First oil change. Dealer cheated?

[keny01998]

Hi,

I have an Accord EX 04 I4, I just went to local Honda dealer to get my first oil change but I think they ripped me off. The oil change is $25 with 19 craps point inspection.

My Accord supposes to use 5w-20 Honda oil, I want to get Honda oil because of warranty, that why I drove to the dealer but I was so disappointed. After waiting almost an hour for oil change, pay the bill, I found out they use BULK QUAKER STATE 5w-30 oil, not the Honda oil. On the 19 point inspection, my coolant was low, they did not even do anything or fill it up as they should with Honda Express Change advertisement. I was so mad and I plan to call Honda tomorrow to complain about this dealer. I think it's a ripped off. If I want Quakestate, I can go to Wal-mart for cheaper price. I expected Honda oil and re-fill all the fluids, but they did not do anything. They said they check my tire pressure, but I doubt it since I just a week before.

My question is: Did the dealer cheat on customer if they use bulk oil rather than Honda? Complain to Honda Corp?

Please share some advices. BTW, the dealer is Floyd Traylor Honda in Fort Smith, Arkansas

[Pairallel]

I wouldn't be as upset about the oil brand as I would be about the weight being used. For all you know, Quaker State might be better oil.

However, if it takes 5w-20, that's what they should have put in. I think the manual specifically calls for that weight???

In that case, you should go back and insist that they change it for free.

If your coolant is low, add a little yourself after you check it to make sure you are reading the invoice right.

And $25 is not a rip-off. That's what most people pay to have Honda certified mechanics perform this simple procedure. If you want to save $5 and have redneck grease monkeys change your oil and steal your loose change, go to WalMart instead.

Sorry - didn't mean to offend the redneck grease monkeys...just trying to highlight the difference in skills and training.

Come on Keny...take charge and chill out. It's just an oil change. Save your venom for the serious problems...


:cool:

[BenjiBoy650]

Is Arkansas particularly cold? I suspect that the dealer is using 5W-30 for a bit extra protection in the summer. To be quite honest the Honda recommended oils are full of crap. They started recommending 0W-20 for the Odyssey's, might as well put water and corn starch in there. I run 5W-30 in my '99.

Honda goes down on the oil viscosity for fuel mileage, emissions requirements, many reasons but definitely not longevity :)

[princess]

All of the dealers I'm aware of use bulk oil. The brand varies on the the decision of management. I've never seen one with Honda brand in bulk. They usually carry it & will put it in by request. The brand will not have any effect on the warranty & you didn't have to have it changed at the dealer. The complaint would be about the numbers.

Many dealers have a "lube-tech" handle the oil changes. Some will use the wrong numbers. Usually they're just too lazy to get the right one, or didn't notice it was different than the others they'd done earlier. (One recently got busted & had to pay for another oil change where my prince works)

The inspection: if you suspect they didn't do it, by all means report it. Also fill out a bad customer card. They worry about those TSI reports! If you find a dealer that you like & trust a lot it's very important that you fill out a a good report. Most of the time people only turn in complaints & until everyone fills them out, there's no way fro Honda to take them seriously!

opps! By the way.....welcome to the forum!!:)

[benjamming]

keny01998,

I understand why you are upset. It's the principle of the matter, or it is at least to me. I'm mad & it's not even my money or car! If I paid them for 10w60 oil, then they better put 10w60 oil in there! Stuff like this gives dealers a bad rap & why people badmouth dealers so often. They oversell themselves!

Complain to the service advisor & then the service manager of the dealership first. Don't step over him & complain to American Honda. Give the folks a fair chance to make it right. If the service manager finds out you called American Honda w/o giving them a chance, they won't be nearly as likely to want to work with you.

BTW, Honda oil is not required for the warranty. Only receipts of API SL rated oil.

[nolan65]

The point is Honda wanted to use the 5W-20 oil for a variety of reasons. They are not ambiguous as to the viscosity in the service manual or owner’s manual. They said USE 5W-20. While the 5W-30 is fine, the dealer should know better than use an “Out Of Spec” oil. I went through this with my Pilot. Lesson learned. Never assume anything. When I questioned the dealer, the service adviser said, “The 30 weight is better for your Pilot than the 20 weight. We could have used the 20 weight but it will cost you 5 dollars more.”
Read the attachment, it is clear as to what Honda is to do…

[nolan65]

forgot to attach .pdf

[BenjiBoy650]

You know, when I went to the Honda dealer to check the oils they offer, I was kind of surprised. I only found one kind of oil (in various grades of viscosity), whereas in Malaysia and other Asian countries they have several. I've had some Malaysian websites taking pictures of the different oils that say "VTEC," "non-VTEC," etc. on the bottle.

[princess]

That's interesting! I know the VTEC wants you to use it so it won't gum up, but I had no idea some places were recommending special oil!

[marinakorp]

Originally posted by Pairallel

And $25 is not a rip-off. That's what most people pay to have Honda certified mechanics perform this simple procedure. If you want to save $5 and have redneck grease monkeys change your oil and steal your loose change, go to WalMart instead.



Well, changing oil is not rocket science, so going to a grease monky for the savings should not a problem... going to them for a transmission change... yea, I'll give you that


however... the oil viscosity is an issue. It does not follow the recommended weights as prescribed by the manufacturer

[benjamming]

Do you mean transmission fluid or the whole tranny? If just the fluid, then it's actually easier than the oil change.

[marinakorp]

yes, I mean a tranny change / swap ... not fluids

[princess]

Well, changing oil is not rocket science, so going to a grease monky for the savings should not a problem...

You'd be surprised how many cars come in after having their oil changed by "grease monkeys"..... the rubber from the filter sticks & they didn't notice, so it's leaking. Stripped out drain plugs is by far the MOST common. On the CRV's those fires are from oil dripping down at the first oil change & not getting cleaned off....

It's not rocket science, but there are a few things to be aware of..... I think most are better off doing it themselves rather than taking it in to someone who doesn't care.

Just my opinion.....:)

[marinakorp]

that is why I DIM

[RTexasF]

Originally posted by marinakorp
that is why I DIM

Me too!

[OwAce]

Originally posted by BenjiBoy650
Is Arkansas particularly cold? I suspect that the dealer is using 5W-30 for a bit extra protection in the summer. To be quite honest the Honda recommended oils are full of crap. They started recommending 0W-20 for the Odyssey's, might as well put water and corn starch in there. I run 5W-30 in my '99.

Honda goes down on the oil viscosity for fuel mileage, emissions requirements, many reasons but definitely not longevity :)

umm...no...you use a thinner oil because the engine can manage it, and current oils at that level can be used over a wide range of temps. However you would want a heavier weight in the higher temp months. i wouldnt use 0w-20 on an older engine though.
also the engine oil honda recommends has loads of molybedenum in it which is a greaser..
so i would not say that honda recommended oils are full of crap,
they know what they are doing, and i would take their word over somebody who has not had experience with hondas new engines.

[princess]

The '05 Ody is supposed to have 5-20 just like mine! :D

[CA05LXDriver]

I have worked at an Acura dealership, and it was the same there.... bulk oil.

Even on my last new car before the accord (subaru), the subaru dealer put in 10w-30 bulk oil and the car spec'd 5-30. It is not a big deal.

In the new accords, we can run sae30 oil, 5-30, 10-30, 0-20, 5-30, 5-20, etc etc.... it isn't going to hurt the car whatsoever.

[BenjiBoy650]

SAE30? As in, single weight oil? Rarely see people running those in newer cars nowadays.

[benjamming]

Even on my last new car before the accord (subaru), the subaru dealer put in 10w-30 bulk oil and the car spec'd 5-30. It is not a big deal.

In the new accords, we can run sae30 oil, 5-30, 10-30, 0-20, 5-30, 5-20, etc etc.... it isn't going to hurt the car whatsoever.

Really? I beg to differ. You don't think there's anything odd about running straight 30W oil in North Dakota in January? I would like to see some used oil analysis to back up this goofy claim.

Bulk oil can be a big deal depending on how the system is kept up.

[BenjiBoy650]

Really? I beg to differ. You don't think there's anything odd about running straight 30W oil in North Dakota in January? I would like to see some used oil analysis to back up this goofy claim.

Bulk oil can be a big deal depending on how the system is kept up.

I think he means to use some common sense while choosing your oil too. Plus, he lives in Fremont, CA - it never gets down past about 45 degrees at any time there. Play nice, I don't think you have definitive proof that SAE30 oil will hurt the car, nor do I have proof (even though I suspect) that the 0W-20 and 5W-20 Honda has been running is not healthy for the car.

[CA05LXDriver]

I think he means to use some common sense while choosing your oil too. Plus, he lives in Fremont, CA - it never gets down past about 45 degrees at any time there. Play nice, I don't think you have definitive proof that SAE30 oil will hurt the car, nor do I have proof (even though I suspect) that the 0W-20 and 5W-20 Honda has been running is not healthy for the car.

Absolutely. 30 weight is not to be used in chilly sub-zero temps, but in many parts of the U.S. it can be used year-round. Still, multiweight oils should flow better at startup no matter what the temp is, so I'll stick with 5w-20 as long as it's easy to find.

[according2me]

I just changed the oil in my 4cyl yesterday. Reached into my Pennz 5w20 SL stash and only came away with 3.5 qts. Not to worry, I added a qt of Pennz HM 10W30 SL. Just in time for our heat.

I wonder if my car qualifies for HM :)

Anyone having any luck finding the -A1 (Filtech-US) filters at their local dealers? Mine only has the Honeywell Canadian version, so I've moved to the Purolator Premium Plus filters.

[BenjiBoy650]

I just changed the oil in my 4cyl yesterday. Reached into my Pennz 5w20 SL stash and only came away with 3.5 qts. Not to worry, I added a qt of Pennz HM 10W30 SL. Just in time for our heat.

I wonder if my car qualifies for HM :)

Anyone having any luck finding the -A1 (Filtech-US) filters at their local dealers? Mine only has the Honeywell Canadian version, so I've moved to the Purolator Premium Plus filters.

The last Honda filter I got was -A01 Filtech. I've used Bosch for the past 6 months or so because theyr'e charging me $10 for a friggin filter at the dealer :thumbsdow

[according2me]

My dealer only charges $5 and change, but a Fram by any other name is still a Fram. I check back periodically, but until his stock changes, I go elsewhere.

[benjamming]

I think he means to use some common sense while choosing your oil too. Plus, he lives in Fremont, CA - it never gets down past about 45 degrees at any time there. Play nice, I don't think you have definitive proof that SAE30 oil will hurt the car, nor do I have proof (even though I suspect) that the 0W-20 and 5W-20 Honda has been running is not healthy for the car.

CA05LXDriver,

I had sent you a PM about this, but figured I should also post it here. Didn't mean to personally attack you. Reading Bob's site too much & let it get away from me. My apologies. :thumbsup: