My bait and switch oil change experience.

[Desmolicious]

Rectifying an advertising mistake or clarifying a misunderstanding does not prove their intent to "bait and switch". Either way they clarified and you walked away, then they corrected their coupon; no harm no foul.

Tom

Different coupon.

The one I tried to use was specifically for an oil/filter change and said synthetic oil.

This latest one is for a more 'complete' service including other items, but in the oil change part they stipulate synth blend. Which shows they do differentiate between the two, which leads me to stand by my bait n switch claim for the original coupon.
They are basically using it to get you to show up thinking you are getting a killer deal, when you actually are not - but hey, you're in the door now...

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[TPadden72]

Different coupon.

Don't get sucked in and go back, win-win, you and service manager.

 

[Surge]

Unfortunately, this is typical dealer behavior. Never assume anything is as it appears, when working with car dealers.

Worth repeating.... if you want it done correctly, thoroughly, and with care... do it yourself. Second best, a trusted independent shop that will let you supply the materials. Anything else is a crap shoot....

Yeah, I'm sad my local shop closed because the guy retired. First time I took my 2025 Bronco to the dealer because the rear gate didn't lock/unlock by touch and they broke the clips on the plastic hump cover and one of the rear side panels while looking around trying to figure it out.

 

[dgorsett]

Gotta get my digs on Valvoline here. They'll never see another dollar from me. Long story, but what they use for a filter on a 6.2 L (and many other big Ford engines) is about 2 1/2 " in diameter as opposed to 3" for every other manufacture. It barely engages the sealing surface, corporate stands behind it.

What location?

I'm in Colorado, my son borrowed the truck to go to North Carolina. He went to a Valvoline oil change place. I discovered it the next time I changed oil at home.. I contacted Valvoline corporate and looked up online, both said it was the right filter. VO88 I will never give them anotherf nickel. They had also messed up the drain plug, happily pan threads were OK.

 

[MilesTeg]

Gotta get my digs on Valvoline here. They'll never see another dollar from me. Long story, but what they use for a filter on a 6.2 L (and many other big Ford engines) is about 2 1/2 " in diameter as opposed to 3" for every other manufacture. It barely engages the sealing surface, corporate stands behind it.

I'm in Colorado, my son borrowed the truck to go to North Carolina. He went to a Valvoline oil change place. I discovered it the next time I changed oil at home.. I contacted Valvoline corporate and looked up online, both said it was the right filter. VO88 I will never give them anotherf nickel. They had also messed up the drain plug, happily pan threads were OK.

If it were me and I had the time, I would have taken the removed filter to the car manufacturer and ask them if the Valvoline replacement meets spec. WHEN they say no, I'd then go back and chew ass and demand money back.

 

[dgorsett]

If it were me and I had the time, I would have taken the removed filter to the car manufacturer and ask them if the Valvoline replacement meets spec. WHEN they say no, I'd then go back and chew ass and demand money back.

Well, the issue still exists for anyone out there with a Ford 6.2, Valvoline still lists VO88 as the correct filter.

 

[Desmolicious]

My 'worry' is where to take my Bronco for the wiring recall. I bought it from the dealer that tried the bait n switch oil change routine.

The recall details state:

"Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have convolute sheathing with abrasion tape added to their engine compartment wire harness."

I have a feeling my dealer would use scotch tape and post it notes instead and claim it's basically the same thing.

 

[GoHack]

I had my first full synth oil and fllter change done at 1000 miles on my Bronco. I used Valvoline express as you sit in the car as they do their thing, done in 15 minutes. Just so convenient. Total cost was about $125.
I heard some people got much cheaper oil changes done at their Ford dealers due to coupons etc. I was envious until... I got an oil change coupon from my dealer stating Sythn oil and filter change for $44.99! Wow-whee what a deal.

I went online to the dealer site to book my express oil change, with the option that I would wait for my car. They show what time slots are available.
I picked 11.30 am for today (7/30). I show up at 11.15 just cuz. 11.45 finally a service writer comes out of the office, puts the Express placard on my windshield and leads me into his office.
First off - I was told it will be about a 2 hour wait. So WTF do they offer time slots online for this? Valvoline - 15 minutes after you roll up.
I now had a bad feeling and asked for confirmation that it is going to be a full synth oil change. The dood said yes. So I say again - full synth? He then says no. It will be a blend.
I show him the coupon which says synth oil change, not synth blend. No go - if I want full synth then it will be $190. And a two hour wait.

Fudge that - I bailed, went to Valvoline which was just down the street and had a full synth change in 15 minutes for $125.

This is the coupon. Tell me if I'm wrong in feeling this was a bait n switch:

Autonation in Torrance, CA. Where I bought my Bronco.

Be extremely careful of the Fast Lube places.

They tend to hire people off the street.

I've heard horror stories of them either putting on the wrong oil filter, not tightening things, and even putting in the wrong engine oil, including one case where they even put transmission oil into the engine.

They're just too much of a risk as I see them.

I used to change my own oil, but I'm getting a little too old to do that. Instead I bring and have it done at the dealer, after which I check the fluid levels and such.
I also bring my own oil/oil filter.

 

[Surge]

I also bring my own oil/oil filter.

They let you do that?!

 

[MilesTeg]

They let you do that?!

Reputable places will. It's something you should ask beforehand though.

 

[Bayrat]

Wow that is specially seedy. I do all of my own changes in the barn. Filters are relatively inexpensive online, even the factory branded units. I have used various synthetics over the years, but generally I order Amsoil in bulk, and it works out less expensive that others, except perhaps the Walmart brand. No lift in my barn so I do need to run the lady's Mazda up on ramps. No big deal. It all saves big dollars and does not leave your vehicle in the hands of crooks or imbeciles.

 

[GoHack]

They let you do that?!

Yes.
You just pay for the labor.
At least w/the Ford dealer I've delt with anyway.

I like to use the very best, like Amsoil 5W-30 Full Synthetic oil, aka "REAL" 100% full synthetic oil, w/a Wix XP oil filter, especially when it comes to having a turbocharger, due to both the temperatures it runs at, as well as its RPMs.

With my non-turbocharged, Jeep Wrangler I once had, I used just Pennzoil Ultra Platinum in it.

 

[Surge]

I do all of my own changes in the barn.

I live in an apartment building that specifically says no oil changes in the property.

 

[timhood]

I heard some people got much cheaper oil changes done at their Ford dealers due to coupons etc. I was envious until... I got an oil change coupon from my dealer stating Sythn oil and filter change for $44.99! Wowee what a deal.

So I say again - full synth? He then says no. It will be a blend.
I show him the coupon which says synth oil change, not synth blend. No go - if I want full synth then it will be $190. And a two hour wait.

That is dealer-level shenanigans. My dealer is very clear about what you get:

I think I've seen the full-synth go for $49.95, but I don't pay close attention. The disclaimer says "Up to 5 quarts," but they've never charged me for more. Also, my dealer offers a 3/$90 pre-paid package that includes tire rotation and multi-point inspection with fluid top-offs. The catch is that you have to use them within a year. So you do one when you buy the package, one in six months, and one in a year. They were even lenient when I went over a year one time. Yeah, it's a loss-leader, but I'm fine with it. I'm even fine with them picking up my Bronco and bringing it back. Total time I have to deal with it: maybe 4 minutes. It doesn't matter to me if they take an hour or four.

 

[ThunderFlash]

@timhood, they normally charge the same for synthetic as they do a blend ($89.95)?

Three changes for $90 is a pretty good deal. Probably not synthetic but I'd expect it to at least be name brand Motorcraft oil and a $30 change by a dealer is a nice price.

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