Oil Change at dealership
 

Hey guys just a quick question if anyone has run into this. When I purchased my Z in Feb I got some type of maintenance deal with it. For 45k miles they take care of all my service for free. Everything has been going great taking it to them, when I get my slip back at the end it always says they put in the 09 370z/altima ester oil.

This time I did not get the same slip as usual because I brought it in late Saturday, they just gave me kind of a checklist of everything they did. Anyway on to the question, the car oil temp has been sticking around 220 majority of the time when driving around here in the Mississippi heat. Yesterday I took it home and the temp never went above around 180. I even hit the interstate and took the long way home an extra 8 or so miles out of the way (prolly 25 miles in total). Any idea why the sudden drop in oil temps?

-William

A different oil was used, or perhaps the old oil had a lot of micro-particles in it. With the oil change they were removed, or perhaps they lied and the last oil change was not really done! ;)

How many miles in your car?

Just passed the 10k marker

-William

I stay away from dealers and only go to them if I have an issue under warranty.Not saying all are bad but the majority all they want to do is get in your pocket.Do we really know if they do any of the maintenance they are supposed to and other work that they charge you for?
If you are a woman and the old folks they really try and take advantage.No offense to any women but some don't know and they rip them off something terrible.
To many stories and bad experiences over the years so I stay clear of them.

Before leaving the dealer pull the stick and look to see if the oil has transparency. That'll tell right away if the dealer actually changed the oil or not. If it is new oil it will have a high grade of clearness to it.

I am a guy, 26 years old. As for getting what I paid for, since I paid at the time of purchase and all the maintenance is free for 45,000 miles I guess I am. Are they doing everything they are supposed to, that's a good question. I guess I need to pull out my manual and see what they should be doing at certain miles. I will go check my oil now and see if there is any transparency. I haven't driven anywhere since I brought the car home yesterday.

-William

Where in MS are you located?
And I agree with ZKindaGuy. Just check the oil right after you leave the dealership. Should be pretty obvious if it got changed or not.

What zkindaguy said. :)

Btw, how much did you pay for this 45K mile service deal? Gotta be a rip-off, I would imagine.

Honestly I want to say it was only $800, the sales guy told me the oil changes would be $140+ so it sounded like a no brainer at the time.

Speedoflife: I'm in the Jackson, MS area.. I live in Brandon though.

-William

My dealer offers free oil changes for life as a part of every deal he does. Not that I will be taking advantage of it, or paid extra for it (VPP deal). It's just an added value service, but you can bet he's not using $12 qt Nissan Esther oil!

Modshack- maybe you can get a free supply of oil filters and crush washers then? :D hahahaha

Wow, $140 oil change... I thought Z folks were more hands-on types. This explains why so many people here love AT's. ;)

I have been working on cars for the last 10 years or so, not as work just as a hobby. When I purchased the Z though I figured if I go to the dealer for every type of service if something happens to the car it would have to be their fault and covered. Since this is the first year of the 370 I figured there would definitely be some type of problem down the line.

Not to mention 45,000 miles = 15 oil changes
4qts at $12 each = $48 per oil change
$48 x 15 changes = $720

I figured I was saving money.

-William

Oil changes at reputable dealerships generally range from $80-90 with ester oil. My guess is you didn't get ester oil because only about 1 person working in a garage at a typical dealership knows much about cars. If you want to take care of your car, you must take matters into your own hands. Every time you are there, tell them that you want ester oil.

I believe this ester oil is a big over blown nothing.They obviously use it from the factory for break in and along the line they catch a few fish to continue using it at a ridiculous price.Just another Nissan gimmick!
Majority are probably using a good oil with frequent changes and have no problems as any other ordinary car on the market.So just use good common sense and judgement when sevicing your Z and enjoy the car.

While I agree, I doubt seriously that the clerk at the counter would known to mark on my receipt that they used the ester oil (I'm assuming that is what it means when it say 09 370z/09 altima oil only) without the tech telling her. I guess the tech could be lying about what type of oil he's putting in, but I don't see where it benefits him to do so.

All in all I know jack about how dealerships work so there is a much higher chance you guys are right than me, I'm just trying to understand the mindset it would take to do something like that. Hell at this dealership even the guy who sold me the car knew it took what he called "special oil" and this was back in February right after the cars came out. Does it do any good to speak with the service manager about what they are doing to your car? Or is he just the chief liar in charge of his lackeys?

-William

We have a HUGE window in our waiting room that looks right into our shop where they work on your vehicle. Enjoy your free cup of Starbucks while you watch them service your car. Have a question? We'll have the tech come out and talk to you in person!

Scott

Haha sorry Scott that wasn't directed at you at all. In fact that's what I was saying earlier about the local dealership I've been using is that the service has been great so far (other than getting ripped at initial purchase, although that's my fault not his), but these guys are saying not to trust dealerships for service. If it's true, I'd like to know why and I need to start doing it myself.

Anyone know a good test to see if the dealership is doing what they are supposed to?

-William

There are people that complained with oil getting too hot as well as loosing a lot of oil. I must say I haven't had either issue with my car using ester oil. While it may be a gimmick, if you have either of the problems I recommend you try it.

I think you're making a leap to assume that comment means they used Esther oil. It just might have meant "Use the 5w30 barrel"....

I would also not assume they're going to change your oil every 3000 miles unless it's spelled out in the agreement you bought. Regular changes are every 3750 or 7500 under schedule 2 maintenance.

$140/6 = $23....About the going rate at fast oil change outfits.

[QUOTE=awesomez;206971]There are people that complained with oil getting too hot as well as loosing a lot of oil. I must say I haven't had either issue with my car using ester oil. While it may be a gimmick, if you have either of the problems I recommend you try it.[/QUOT

My first oil and filter change was at 2800 miles.I then used Mobil 1 and now have 4100 miles.The mark on the dipstick is right where it was when I filled it at the change.I made sure it was filled to the top mark and still there.
As to using oil from when I got the car I have no idea as to how high on the dipstick they filled at the factory?I do know from when I got it it didn't use any oil to the 2800 miles.
So I'am real happy with no oil consumtion so far.As for the engine noise some have talked about I have never had any from day one.Before the change or now!
The oil temps were never a problem for me.I've driven the car 80 mph on the freeway for over 45 minutes and outside temps were 91 degree's and very humid and never over 220.So as I said I'am very satisfied with the car in that respect.
I'am sure if the car was at the track it would require a cooler at that point.Don't track the car so no issues.

I took it in at 1800 for my first change (people said I should after break in) and they changed it, Brought it in again at 4500, then again at 7500 and finally at 10,600 (was a little late here), so far every service has been completely free. You are right about assuming the comment means Ester oil, but I will go by the dealership and ask them about it and let you guys know. Would it be best to ask the service manager or just walk up to the counter and ask the lady to look at my service record and tell me what was used?

For my own sake I hope that I'm right and they are doing the right thing, while I'm sure no one ever wants to be wrong, I really hope you are and not me this go around haha :tiphat:

-William

Sounds like the frequency thing is working out anyway.....usually work orders are very specific regarding parts used...It's part of the parts dept. accounting procedure....Good luck!

Thanks, I'll swing by tomorrow after work and let you know.

-William