Bumping the thread up. 
Of course there’s something satisfying in doing it yourself.
And, we have to admit, sometimes it’s nice to kick back and let someone else do the heavy lifting. After two track outings–well, we’re not counting the aborted one at Daytona–we figured it was time to change the oil in our 2019 Honda Civic Si. Call it mechanic sympathy.
We did the math. Buying four quarts of synthetic oil plus a filter would cost us about $40. Maybe a little more, maybe a little less.
Our local Honda dealer offered an online coupon: $39.95 for a full synthetic oil change. That included an OE filter plus an alignment check and a car wash. Sold.
We booked the appointment online, and the day of the service we were greeted in an air-conditioned reception area. They did the work while we hung out in the comfy waiting area: free Wi-Fi, a kids play area and four giant TV viewing areas.
More signs that showed that they knew we were coming: The B-52’s playing in the showroom, a new Type R on display, and “The Rockford Files” on one of those screens. (Eleven minutes in, though, and Jim was already getting beat up.)
They said that the service would take an hour. What we’d do? Get some writing done–including the update that you’re reading now. (No food was offered, though, as it looked like their Bistro was closed for some reason.)
An hour and five minutes after arriving, the car returned, serviced, washed and ready to go. They said that the alignment was within factory specs. No one commented about our various tech stickers.
On the way home, we made a stop: Speedcom Communications, where we picked up a fresh Roux helmet.
Bumping the thread up.
And check this out.
I tweeted something about catching some Rockford Files while getting the car serviced. And it was retweeted by Gigi Garner, James Garner's daughter.
I love your long-term stories in general, but man..... you refer to an oil change as "the heavy lifting" , and then make an actual post about sitting at a dealer. Grassroots level 0.1 out of 10 ;)
So, I'm just posting this so you don't feel so bad that nobody is posting in this thread ;)
I'm glad you were well treated, but... for an hour of general building overhead, plus a guy to wash the car, plus a guy to check the alignment, plus a guy to change the oil, plus the oil itself, plus a filter, you handed over less than the cost of buying just the oil and filter at retail. I'm not a Harvard MBA (or one of the Baruth brothers), but this doesn't sound sustainable to me. I'm not totally surprised the bistro was closed.
Stealthtercel said:I'm glad you were well treated, but... for an hour of general building overhead, plus a guy to wash the car, plus a guy to check the alignment, plus a guy to change the oil, plus the oil itself, plus a filter, you handed over less than the cost of buying just the oil and filter at retail. I'm not a Harvard MBA (or one of the Baruth brothers), but this doesn't sound sustainable to me. I'm not totally surprised the bistro was closed.
It's sustainable because that same dealer is making millions a year charging "non-GRM" customers (read: the 99% of the populace who doesn't know jack about cars) for bullE36 M3 they don't actually need done to their cars, and $1000 "scheduled maintenance" packages (oil change, filters, rotate tires, fill washer fluid) or hugely-marked-up OEM parts..
irish44j said:Stealthtercel said:I'm glad you were well treated, but... for an hour of general building overhead, plus a guy to wash the car, plus a guy to check the alignment, plus a guy to change the oil, plus the oil itself, plus a filter, you handed over less than the cost of buying just the oil and filter at retail. I'm not a Harvard MBA (or one of the Baruth brothers), but this doesn't sound sustainable to me. I'm not totally surprised the bistro was closed.
It's sustainable because that same dealer is making millions a year charging "non-GRM" customers (read: the 99% of the populace who doesn't know jack about cars) for bullE36 M3 they don't actually need done to their cars, and $1000 "scheduled maintenance" packages (oil change, filters, rotate tires, fill washer fluid) or hugely-marked-up OEM parts..
Or its a minimal profit or partial loss leader to bring people in and then the dealership can build a relationship and over time recommend services and maintenance as it's needed by building a loyalty and trust level.
there are bad dealers/shops/people out there. it does not mean everyone is.
just because a oil change is inexpensive, does not make it a bad deal or a lead into a scam.
dealerships, more than any time in the past, have to live and die by surveys from the manufacturer and 3rd party reviews on the internet.
people cross shop repairs and maintenance if it feels expensive or as if they are being taken advantage of. this is why building these relationships is more crucial than ever. it can be the difference of you getting business if you're slightly more expensive than another shop.
Why do they call it "mechanical sympathy?" It sounds like feeling sorry for the car. Shouldn't it be mechanical empathy? Meaning you understand what the car needs?
I try to remove my track stickers before i take mine in. Lots of random comments that sound unfavorable towards the result of their work.
I've done the same math. When the dealer will do the entire job for less than I have to pay for materials, what's the downside? I don't see one.
tcora said:I've done the same math. When the dealer will do the entire job for less than I have to pay for materials, what's the downside? I don't see one.
There isn't. But it's a car forum, people will demand your man card if you can't rebuild your engine in a day while smoking a pork butt.
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