loss leader ??? how, why ?
mingemuncher88@reddit
Dong worry, it’s a completely false narrative.
haus11@reddit
They get you in the door by keeping the oil change price low, then do an inspection where they tell you you need coolant, and transmission fluid, air filter maybe even brakes, which have a higher markup on them.
AskThis7790@reddit
Depends on the amount (# of quarts) and type (synthetic vs non-synthetic) of oil. Where I live it generally cost between $50 - $100 for an oil & filter change.
refriedconfusion@reddit
Had a customer bring his '63 Ferrari into my shop for an oil change, at the time it was valued at about $450,000, changed the oil, filters and safety wired the drain plug. He supplied the oil and filters so I charged him the same labor In did on every other oil change I did, $25, he was shocked, said it was the cheapest bill for any service in the history of the car and the $25 oil change story will be part of the cars history. I told him it wasn't any different than any other oil change I do, so there was no reason to charge him more just because it was a vintage Ferrari. Besides I enjoyed looking at the car on the lift and seeing something I normally don't.
SpecificMoment5242@reddit
Dude (or dudette), buy a set of wrenches and a pump jack from Harbour Freight, watch some YouTube tutorials about your car and how best to change the oil, and even with full synthetic oil and a good Fram filter, it'll be no more than 35 bucks. Best wishes.
sweedishcheeba@reddit
The cheapest I can do it for myself is about $38 (6.5 quarts and a filter)
$60-70 then seems reasonable if I’m paying someone else. Not sure how some of the quick change places can offer coupons where it is then like $32 with tax and cheaper then I can buy the supplies for.
zel_bob@reddit
For me, the cost of the oil and filter. I have a Japanese / Mexican sedan and it’s about ~$50 for the oil and filter.
WorkerEquivalent4278@reddit
Varies too widely, my trans am takes conventional oil and inexpensive filter and is an easy job, while a Porsche 911 requires removal of the oil pan and expensive oil, while my emission cheating Jetta only can use $10/qt special oil. Can be from $40-400.
Ashamed_Professor359@reddit
How much should they cost: depends
Is it more expensive depending on brand: sometimes yes
chumlySparkFire@reddit
The $120 JiffyLube price is what got me doing my own changes….very therapeutic!
I enjoy it. Best GF-6A synthetic is 28$, best filter WIX is 10$, crush washer 25cents. Disposal responsibly. BTW the oil change places, use the worst filter and don’t change the crush washer… CRV 250K miles. Burns no oil. Think it’s working ?
ImAlwaysRightHanded@reddit
I paid $60 for my oil change last week, it’s a V8 if that matters I’m also in South Florida.
Icy-Role2321@reddit
For the last few oil changes on a 2020 camry I keep getting $50 coupons in email from the dealership. Been pretty lucky.
CarLover014@reddit
No more than $50 diy
PandaKing1888@reddit
5 quarts of oil and a filter. Should cost the same as 5 quarts of oil and a filter.
This comes up all the time and people just love to make things up.
BusyBeinBorn@reddit
From my own experience, with newish cars that call for synthetic oil and use 5qts or less, $80 is a fair price and anything lower is a good deal. In my Camry, which uses 0w16 oil, it would cost $40-50 to do it myself since the oil isn’t available in cheaper, store brands. With my wife’s Sedona, which uses 5w30, it’s a lot less since I can get Kirkland or O’Reilly brand oil in full synthetic.
In any event I’ll do it myself when it’s not too cold to be working in my garage, but I won’t complain if I have to pay $80 or so to not get dirty and freeze.
godlords@reddit
Dude just use 0w20. That silly super thin oil is just for MPG ratings, and provides worse wear protection. Toyota doesn't really expect you to go out of your way to get that stuff. You are spending more money on the oil than you are saving at the pump.
Longjumping_Echo5510@reddit
My mechanic 5 qts synthetic blend and a nappa filter $39
godlords@reddit
Doing you a favor
bossatronx7@reddit
I have a 2022 kia, i cannot for the life of me get away with paying less than 100$ for an oil change.
Luckily there's a really good take 5 oil change place near me and they're service is so good it makes it worth the price.
i_imagine@reddit
depends on oil type and the car. anything more than $50 would make me sus tho
ashonmytrueys@reddit
$30 for labour.
$60-80 for the oil plus $10-15 for the filter.
presuming you use euro grade synthetic in a 6 cylinder or synthetic in a v8.
slowwolfcat@reddit
This is the right way to answer the question. Because some people, like me, get the parts (oil, filter, gasket) and bring to the shop and pay for labor & disposal
moomskis@reddit
I drive a V8 and for me to get the good stuff it's usually about $60 with discounts at Valvoline.
GOOSEBOY78@reddit
oil changes are generally the same except bigger vehicles like SUV as the AWD gear that most people never use STILL needs maintenance even if the roughest it sees is a speed bump.
Glorious_Bastardo@reddit
Depends on amount and type of oil used. Also, amount of work. For example, euro cars usually have a bunch of plastic covers that have to be removed, making an oil change longer and a pain in the ass.
jms1228@reddit
$100
papilens69@reddit
Should? Between $30-$80.
ProJoe@reddit
Your question is too vague to be answered.
mx5plus2cones@reddit
It depends.
ND Miata and NA miata: about 4 quarts of synthetic oil (0w20 for the ND and 5w30)... At walmart, it's about $25 for a 5 quart jug. Oil filter is normally around $8-10, but I have special pricing on OEM filters for around $5 because of a Mazda Motorsports racer's program. So the cost of my oil change is around $25... Labor is probably around 1/2 hr at most.
My 2 BMWs take about 6-8 quarts of oil. I use Mobil 1 0w40, that is around $28/5quarts. Oil filters around $10. So oil + filter is around $55. 1/2 labor at most. Actually, the BMW oil change is easier than the miatas, because the oil filters are on top. Lots of european places charge an arm and a leg, because it's a BMW. why, I do not know.
Vegetable-Mall-2329@reddit
What kind of car do you own?
D3f1n1t3lyN0tMyAlt@reddit
Japanese/american car with small engine - $60-90
European car with small engine - $80-120
Japanese/american car with big engine - $90-130
European car with big engine - $110-150
mx5plus2cones@reddit
This depends on a lot of factors, mainly the type of car, the kind of oil it uses, and the amount of oil used, and where you get it done....So you won't get an accurate answer without providing more details.
For example,
My Miatas take about 4 quarts of oil and an oil filter is around $5-8... 1 5quart jug of full synthetic oil 0w20 for the newer miata or 5w30 for the older one costs around $28. So parts (oil + filter) is around $35-40. Add maybe a half hour of labor, depending on the labor rate in your area. So a reasonable price for an oil change might be around $100 for my miatas.
My McLaren takes about 6-7 quarts of oil. The oil uses a Mobil 1 0w40 oil available from walmart for around $28 for 5quart jug. It also uses an oil filter that costs around $13 that is also used by a BMW M3. However, to change the oil, you need to drop the large engine pan, remove 2 drain plugs, and remove 2 oil cooler lines, and have a special scan tool to reset the oil service light. The dealer charges $2500 for an oil change, indy shops charge around $900. I can do it myself for around $300, including the amortized cost of a scan tool and annual subscription for the scan tool needed to reset the service light, assuming 1 oil change every 6 months and an annual subscription renewal cost for my scan tool of $460ish.
trophycloset33@reddit
Honestly take it to Walmart and ask them how much. Don’t pay more than 150% than their quote no matter where you go.
BeaterBros@reddit
Always do your own oild changes
SandstoneCastle@reddit
Depends on oil requirements. BMW or Mercedes with require oil that meets higher specs than a typical Subaru will. For example, BMW might require LL-01, which you'll only find in more expensive oils.
vikingjedi23@reddit
About $50 to $60. My Vette on the other hand is around $90
mechanixguy94@reddit
Depends on the oil quality/type/brand, same for oil filter. For the sake of ease I am going to assume a dealership using OEM oil and filter. Asian sedan ~100 if Japanese, probably a little cheaper if Korean. German SUV - going to vary widely depending on engine size but probably no more than ~200. Prices are probably gonna vary a bit by geographic location as well.
CraigSchwent@reddit
Depends on the type of oil (conventional vs. Full Synthetic) and then how many quarts.