$280 Oil Change on an Old Honda - Did I Get Ripped off?

btst7000 on 20/05/2019 - 15:24
Last edited 20/05/2019 - 15:52

Edit: Copy of the invoice for the curious (details removed)

My missus took her old Honda to get serviced. She's a youngish girl, so I'm a bit worried that she was taken advantage of. I told her to go to an indy who had served me well before.

For an oil change (and general inspection, i.e. pointing out brakes are getting low and timing belt is due soon):
1 hour labour ($150)
Oil filter ($30)
Oil (~$80)
"Workshop fee" ($15)
Oil disposal fee ($15)

So she paid $280 for just an oil change.

Did we get ripped off?

Canberra area for reference.

Poll Options expired

  • 398
    Ripped off
  • 9
    Fair deal
  • 2
    Value deal
Automotive

Comments

    • Ace Ventura on 21/05/2019 - 18:37
      +2

      Should a mechanic lower their hourly rate for the less complex tasks?
      They may not have been machining discs or reconditioning a transmission, but they could have been instead. The hourly rate should stay the same across the board.

      • BertieBrown on 21/05/2019 - 19:04

        Well, I’d say that there is a consideration that a person’s rate is a proportional measurement of their worth, or skill as an individual that is usually intrinsic to their trade, exemplified in many trade industries where apprentices are paid less than fully qualified mechanics as they cannot perform the same scope of works. The notion therefore follows that the mechanic whom charges $150 an hour is a substantially qualified individual, as they are attracting a relatively higher rate, comparatively with other mechanics, so with that in mind does it follow that it would take such an individual a full hour to complete the works specified? I.E; if one is paying above average rates, per hour, for works, it’s reasonable to consider that the service being provided is proportionate. Why did it take a full hour to complete the job?

        Now, a mechanic may wish to charge comparatively higher rates than their appropriate competitors, regardless of the works being performed, where their competitor may employ an apprentice, or a less experienced individual, whom is still adequately able to perform the works, but will attract a lower rate for their clients, but the mechanic whom charges more may not last due to the competitive nature of the business. That is within the purview of the mechanic charging more, however with consideration of what the market perceives to be reasonable, they either lower their rates, or they complete less taxing tasks at a faster rate, or they’ll lose business.

        So, in my mind, it’s less a question of whether it’s reasonable to hold some moral expectation that an individual will, or should, lower their hourly rate based on the work being conducted, and more of an observation of what the market is dictating the cost that such a service should attract, and voting with one’s feet. In this instance, based on the comments of what other people are paying for similar works, it’s unlikely that the mechanic in question will get further custom from this individual, thus losing business, which is bad practice.

        That’s just my thoughts; I understand where you’re coming from and I’d say either the mechanic needs to either increase the speed that they perform basic jobs, or lower their rate to reflect what the market dictates is an appropriate cost for such work, or they’ll likely go out of business.

        • Ace Ventura on 21/05/2019 - 19:34

          I get you, only worth what someone is willing to pay.
          However few notes, it's an established business (although now we are seeing signs it's struggling.) so rates are likely well established, which indicates we've met the criteria of what the public are willing to pay.

          And, according to the invoice it was not a simple oil change, it was the 200k service. No further parts where changed, but they were all checked, this still requires removing/accessing those items, the time frame would not be significantly different to the same service that required replacement parts.
          It certainly was not as quick as changing the oil and doing nothing further which seems to be implied by others in this thread.

          • BertieBrown on 21/05/2019 - 19:52

            @Ace Ventura: Fair enough, and I'd agree that if it's a service rather than simply being an oil change, it does change the situation.

  • oscargamer on 20/05/2019 - 17:57
    +6

    Not ripped, but wallet opened more than it should be

    Labour should be $100
    Oil should be $40
    Workshop supply should be $0 - WTF is that anyway? you pay extra to have the car serviced in a workshop?
    Waste Management should be $8

    • Gronk on 20/05/2019 - 18:44
      +1

      If it's what I think it is, Workshop Supply is also commonly known as Shop Supplies. It's meant to cover things like protective gloves, first aid supplies, materials related to cleaning up after the work is complete but nobody really offers much in the way of transparency as to what it refers to so it's fairly easy for a workshop to over-charge.

      Normally a similar deal with Oil / Waste disposal.

      • oscargamer on 20/05/2019 - 18:48
        +2

        Yes - this is a 'normal' item that is BS

        Those items are part and parcel of doing business and should be part of the hourly rate. For some reason, mechanics think it's a separate item…..

  • redslert on 20/05/2019 - 18:05
    +2

    It is a bit on the high side, but not extremely expensive.
    Some shops just charge more.

    You probably paid an extra $60 to $80

    • chk on 22/05/2019 - 23:17
      +1

      thats 21-29% overpaid….that's a fair bit

  • shaybisc on 20/05/2019 - 18:08
    -2

    22 bucks extra to spin the filter on, ho ho ho - good one. They have to call the specialist in for that operation- come in spinner- that's why it's not included in the 150 buck labour charge.

    • andyhui01 on 21/05/2019 - 10:40
      +3

      The part is called a Spin on Oil Filter. The $22 was for that part which is about right.

  • Pluto88 on 20/05/2019 - 18:32

    My local mechanic charges $77 / hour even then it's 20 mins max to change the oil and filter.

    Oil $40 to $50 and filter $20, that's from a store too no doubt they buy in bulk from a supplier. Workshop fee is BS and oil disposal is likely high too.

    Name and shame please

  • 91rs on 20/05/2019 - 18:54

    If its a dealer its not super surprising and I don't expect them to be extra competitive. Its not like its a fixed price service deal (Toyota or anyone else with published fixed pricing) either, other things were looked at and possibly wiped clean as they went or tightened.
    Price of oil is a bit high, they're making a bit on that, the workshop fee is a bit high as there wouldn't be $15 in any consumables used for a simple service etc.
    Not sure about the waste management charge in ACT but I've not paid more than $10 elsewhere, its usually sub $6.
    Labour is high because it's a dealership, if it's old and OOW you're better off finding a local mechanic to do it, it will be cheaper. You can probably even bring in your own oil you've bought on sale.
    I don't see it as taking the piss expensive as well they've got a business to run and people to pay. If someone came in to your workplace and started to tell you that you were paid too much for what you did I'm sure you wouldn't be too happy. But thats never the theme here is it.

    I've got two cars, one goes to a dealership and has now just passed fixed service pricing but not so expensive I wont not take it to them as they have been very good.
    The other for anything I don't have time or space to do it goes to a specialist and they'd charge more than that for a oil change service, so I don't see it as a big deal what she paid.

  • pegaxs on 20/05/2019 - 19:09
    +2

    (Fropanity) Me! That is some expensive oil… $22/l… that’s insane.

    The workshop and environmental fee seems about right. This covers workshop consumables such as rag, water, cleaning play, grease, etc. Environmental charge is for getting rid of your used oil… filter price is about what I would expect for them supplying it.

    And that labour charge. Good lord. Was this at a Euro car dealership by any chance? Did they come to you? Did you get a “massage” included?

    It’s not cheap, but it also depends on what else was done and why the service took that long. If it was just an oil service and a check over/report, it’s way too much.

    Stung? Yep. Ripped off, no. You paid for a service and got a service, albeit, not a cheap one.

  • funnysht on 20/05/2019 - 19:16

    check online reviews before going…prob $100 max

    if you're in the cabramatta area i can recommend someone good

    • btst7000 on 20/05/2019 - 21:18

      They're 5 star on fb and google and I've had good experiences before. Just my misses that got a little ripped off.

      • funnysht on 20/05/2019 - 21:46

        then that's just sexist…if they ripped off everyone then that would be fine lol

      • Ace Ventura on 21/05/2019 - 18:40

        What was the hourly rate and cost per litre when you had your car with them?

  • N3M3S1S on 20/05/2019 - 19:21

    6L of 10w40 is $26 at Repco currently hahah

    $14 for a filter.

  • Sergeant Salami on 20/05/2019 - 19:40
    +2

    Wait so let me guess this straight. They charged her $287 for a major service which looks to be the 200K service? All they did was change the oil filter and oil. No change of air filter, no water pump, no spark plugs, no timing belt, nothing. Imagine if they had of done the service correctly! $150 an hour, I'm in the wrong industry. Name and shame these pr*cks!

  • [Deactivated] on 20/05/2019 - 19:43

    Semi synthetic 10W40 at $20/l.

    RRP on fully synthetic 10w40 is about $10/l.

    You were charged workshop, mechanic and oil disposal at least they didn't charge you hoist fee, lights fee and bolt tightening fee.

  • brendanm on 20/05/2019 - 20:09
    +7

    Is it a rip off? Yes
    Should she have asked the price of a service before booking it in? Yes.
    Should she replace her front brake pads? Yes

  • kronicmacstigator on 20/05/2019 - 20:26

    $180 MAX for top notch oil and filter. Should of been in the region of $140-150. Definitely got dudded!

  • Shibster on 20/05/2019 - 20:31
    +16

    Maybe its a final cash grab…

    https://insolvencynotices.asic.gov.au/browsesearch-notices/n…

    • kronicmacstigator on 20/05/2019 - 21:05

      Just saw that!

    • plasmoske on 20/05/2019 - 21:17

      That would be it. They're closing down so might as well milk everyone before they go.

      • Pantagonist on 21/05/2019 - 20:28
        +1

        They are still operating if you search on ASIC Connect.

        601AB is an ASIC-initiated de-registration for a compliance issue.

        That notice is from September 2018 and the company had two months to rectify the issue, which has obviously happened.

  • Vote for Pedro on 20/05/2019 - 21:00
    +2

    I guess that’s capitalism at work. What’s a fair price? Whatever someone is willing to pay.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/05/2019 - 21:14
    -1

    Don't forget you get a stamp in your log book for $280.00 WOW.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/05/2019 - 21:18
    -1

    Did the OP mention the type of car? She could be driving a Euro and get slug a Euro tax hahaha

    • btst7000 on 20/05/2019 - 21:19

      99 honda. No euro tax here.

    • brendanm on 20/05/2019 - 22:08
      +1

      He only mentioned it twice, once literally in the title of the post. Easy to miss.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/05/2019 - 21:27
    +7

    Man thats 20% of the cars cost.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/05/2019 - 21:38
    +1

    She's a youngish girl

    How young are we talking here?🤨

    • btst7000 on 21/05/2019 - 05:30
      +1

      She's older than me 👍

  • arescarti42 on 20/05/2019 - 22:16
    +8

    Look at the invoice - the notes say they've done a basic service and inspection, not an oil change.

    This is probably on the high side for a basic service, but not a total rip off. For reference, my mechanic in Mitchel (ACT) charged me about that much for a basic service 6 months ago, including:

    -$121 per hour in labour including GST
    -$44 for 4L of engine oil
    -$22 for an oil filter
    -$13 for an air filter
    -$20 for injector cleaner
    -$50 for spark plugs.
    -$11 for waste management and consumables

    Total ~$280.

    I'd be annoyed though if i'd clearly just asked for an oil change, not a service.

    • johnno07 on 21/05/2019 - 14:14
      +4

      Except they only actually replaced the oil. Making this drastically different from your service.

      • Bellerose on 22/05/2019 - 14:28
        -2

        They did a complete service as requested by the vehicle owner

    • roseXivy on 29/05/2019 - 11:49

      Seems reasonable charging mechanic , at least compared cheaper than the OP's. Care to share contact details, bring more business to the good mechanics :)

  • RefusdClassification on 20/05/2019 - 22:40
    -2

    "Did we get ripped off?"

    Anytime you pay for anything in Australia, you're getting ripped off bigtime. Australia is a paradise for Predatory Capitalists. Governments need to pass price-fixing legislation but never will, because almost all politicians fall into the predatory capitalist class.

    • brendanm on 21/05/2019 - 10:16
      +1

      Bring back stalin! He wouldnt stand for this sort of business.

      • Ozpit on 21/05/2019 - 11:36

        This. There would be a lot of grease monkeys swinging a pick down in salt mines.

    • trapper on 21/05/2019 - 13:39

      I was with you until the price fixing legislation, wtf man

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 20/05/2019 - 22:51
    +1

    If this was the dealership then it is probably about right they rip you in the ass

    Otherwise name and shame it is Ozb avoiding getting ripped off it just as important and finding good deals!

  • OhNoUShiz on 20/05/2019 - 23:27

    I paid $295 for 10000km servicing through dealership. Is it worthwhile to go back to dealership to maintain the warranty?

    • yoonibear on 21/05/2019 - 00:30

      I would - just to maintain the warranty. I serviced mine at the dealers until the 3 years was uo then starting servicing at an independent.

      • BestofOZB on 21/05/2019 - 04:17
        +4

        Servicing it outside of the dealership does not void the warranty.

    • brendanm on 21/05/2019 - 10:17
      +3

      You don't have to service at a dealership for warranty, common misconception.

    • OhNoUShiz on 21/05/2019 - 13:08

      Any mechanic workshop recommend to service honda near ringwood area?

  • fimmwolf on 20/05/2019 - 23:29
    -1

    This guy did it on a newish 10thGen Honda (which have the underguard/shield with 6 bolts in them) in 12 minutes. And he spent 2 of those twelve minutes saying "if you like my channel …..yadda yadda"

    Of course most people don't have a mechanical hoist at home but if you have a decent jack you can easily do this at home.

    • brendanm on 21/05/2019 - 10:22
      +8

      A service is not simply an oil and filter change. The car is test driven, put on the hoist, check what is due in logbook, check/top up fluid levels under bonnet, test coolant, test brake fluid, pressure test cooling system if necessary, look for any oil or coolant leaks, test battery if necessary, check and replace gloves.

      Lift car, half way up check tyres and pressures, check wheel bearings, suspension bushes, ball joints etc. Check brakes.

      Lift right up, drain oil and change filter, check cv boots, steering rack boots, eng mounts, exhaust and hangers etc.

      Drop back down, fill with oil, start and run, turn off and top up oil. Fill out service book, put sticker on, run vehicle out (possibly another road test depending on what work was done).

      Then the labour of the invoicing, chasing up parts etc.

  • ProlapsedHeinous on 20/05/2019 - 23:56

    I got quoted recently 160 for logbook service (75,000km) for my hyundai accent. Sorry bud you got rolled.

    (edit: as a side note, I recently asked my local stealership how much a cabin pollen filter replacement would cost and she said 80 dollars. couldn't believe it. its like 2 minutes work to change out and they were going to charge me at least 50 bucks for the privilege. no spankyou)

    • mrvaluepack on 21/05/2019 - 09:18

      Wow.. usually 75k logbook service are more expensive than that. You sure that is correct?

      • ProlapsedHeinous on 21/05/2019 - 13:52

        Ill know once i get the invoice and compare….

      • brad1-8tsi on 24/05/2019 - 08:22

        Wow.. usually 75k logbook service are more expensive than that. You sure that is correct?

        it would depend on the car. A 75k service on a VW is a minor service as the major is at 60k.

    • inherentchoice on 22/05/2019 - 13:46

      Cheap one on eBay is $20 posted.

  • yoonibear on 21/05/2019 - 00:29

    Sounds a bit on the high side. Wife had her 2010 yaris serviced for $160 - no workshop supply fee and labour was about $97 per hour.

  • This Guy on 21/05/2019 - 01:14
    +2

    They are expensive because they are a modern, small work shop in a high rent area. Your GF paid for convenience.

    Yes, a good price is $160 for an oil change. However, for that money most places will not check over a car. It would also be located in an industrial park, not next to a dealer.

    The oil price was high and the workshop fee should be part of the hourly, but that hourly rate would still be significantly lower than non warranty work carried out next door.

  • bob the builder on 21/05/2019 - 02:50
    +2

    I do my oil changes myself, it ain't a hard job. Definitely got scammed hard, typical mechanic though.

    • dcep on 21/05/2019 - 10:51
      +1

      i thought Bob is the Oil Guy , not a builder.

  • 1968 on 21/05/2019 - 08:10
    +2

    Before just spraying their google and FB go in there and ask to explain! Talk to the boss..

    • parsimonious one on 22/05/2019 - 16:46
      +1

      Not sure if it was OP or someone else but it looks like someone did question the cost of an oil change at the place where the OP went on google reviews and the garage's response was pretty much "yep…that's what we charge" as well as claiming the reviewer wasn't even a customer (even though they admitted they charge $250+ for an oil change).

      Not sure what confronting them in person would achieve, plus leaving a review helps others.

  • syousef on 21/05/2019 - 08:20

    At least they didn't overfill the car grossly and stuff up an engine flush like they did with my wife's car. Oil was over the line by about 8-10cm on the dip stick, and she ran like that for a week :(

    • [Deactivated] on 21/05/2019 - 08:56

      Sounds like they refilled the oil but forgot to take out the old oil.

      • syousef on 21/05/2019 - 09:53

        Quite likely. And with an engine flush in as well. :(

  • mrsinistah on 21/05/2019 - 08:42
    +1

    Go to Techworkz in Tuggeranong. They have been doing our Subarus for years. Mick and Lance are super honest. They aren't the cheapest but definitely cheaper. Around $230 for basic service.
    Also Southern Automotive is great. Much cheaper.
    North I'm not so sure what's good. Haha.

    • unfunkable on 22/05/2019 - 07:19

      I take my wife's Forrester xt there as well. Around 5 years now. Not the cheapest or most convenient for me , but they do a pretty good job.

  • magic8ballgag on 21/05/2019 - 09:02

    You're asking the wrong place, anything other then free or cheap is a 'rip off' to a good percentage of members here.

    I'd be questioning the amount of oil used though (quantity: 4.3? of what?) as that doesn't seem right, and the labour charged is a bit high but it varies among mechanics, so best to ask before work/service is committed to.

  • Zeebob on 21/05/2019 - 09:03

    That is a total rip-off, i get my evo x service done where i supply my own oil (usually around 50$) , 50$ for labour it's really just for the hoist your paying for. $20 genuine mitsu oil filter. Shouldn't be paying more than $150 for a basic oil change in my opinion.

    The $80 is charged they supplying the oil from a store then adding their 10%-15% surcharge ontop. $150 for labour???? Have you got founder of Honda himself working on the car, ridiculous

    • Speckled Jim on 21/05/2019 - 09:06
      +1

      Soichiro Honda died many years ago.
      Ghost Premium?

      • Zeebob on 21/05/2019 - 09:12

        Could be, or his long lost relative living out in ACT. But the shop mine get serviced at and everything else done is at Meek Automotive, who are an Evo specialist been around for so long. I wouldnt trust my car at all with Mitsubishi Service. Just by reading some of their google reviews it seems they tend to rip people off who look vulnerable or don't know much about the car.

        • Speckled Jim on 21/05/2019 - 09:58

          In Perth, Tony Flood was THE man. TFM
          State rally champ, builder of Gr.A/N cars and general top bloke.

  • Speckled Jim on 21/05/2019 - 09:05
    +1

    Young missus had a CR-V serviced. A Jazz will be cheaper to service and run.

  • freakatronic on 21/05/2019 - 11:26

    An oil change takes an hour and $50 of parts if you're paying retail and using nice oil and a nice filter. Speaking of which it's about time I did mine…

  • MementoMori on 21/05/2019 - 12:56
    +1

    It's a normal price for a very nice, clean female friendly mechanics with water fountain, magazines, free coffee, nice waiting area, bright and happy reception area and staff in an inner city area with convenient drop off/pick up when someone walks in and doesn't ask for a price up front.

  • chk on 21/05/2019 - 13:03

    front pages 95% worn….Im no mechanic but when do you need to change them? ask them for a quote lol

    • John Kimble on 21/05/2019 - 14:16

      99%?

      • chk on 22/05/2019 - 23:20
        +1

        i suspect (again not a mechanic) but the pads need replacing. I hope page of the invoice OP has a note to replace brake pads…otherwise Id question this mechanic even more..

  • backpaqer on 21/05/2019 - 13:24

    Z79a filter at sca is $15.99. $50 for 5l of nulon fully synth, $5 to dispose of old oil at local tip. YouTube for instructions.

    • inherentchoice on 22/05/2019 - 13:48

      You mentioned SCA but didn't mention they also do free oil disposal.

      Many local council tips also do free oil disposal for domestic quantities.

    • MementoMori on 23/05/2019 - 10:39

      Plus wheel ramps, plus thing to drain oil into, plus 2 hours on a Saturday (when you're learning you're slow at first), plus socket wrench to take off sump plug, plug oil filter wrench (maybe), etc etc.

  • trapper on 21/05/2019 - 13:38
    +2

    Any true ozbargainer would change their own oil

    • btst7000 on 21/05/2019 - 21:59

      gf aint on ozbargain mate

    • payless69 on 22/05/2019 - 14:43

      and waited for the oil to go on special!

  • DU99 on 21/05/2019 - 13:47

    DYI next time

    • johnno07 on 21/05/2019 - 14:16
      +1

      When Yoda does it himself.

  • lonewolf on 21/05/2019 - 14:19

    I got ripped off by Payless Tyres on Cosgrove Road in Greenacre / NSW. Multiple times sadly and i didnt even know it till i went to other mechanices and also the Dealer. Including being charged for pricey brakes and then getting used no name crap put on instead and ended up causing 2 accidents because my brakes didnt work properly.

  • idonotknowwhy on 21/05/2019 - 14:20
    +1

    This place?
    Time to Dr.Boom that shit!

  • OzBrogains on 21/05/2019 - 14:56
    +2

    WTF is a "workshop fee" anyway.

    That's like a Maccas charging a "kitchen fee" to my Big Mac.

    • JimB on 23/05/2019 - 15:36

      Don't forget the rubbish disposal fee of $15 either.

    • brad1-8tsi on 24/05/2019 - 08:28

      It covers rags, washer fluid, distilled water, brake fluid, general bibs'n'bobs. It's a standard workshop service charge and has been for as long as I've been associated with retail workhops (1982).

  • THICKnSLOW on 21/05/2019 - 16:07

    I think the best way to find a good workshop is like the hair-dressers / barber.

    If they greet you warmly every time, they show they enjoy their work and you think their prices are good, you're onto something good.

    My family mechanic used to be as above, but since he took on more employees and the prices gone up it has been a bad experience. Unhappy mechanics.

  • freddofrog42 on 21/05/2019 - 16:26
    +2

    The OP asked for a service and general inspection. NOT just an oil change. It seems that's what they got.

    Look at the invoice and you can clearly see a number of items were checked - this takes time, as does the prep, moving of cars around, paperwork etc.

    Sure, you can just do an oil change in your front yard but next time record the exact time it takes just to do that. That of course assumes you already have the filter, oil, new sump washer etc to hand. That takes time as well. Don't forget laying out the tools as well and the occasional replacement. Many garages will have someone just ordering parts, answering phones, writing invoices all day long. That's in small independent operation. You're paying for their time too.

    Oh, and the cleaning of premises, the audits, inspections and just general Business expenses. All of which mount up very quickly. Oh and the professional tools like alignment gear, professional data readers, and so on. Modern day garages are NOT cheap to kit out.

  • malich on 21/05/2019 - 17:04
    +1

    I'm in the minority here and believe she hasn't been ripped off.

    It seems like the company has positioned itself as a 'premium mechanic' - not your standard run of the mill K-mart T&A. In which case, $150 p/h is pretty cheap. Most dealers have a charge out rate of $200-$250p/h. FWIW - having seen the quality of work at some K-Mart type mechanics, I would never take my cars to them.

    If they have done the additional tests without them being requested, then you can probably be upset about it. But I'd bet on her booking it in for a service, rather than an oil change. In which case, they have jsut gone by the service handbook on what needed to be inspected.

    Anyway, lesson learnt. Always get a quote before you agree to any service.

  • kickling on 21/05/2019 - 17:36

    Oh well, you learn for next time. I serviced my 97 Civic for 10 or so years myself. Oil change is super easy and you don't need a hoist at all.

    Supercheap auto allow free disposal of old oil as well.

  • imurgod on 21/05/2019 - 18:36

    That's ridiculous. You can't let that slide.

    They're just ripping her off.

  • mini2 on 21/05/2019 - 19:54

    Bring it over to the south side, Techworkz. I supply all the consumables and usually walks out with a ~$150 bill including those frivolous workshop/oil disposal fee.

    • JimB on 23/05/2019 - 15:37

      Just wondering, what do you do with all the old oil?

      • gguu on 23/05/2019 - 17:59

        Any rubbish collection would take it for free

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