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freedom27

Champion Author
Calgary

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Message Posted: Nov 7, 2006 5:56:49 PM

An oil change for my jetta at the dealer is going to be about $88. I want to know if I should go to the dealer or go to a trusted mechanic where my oil change could be $20-$30 less?
REPLIES (newest first)
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rual817
Sophomore Author Dallas

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Message Posted: Jan 9, 2013 10:41:59 AM

00 Jetta TDI 215k, Rotella T6, Mann Filters: 10k OCI
change myself for less than $35.

[Edited by: rual817 at 1/9/2013 10:43:30 AM EST]
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DasAuto92
Champion Author Montreal

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Message Posted: Oct 9, 2012 11:45:08 PM

Try to find a garage that works on European cars.That way you know he will use Mann filters and the oil will be what your car needs.And of course the price will be cheaper than a dealer.
Thats what i do and never had a problem.Good luck.
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sagnat
Champion Author Riverside

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Message Posted: Oct 9, 2012 7:43:22 PM

After my next oil change at the dealer (the last of the "free" changes) I will do it myself. Been changing oil a long time and this one should be no different than any of the others.
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pretzelTX
Sophomore Author Houston

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Message Posted: Aug 19, 2012 1:29:24 AM

I've done mine myself, except once I was traveling & tried some 'qick-lube' place in CA. They installed the wrong filter, which before long started leaking ... so I suggest like others to DIY, save money and you know what quality oil is going in eng.
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Zappaism
Rookie Author New York

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Message Posted: May 22, 2012 12:54:36 PM

Thing of the past. Do it yourself
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palsam
Rookie Author New Jersey

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Message Posted: Apr 13, 2012 12:29:55 PM

I have a 2006 vw Passat with the 2.0T engine. It has 121k miles and I always have the oil changed at the dealer. However, you need to check behind the dealer. The dealer I use most uses Quaker State synthetic and charges $59. They sometimes do not fill the crankcase to the proper line on the dip stick. I used a new vw dealer ($75) and they use Castrol, which is recommended by vw, and they routinely overfill the crankcase. They say that it does not hurt the car. However, I made them reduce the level to the top line. The long and short of it is that I recommend using a dealer but check behind them, a car is a huge financial investment that is used soley for transport independence.
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DesertRat2011
Champion Author Riverside

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Message Posted: Jan 17, 2012 10:43:54 AM

I change mine myself. Around $10.00 for the oil filter and another $20.00 for the oil.
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Kianna79
Rookie Author Ontario

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Message Posted: Nov 28, 2011 2:54:23 AM

I'm in the same situation. Been thinking about the dealership since they would know the car but at the same time saving $$ is a plus. Doing research by asking oil change places if they have what your specific car requires will help determine which place is the best choice, don't rely on the dollars....go for quality of service first.
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bmoreira
Veteran Author Toronto

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Message Posted: Nov 7, 2011 6:26:49 PM

i'll be honest the dealership is very high and i as well hate that and if i can pay less i would however at the end of the day its best to pitch in a few more dollars and go with the dealership as they specialize in vw and use the best of the best oil changes. Especially if you're investing a lot in a car you might as well make sure that the car runs smoothly with proper oil changes etc or at least until your car contract expires than you can consider going else where. That's my opinion at least...
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Titan_62
Champion Author Maryland

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Message Posted: May 11, 2011 8:17:18 PM

The dealer... way too high! Your better of doing it yourself and saving that extra $$$!
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VR6BC
Rookie Author Oregon

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Message Posted: Mar 4, 2011 1:01:45 AM

I do it myself on my 2000 GTI VR6. It's not hard- the forums on VW Vortex will tell you how. The only special tool you need is a 36 mm socket for the oil filter housing. With synthetic oil and an OEM filter I can do it for $40.
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ssperkin
Champion Author Durham

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Message Posted: Feb 15, 2011 1:21:31 PM

Wow. That's a lot. Keffer VW in Huntersville (Charlotte), NC, does a full synthetic change for about $45.
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silverG
Champion Author New Jersey

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Message Posted: Feb 14, 2011 5:52:38 PM

I've gone to PepBoys for oil/filter changes for my last 2 cars. Good service and reasonable w/coupons. Usually costing in the mid $20/$30 range.
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carloco75
Champion Author Richmond

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Message Posted: Dec 20, 2010 1:47:53 AM

I took my 2003 Jetta 2point-slow to Fire Stone...i never paid more than 22$'s total for oil/filter change!!!!
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Bentie
Rookie Author Washington

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Message Posted: Aug 30, 2010 2:50:35 PM

If it's a reputable mechanic you can go there. Just make sure he uses the right oil / filter as specified in your manual.
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bmoreira
Veteran Author Toronto

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Message Posted: Aug 28, 2010 1:57:41 PM

interesting i didn't know that...i guess u learn something new everyday eh
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djtdi
Champion Author San Jose

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Message Posted: Aug 25, 2010 9:06:35 PM

Saw an ad recently in San Jose. WalMart doing oil changes for $50.00 using Synthetic oil! Anyone had it done at Walmart in Milpitas etc.
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bmoreira
Veteran Author Toronto

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Message Posted: Aug 9, 2010 1:10:03 AM

i take it to the dealership as they specialize in vw cars...even though its more expensive its worth it because if you're going to invest in an expensive car you might as well take good care of it u know what i mean...
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pleopard
Rookie Author Ontario

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Message Posted: Jul 31, 2010 5:48:48 PM

$88 isn't unusual... $7.28/L (for VW 504/507.00 oil) * 5L = $36.40 + $15 filter = $51.40 + labor. The oil for these cars is not cheap but they run on 10K mile OCIs.
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pleopard
Rookie Author Ontario

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Message Posted: Jul 31, 2010 5:45:17 PM

Avoid Jiffy-Lube and Walmart. They likely won't have the VW spec oils for your car. Be very careful here and ensure you have the appropriate spec oil for your car. Forget the viscosity. Pay more attention to whether you need VW 504.00 or 505.01 or 507.00 (clean diesel spec).
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DasAuto92
Champion Author Montreal

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Message Posted: Jul 28, 2010 11:19:54 PM

Used to change oils and filter but then i thought about it:
Oil: 5 x $4.00 =$20.00 tax in
Filter 1 x $8.00= $8.00...total bill $28.00
So my VW specialist charges me $30.00 and the car is on the lift and it gets a full look over i stay clean : PRICELESS
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djtdi
Champion Author San Jose

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Message Posted: Jul 1, 2010 11:27:50 PM

Like thirteen1 observed you get to know your car better if you do your own maintenance! Save money too!
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thirteen1
All-Star Author Milwaukee

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Message Posted: Jun 23, 2010 9:54:49 AM

I have started changing the oil and fuel filter myself.
Save some money and learn about my car
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camino5
Rookie Author Calgary

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Message Posted: Apr 28, 2010 2:37:56 PM

There's quite a price range in these posts for the cost for oil, filter work. No one mentioned if lube work was included, which generally it is but if the oil changes are being done at home, are posters doing that too and are they confident no grease points are being missed ?
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snofog
All-Star Author Seattle

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Message Posted: Feb 17, 2010 10:35:40 AM

I always changed the oil myself.
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TONTOE
Rookie Author South Dakota

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Message Posted: Dec 14, 2009 7:13:46 PM

I have a 2002 VW beetle TDI Auto, I change my own oil and I do take off the bottom cover to change my oil.
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djtdi
Champion Author San Jose

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Message Posted: Dec 14, 2009 2:06:41 PM

No. I do it myself.
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Vincey
Champion Author Toronto

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Message Posted: Dec 14, 2009 10:40:56 AM

I used to take it to the dealer, but not since my warranty was up.

A question for those of you who change your own oil, especially on the Beetle 1.8T, do you take off the under engine cover when you change the oil?
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locovan
Rookie Author Vancouver

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Message Posted: Oct 23, 2009 10:34:56 PM

That depends on what type of car you drive. For a Jetta model 2000 and up, the engines are quite sophisticated and sometimes shops don't even know what type of oil to use...in which case I suggest you take it to the dealer.
If your Jetta is an older model just take it to a fast-oil change type shop where you'd spend about $40, whereas the dealer may charge about $80
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DeeZill
Champion Author Tucson

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Message Posted: Sep 6, 2009 12:10:20 AM

i have heard instances of idiots working at the dealer putting the wrong type of oil in a diesel Jetta, so nothing is sacred anymore. Trust, but verify EVERYTHING that they do!
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Dinogam
Champion Author Toronto

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Message Posted: Sep 5, 2009 2:17:40 AM

The dealer will know what oil to use, I take it to the dealer now
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Narby
Champion Author Texas

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Message Posted: Aug 27, 2009 9:51:12 AM

I have my oil change done at the dealership. They only charge me $64.00 for the service. I have never had any issues. If anything ever happens to my car than they are responsible for the damages. I have extended warranty on my car and never had any problems. I keep all my receipts for my proof that all services have been done for warranty purpose. That way they are fully responsible for any wrong doing. Oh, the reason why the cost is so high is because they use "sythetic oil" only. That is the manufacture standard oil for Volkswagon.
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littleyellowman
Champion Author Hamilton

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Message Posted: May 14, 2009 12:44:12 AM

Me personally, i prefer to do it myself, but if i can't i get it done at the dealership!
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golfmk4
Champion Author Illinois

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Message Posted: Nov 15, 2008 8:17:01 AM

I do the oil and oil filter changes on my TDI. That way I know that it was done correctly and the correct oil was used. 505.01 for the <2006 and 507.00 spec oil for the 2009>. I would not trust the dealer for anything...
Log on to the TDIclub.com and read-read-read. Your TDI will appreciate it and so will you.
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mikeheindl1
Rookie Author North Carolina

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Message Posted: Nov 10, 2008 9:35:59 PM

i recommend to go to a vw dealer, but that is just me. when you do get your oil changed make sure to use the right oil and keep all your recepts. if you end up not having one it can void your internal engine warranty.
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intrvvder
Champion Author Vancouver

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Message Posted: Nov 4, 2008 3:28:29 AM

Any VW with a diesel engine should bring it to dealer for regular maintenance service as it is different from gas engines.
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Fencemaker
Champion Author Pittsburgh

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Message Posted: Aug 21, 2008 10:35:02 AM

DO YOUR OWN OIL CHANGES!!!!

There are numerous reasons to do so, but these are (to me) the most important:

First, it is the single most important step to making your engine last and you'll know it was done right.

Second, there is NO ONE (repeat, NO ONE) that can do an oil change cheaper than you.

Third, doing your own oil forces you to get under the car periodically to check out the rest of the parts and make sure nothing is visibly leaking, oozing, broken, etc.

Finally, even if you have no mechanic ability whatsoever and have never changed oil, it is incredibly simple and will teach you that more than just fuel goes into a car - an excellent lesson for anyone that wants the responsibility of actually owning a car and making it last.

Just my 2 cents.
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JettaDan
Sophomore Author Detroit

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Message Posted: Feb 6, 2008 8:39:22 AM

For the first year of owenership I only had the oil changed at my local dealer who charged around $79.00 and took around one hour on average to do the change. I had the oil changed every 5000 miles as per the dealership. Then I joined TDI fourm.com and learned how easy it was to do my own changes. I later learned the dealer charged me for synthetic oil that if so should last for 10,000 miles according to VW. As it turned out, the oil the dealer was using was a synthetic blend. So, I learned how to do my changes on TDI Fourm, save money, and feel better that I can do some of the maintenance myself.

Do yourself a favor and check out Freads TDI Fourm for any questions or problems.
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busdrivernine
Sophomore Author Texas

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Message Posted: Jan 20, 2008 9:27:59 AM

I just had my oil changed---115,000 mile service, at the Dealer, $51.40. It included the mysterious shop supplies and environmental waste charges.
LOGDOC what do they charge you on the so called EPA wastse fee ? They local dealer here charges a $25.00 fee per RO and get this it even applies if you donot have any thing to dispose off . I ripped them on that told them that I would not be back .They said that they would look into it . and get back . I ddi get a 20% off coupon for next visit. I still have a bad taste in my mouth though. and I think the ol change is something like $80.00
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BMW330CiSLC
Veteran Author Salt Lake City

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Message Posted: Dec 24, 2007 12:24:29 PM

I would not have just any place change the oil, because each place has different kind and brand of oil. Find an honest and dissent place that will do it for you. I do oil changes my self so I know its a same brand oil same filter same mechanic and I make sure I clean everything. Some places just do it to fast and their is often times oil that dripped on exhaust header and it burns. Would not wanna drive back waist my time and complain because of their carelessness.
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twinstick
Champion Author El Paso

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Message Posted: Dec 22, 2007 10:19:24 PM

Take it to the nearest Jiffy-Lube. Hell, even Wal-Mart has a better deal on oil changes.
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Ed999
Veteran Author Dallas

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Message Posted: Oct 13, 2007 11:25:35 AM

Yet another vote for changing your own oil. It's worth much more than getting your hands a little dirty and taking away some couch time for some precious peace of mind and knowing you did it right. There are plenty of manuals, books, websites, etc. to show correct methods for this.
So just do it!
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GOLFDZLMK4
All-Star Author Nebraska

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Message Posted: Jun 15, 2007 5:25:00 PM

I do my own oil changes on the 2005 Golf TDI. Use only 505.01 oil and get the oil filters on line. I use an oil extractor and the oil filter on the TDI is a topside job so it is very easy to do. I don't trust dealers to do anything but over charge.
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Jetta_Pilot
Champion Author Toronto

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Message Posted: Jun 13, 2007 12:53:06 PM

One of the best sources for knowledge is at " http://TDIclub.com/ ".
This is if you own a VW TDI. For more general info you can try
" http://www.vwvortex.com/ " where VW/Audi products are covered.

As for an oil change, a lot of people do their own for a number of reasons.
1. To make sure the CORRECT oil is used, even the stealers screw up.
2. Many people have had the threads stripped in the aluminium oil pan.
3. To install correct oil filter, FRAM is not a good one to use.
4. To cut costs.

To do your own oil changes there are several products available which let you suck the oil out through the dipstick hole. One of the more popular is the PELA " http://www.pelaproducts.com/ " fluid extractor.
You can almost do it wearing a suit, no crawling under the car. This way you also suck out the oil in the crevices where the oil filter lives, which does not drain out of the bottom.

There are many choices where to purchase the correct oil, filters etc, and as mentioned before " http://www.worldimpex.com/ " is a good choice for those in the USA. For Canadians this is a good source of TDI items
" http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/roseland/VWPartsA4.htm " in Nova Scotia.
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Carusle
Champion Author Atlanta

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Message Posted: May 25, 2007 12:37:18 PM

I usually chage oil myself, now with the new beetle I will try to do the same. What is this (http://www.worldimpex.com/) I could not get it to come up.
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CABRIO1
Rookie Author South Carolina

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Message Posted: May 25, 2007 12:30:44 PM

My husband is a VW tech and was the first Beetle Tech in the South. He lets no one else touch the car.
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TomKitt
Sophomore Author Seattle

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Message Posted: Mar 15, 2007 12:34:46 AM

I do it myself for about $40 with a VW 505.01 certified oil in my diesel. I get all of my parts at http://www.worldimpex.com/ - I'll never go back to a dealership. I'd rather trust myself to make sure that it's done right.

[Edited by: TomKitt at 3/15/2007 12:37:34 AM EST]
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SE3.5
Champion Author Indianapolis

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Message Posted: Feb 28, 2007 12:48:39 PM

My dealer gave me coupons for free changes at his shop, so naturally I go back to the dealer.
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logdoc
Rookie Author Boise

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Message Posted: Jan 22, 2007 10:43:06 PM

I just had my oil changed---115,000 mile service, at the Dealer, $51.40. It included the mysterious shop supplies and environmental waste charges.
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db_the_dba
Champion Author Connecticut

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Message Posted: Jan 10, 2007 10:28:56 AM

Trust it to your local Mechanic -- changing oil isn't rocket science
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