Why is engine oil sooo expensive?

jimgoose

About right that kind of job for a mid-size diesel these days, I should say. 190 Euro for oil - Jaysis, I wouldn't pay that for Jaguar ATF!

dieselbug

Sure arent all garage owners, mechanics millionaires when they reach their mid 30's. €60 - €100 per hr straight into the pocket and working all hours.
You cant trust any of them, charging for parts they dont fit, wiping off filters with a rag etc. Removing good parts and selling them to the next customer etc etc. (tounge firmly stuck in cheek)

Seriously, yes there is the odd cowboy but most just want to do a good job and give value for money. Build a good reputation and gain a loyal customer base. Unfortunately the customer dosent always see it this way and cant understand, for example why their engine oil may cost €60 -€80 when theres a 5l container down at the supermarket for €18.50. (suitable for a Ford Escort, maybe)

Communication on both sides is key to avoiding situations where someone may suspect they are being ripped off when in fact the garage is only trying to do the work properly and acting in everyones best interest. Ie be clear about what work needs to be done and an estimate of what it will cost. On the garage mechanics side, dont fit any extras without consulting the customer first and getting approval.

And last but not least, dont jump to conclusions without knowing the facts.

Sorry if this comes across as a rant, was'nt meant to.

bazz26

LordSutch wrote: »

Yep, thats it^

Rang the brother earlier, and he has confirmed that it was not just the oil (specialised) to be changed,
but that it was for all of the above + the labour, hence the €190. Still sounds expensive to me though.

I'm curious to know why you think it is expensive? Where are you comparing the price to? I'm no fan of getting a car serviced from these tyre centre chains but the price seems about right to me for what was done.

Mycroft H

bazz26 wrote: »

I'm curious to know why you think it is expensive? Where are you comparing the price to? I'm no fan of getting a car serviced from these tyre centre chains but the price seems about right to me for what was done.

It's kinda pricy alright. Got the C5 done at a local citroen specialist and it definitely wasn't 190 euro. I'll look for the receipt. Though, that's the price you pay for going to fast fit or similar place...


The oil and air filter was not more than 20 euros for the two as far as I remember. The air filter is only a tenner online anyways..

Matt Simis

LordSutch wrote: »

Says oil type 'specialist' on the FAST FIT receipt, but maybe that's their own oil catagory/catalogue type for a 1.6 HDi diesel engine?

Just realised you are talking about Fast Fit (:rolleyes:).. next time find a independent mechanic who doesnt hide the Oil used under made up "specialist" labels and offers better pricing (or at least explanation of pricing).

Mobil and Castrol might produce specialist Oils for certain jobs... your local Fast Fit, not so much. Its basic concealment.

SpannerMonkey

BX 19 wrote: »

The oil and air filter was not more than 20 euros for the two as far as I remember. The air filter is only a tenner online anyways..

so you got the oil for a tenner ? how old is the citroen ? you couldnt get enough synthetic oil for a lawnmower for 10 quid ? and fine thats the air filter did you change the oil filter at all ?

166man

SpannerMonkey wrote: »

so you got the oil for a tenner ? how old is the citroen ? you couldnt get enough synthetic oil for a lawnmower for 10 quid ? and fine thats the air filter did you change the oil filter at all ?

He got the oil filter and air filter for €20...;)


Did you read the post before jumping the gun?

SpannerMonkey

166man wrote: »

He got the oil filter and air filter for €20...;)


Did you read the post before jumping the gun?

he said oil and air filter i assumed he ment actual liquid oil apologies , thats a normal price so

Del2005

SpannerMonkey wrote: »

are you serious you think thats expensive for all that ???????

what is it about people these days that they want everything for nothing :rolleyes:

They see the ads for "full service from €99" and think that's the price of a service. Not knowing that it isn't a full service and only for a very few select cars that can use any old oil you want to throw into it.

It's not as if an oil and filter change is a magic art, most people can do it themselves if they don't mind getting a little bit of dirt on their clothes.

Mycroft H

Just checked the receipt there

130 euro all in for a C5 1.6hdi 110.

Including ACEA C2 5W-40 Fully Synth (40)
Oil/Air/Fuel filters (8.50 each for the Air/Oil and 36 euros for the fuel)
Labour 40

130 euros all in. Decent bit less than 190.

dieselbug

"Specialised oil" may be a reference to low ash spec for dpf.

holdmybeer

The Avensis 2011 Mobil oil on its own is €138 from a local motor factors, its not insane but you should shop around. The cheap stuff is €70 but remember oil is the blood of an engine. Cheap **** shortens the service life span.

Mycroft H

holdmybeer wrote: »

The Avensis 2011 Mobil oil on its own is €138 from a local motor factors, its not insane but you should shop around. The cheap stuff is €70 but remember oil is the blood of an engine. Cheap **** shortens the service life span.

Or else you're paying for a brand name like Castrol.....

corkgsxr

BX 19 wrote: »

Or else you're paying for a brand name like Castrol.....

Castrol is all I use its brilliant oil.

On silcoline my gsxr made 98.9 hp

Next time only diff was changed to castrol. 109.98 hp

jimgoose

holdmybeer wrote: »

The Avensis 2011 Mobil oil on its own is €138 from a local motor factors, its not insane but you should shop around. The cheap stuff is €70 but remember oil is the blood of an engine. Cheap **** shortens the service life span.

Right, I can't stands anymore - do enlighten us?

jimgoose

corkgsxr wrote: »

Castrol is all I use its brilliant oil.

On silcoline my gsxr made 98.9 hp

Next time only diff was changed to castrol. 109.98 hp

Same dyno, yeah??