metrogirl
New Member
Check this out (car repair/oil change scam):
http://mfile.akamai.com/12924/wmv/vod.ibsys.com/2006/0503/9152183.200k.asx
http://mfile.akamai.com/12924/wmv/vod.ibsys.com/2006/0503/9152183.200k.asx
-
Please take a moment and update your account profile. If you have an updated account profile with basic information on why you are on Air Warriors it will help other people respond to your posts. How do you update your profile you ask?
Go here:
Edit Account Details and Profile
Jiffy Lube Scam
- Thread starter metrogirl
- Start date
BurghGuy
Master your ego, and you own your destiny.
Yeah. I've never fully trust other people to work on my car, or tell me whats wrong with it, for that exact reason, that and it's cheaper and more fun to do it myself.
The most beneficial thing a person can do is to at least be knowledgable on the basics of how a car works (maintenence schedules, oil goes in here, and the like), and how to ask questions to your mechanic. If you take 5-10 minutes to ask even a bit about what work is to be done and for what reason they are less likely to think of scamming you.
A few neat tips I never thought of on that clip though, like marking filters and drain plugs to see if they've actually been moved.
The most beneficial thing a person can do is to at least be knowledgable on the basics of how a car works (maintenence schedules, oil goes in here, and the like), and how to ask questions to your mechanic. If you take 5-10 minutes to ask even a bit about what work is to be done and for what reason they are less likely to think of scamming you.
A few neat tips I never thought of on that clip though, like marking filters and drain plugs to see if they've actually been moved.
Yeah, these days the so called mechanics are more apt to just start throwing parts at your problem than really doing actual trouble-shooting. I recently had a guy try to charge me for >$1200 in various parts, including a brand new computer module - none of which fixed the problem. It ended up being a broken valve spring which I replaced myself for $3.25. I try to do everything myself, time permitting.
Brett
Took my Dodge truck into the Jeep-Chrysler dealer here in Newport to get a tune up. I was in uniform when I went to go drop it off. The guy wanted to charge me $1200.....for a friggin tune up! I kept asking the guy what I was going to get for the money and I got the tap dance routine. I knew when he quoted me the price that he was just trying to take another sailor for a ride. Bottom line....I made him sound stupid for a few minutes trying to explain a $1200 dollar tune up and then left.
I agree with you but I don't think it is cheaper to do EVERYTHING youself.
Oil changes for example...
$10.00 for oil, 5.00 for filter...plus the time and oppertunity cost. Then you have to find a place to dispose of the used oil...more time and oppertunity cost. For my money I would rather find a reputable garage and pay them to do it while I relax and study. I hate to say it, but I used to be a customer of Jiffy Lube...not anymore.
Sounds like someone is taking Econ 101. I can change my oil and grease all the fittings in about 10 minutes, which beats to 40 minutes you're going to waste at Jiffy Lube in a big city. Oil isn't that expensive, and I can drop it off right down the road. It's not for everyone, but getting under my Jeep frequently keeps me in tune with it's condition and what it's doing.
Brett
Wait a minute. I thought that's what those metal grates in the street were for. Alternately, I give it to the homeless folks and tell them that it "packs a mean buzz."
Brett
I have used the auto hobby shops on base countless times to do repair work on my cars, oil changes, fuel filter/line, change the tires, and of course pulling the brakes and having the shop turn em. In every one of them, I have found the guys who work there in charge of the shop, more than helpful if I had questions, or would come over and lend a hand when needed. As Brett said, and I agree with completely, it gives you a better appreciation on the status of your auto. My 2 cents...
Until the first time they don't fully tighten the oil pan plug and it pops off on the Interstate, blowing your engine. I don't trust anyone to work on my car but me. I have had the U-bolts on the driveshaft not tightened causing my driveshaft to fall out of my car and I have had the bleed screw not tightened on my brakes. When you have the right tools an oil change takes about 20 minutes and I can fully replace the brakes on my car in about 2 hours. Midas quotes me $90 per wheel, I can replace pads, shoes, rotors and drums on all four wheels for $100.
And here, after all these years, I thought you were just a computer geek.
Very good point,
I actually had that happen to me on my bike...on the higway. I caught it right after the plug came of and it didn't damage the engine thankfully. I got a new rear tire out of the deal, but it could have killed me.
