Thumper
03-30-2022, 12:57 PM
Last year, I bought a little Nissan Versa to pull behind my motorhome. Heck, the things have an MSRP of under $15,000 NEW, so I didn't expect much, but it was just for transportation when we're camping. It really surprised both of us as we really like the thing and usually just hop in it to run errands, etc. Yes, it's basic transportation and we have the Highlander if we need more space with much more luxury.
Anyway, I've had it almost a year but have only logged 4000 miles on it so far. Earlier this week, I received a coupon in the mail from our local Nissan dealer, for a $9.95 oil & filter change. I figured why not? To make it even better, the dealer is probably less than 5-minutes from the house. I took it in and handed the advisor my coupon, then he gave it back to me and said it's not needed since the $9.95 is their standard charge anyway (synthetic blend). I was then informed there was a recall on the car and offered me a ride home if I wanted it and they'd pick me up when the car is ready. I told him it was no big deal and I'd wait. I proceeded to the waiting room where they had a nice lounge with a TV, free coffee, free snacks (like chips, etc) and a small fridge full of free bottled water. Throw in the free wifi and it was a fairly pleasant experience. I could see the car while it was in the shop and saw that the mechanic did a good job of checking everything over, changed the oil and filter, topped off the fluids, checked and adjusted air pressures, measured tread depth as well as brake pad wear, etc. etc. etc. A pretty thorough check for $9.95! He also took care of the recall. Evidently there was an issue with substandard turn-signal bulbs, so they changed the bulbs. The advisor reviewed the invoice with me, there was no attempt at any sort of upsell and I proceeded to the cashier to pay my bill.
Ok, now is when I was really floored! With a $9.95 oil change, I expect to have them tack on shop supplies, disposal fees, taxes, etc. etc. etc. and suddenly the $9.95 is doubled once all the fluff is added in. Nope, BOTTOM LINE ... $9.95 out the door! The real kicker? As I was standing at the cashier's counter to pay my bill, I noticed a large sign on the counter that was an apology to all customers because as of February, they had raised their price for an oil change from $6.00 to $9.95! $6.00???? WTF? Heck, I didn't even buy my car from them.
Anyway, I've had it almost a year but have only logged 4000 miles on it so far. Earlier this week, I received a coupon in the mail from our local Nissan dealer, for a $9.95 oil & filter change. I figured why not? To make it even better, the dealer is probably less than 5-minutes from the house. I took it in and handed the advisor my coupon, then he gave it back to me and said it's not needed since the $9.95 is their standard charge anyway (synthetic blend). I was then informed there was a recall on the car and offered me a ride home if I wanted it and they'd pick me up when the car is ready. I told him it was no big deal and I'd wait. I proceeded to the waiting room where they had a nice lounge with a TV, free coffee, free snacks (like chips, etc) and a small fridge full of free bottled water. Throw in the free wifi and it was a fairly pleasant experience. I could see the car while it was in the shop and saw that the mechanic did a good job of checking everything over, changed the oil and filter, topped off the fluids, checked and adjusted air pressures, measured tread depth as well as brake pad wear, etc. etc. etc. A pretty thorough check for $9.95! He also took care of the recall. Evidently there was an issue with substandard turn-signal bulbs, so they changed the bulbs. The advisor reviewed the invoice with me, there was no attempt at any sort of upsell and I proceeded to the cashier to pay my bill.
Ok, now is when I was really floored! With a $9.95 oil change, I expect to have them tack on shop supplies, disposal fees, taxes, etc. etc. etc. and suddenly the $9.95 is doubled once all the fluff is added in. Nope, BOTTOM LINE ... $9.95 out the door! The real kicker? As I was standing at the cashier's counter to pay my bill, I noticed a large sign on the counter that was an apology to all customers because as of February, they had raised their price for an oil change from $6.00 to $9.95! $6.00???? WTF? Heck, I didn't even buy my car from them.