Dealership Oil Change Price Too High

[MO Knight]

I just had my first oil change at the dealership where I bought my 2013 Sonata GLS. It was "free," but since I had it done with synthetic oil, I still had to pay a small fee for the difference.

Here's the thing, I learned that they charge $80 per full synthetic oil change. That seems awfully expensive.

They do offer to let people bring their own oil, and then they charge $16 for the service, plus $7 for the filter, so with taxes, it should be about $25. I went to Wal-mart the other day, and saw Valvoline, Mobile 1, and other brands of full synthetic oil. All were being sold for about $25.

That would make my oil changes in the future cost $50. How in the world can a dealership justify the additional $30 for a full oil change?

Do any of you have some perspective on this? Is this dealership highly unusual in charging this much, or is it more typical than I am assuming?

Also, as long as I bring them full synthetic, dexos-1 certified oil, then is there any downside to having them do the work for $30 less than a full change would cost?

[sngldad]

Its the same at oil change places, too. They probably dont order synthetics in bulk(i.e. 55 gallon drums) like they do with conventional oils. They probably have a limited quanity of syns on hand since 95% of customers use conventional.

[fatabbot]

They can justify the high price because many will gladly pay it. If you've never done your own changes, you wouldn't know the true cost differential.

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[Mikemu]

They all seem to get you good once you want synthetic. I'm sticking with Dino every 3-4k. $29.99 and free tire rotations at my independent shop.

[austex04]

Synthetic oil changes are a big markup item for oil change places. This is why I do my own oil changes. Buying 5qt jugs of M1 EP at Walmart for $27.50, and $5.89 for a genuine Hyundai oil filter and crush washer at the dealer is a great deal. I recycle the used oil for free at the autoparts store 8 blocks away. Car ramps makes diy oil changes very easy. The tire shop I bought my new tires from has free lifetime rotate and balance.

[seamsealer]

My dealer does them for $19.95+tax, because I bought it there.
When I had my Ford van, they would change the oil for free, just to keep you coming back. Of course while you are there, they look for repairs.

[MO Knight]

Interesting replies. Thanks, everyone.

Seamsealer, I am kinda jealous. :-)
Austex04, I may move that way once I get through with my warranty mileage.
Mikemu, I want to go with synthetic due to 7,500 mi. OCIs coupled with keeping my vehicle to 300K mi.
Fatabbot and Sngldad, this is surprising to me, but I guess it shouldn't be. Still, a $30 surcharge is kinda high.

All:

As long as the oil is dexos-1 certified, my guess is it doesn't matter what brand I buy and have them put in.

Once my book of 8 $25 coupons expires, though, which would put my mileage beyond 100K, I think I will end up either changing it myself or having a local shop do it. I will need to see what they charge when the time comes.

Thanks again. Lemme know if you see any problems with my plan, if you please.

[alan99]

My local Costco has Mobil 1 on sale until Dec. 2 for $10 off six pack.
Sale price is $26.99 for six qts.
I buy the Mobil 1 for my Corvette. I use regular oil in my SE.
I find it amusing that people using Mobil 1 are changing it at the same intervals as those using regular oil. Mobil 1 is good for one year, so lessens the need for oil changes and cuts costs.

[someguy]

I DIY my oil changes and watch the rebates and sales. Of my last 5 oil changes I have only spent about $40 on synthetic oil as a result. The last time I priced local shops a conventional oil change was $25-30 and synthetic was $55-75. In many cases shops will only keep bulk tanks of conventional oil and they buy synthetic in jugs or quarts. This creates inventory and storage issues etc and these costs get passed on with the cost of the oil change. Also they have a larger profit margin on this premium product.

[11SonataScott]

Originally Posted by alan99

My local Costco has Mobil 1 on sale until Dec. 2 for $10 off six pack.
Sale price is $26.99 for six qts.
I buy the Mobil 1 for my Corvette. I use regular oil in my SE.
I find it amusing that people using Mobil 1 are changing it at the same intervals as those using regular oil. Mobil 1 is good for one year, so lessens the need for oil changes and cuts costs.

Our 100K warranty does not allow for change intervals beyond 7,500 miles, no matter what oil we use.
Synthetic and dino prices continue to equalize. The few extra bucks is worth it to me. I drive my car hard, and use M1 EP 5W-30, OEM Hyundai filter, and have the dealership provide the labor about every other OC.