quick lube rip offs?

[humanure]

ok so I was just at one of those quick oil change places, just wanted to have the oil change done. A few minutes after I got there, they came back in and told me I needed a power steering fluid flush, fuel system flush, and cabin air filter. They had the air filter with them. It all would have totaled about $175 if I had it all done, $35 each for oil, filter, fuel system, $70 for power steering. I'm no expert on cars, but it seemed like unnecessary work, I refused everything except the oil. They quickly offered a 10% discount which just made it seem even more like a scam. Are any of the services needed? I can change the air filter myself. Car is a 2003 Honda Civic EX, 37,000 miles.

 

[steppinthrax]

Originally posted by: humanure
ok so I was just at one of those quick oil change places, just wanted to have the oil change done. A few minutes after I got there, they came back in and told me I needed a power steering fluid flush, fuel system flush, and cabin air filter. They had the air filter with them. It all would have totaled about $175 if I had it all done, $35 each for oil, filter, fuel system, $70 for power steering. I'm no expert on cars, but it seemed like unnecessary work, I refused everything except the oil. They quickly offered a 10% discount which just made it seem even more like a scam. Are any of the services needed? I can change the air filter myself. Car is a 2003 Honda Civic EX, 37,000 miles.

Thats how they do. It's like those free AC checks and Coolant system checks. They get you in there (bait) and try to get you to buy shit you don't need...... Usually you have a pumped up manager who meets with employees and tells them to promote these nonsense services (i.e. engine flush, PS flush). I think the PS flush and fuel system flush is bullshit. Unless something is actually wrong. A lot of times no one will ever flush the PS fluid. Although it may be a good idea.

 

[zerocool84]

Did they offer you headlight fluid or exhaust bearings???

 

[Audiotherapy]

engine and cabin air filter you can do yourself... 30-40 dollars top for parts.

 

[fstime]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7xCuRdf3ok

 

[spigot]

It's exactly this reason that I don't let places like this change my oil. If they're trying to get you to buy all this crap, who knows what they're actually doing during an oil change. Anyone trying to get you to flush a power steering system with only 37k on the car is completely crazy.

 

[humanure]

well, glad I refused all the services, it all sounded like crap, at least they didn't tell me it would void my warranty if it wasn't done. I used to do oil changes myself, but the place I live now won't let you do them in the lot.

 

[shabby]

You should of went with the Road King package for $299.95...