Different prices at different dealers?!!

Last time I had Carmine in for an oil and filter change, I was advised I need a new oil pan. Told them I'd wait (I wanted to check with you folks here). That thread, with pics of the oil pan in the initial post, are here: Do I "really" need these things done? | PriusChat

That was in March. Time for another oil and filter change, so I called 2 dealers: the one nearest me which is a huge operation, and across a state line in sales-tax-free New Hampshire; and the dealer I used in March (long story why I was at that shop, doesn't matter here) a smaller business (less than half the size in acreage) which moved in to a new location just 2 years ago. They are within 30 miles of one another.

So the nearest dealer will install new oil pan, gasket, plug, and of course new oil for $285; add a new oil filter as well, another 6, total $291.

The prior dealer . . . initially they told me they can't give a price for labor as they don't know what the vehicle is like, a bolt may break, yada yada, can only give me a price for the pan. I asked how it was they could give me a price in March, she said that is because they had the vehicle in front of them. I pushed, she spoke w/ supervisor, came back on the phone and said they will honor the price from March: $545. I didn't bother asking how much additional for the filter change at the same time.

I am absolutely shocked at the difference in price! Is this normal?? Just wondering if there is something that will be added on when they actually do the job. Something like: well a bolt broke, it took a lot more labor . . . .

 

OK then, I have one more call to make! Thank you.

 

Hi Bisco! Well, my concern is re the plug. Every time I go in for an oil change, I am told it is very difficult to do on this car. No one ever showed me a pic of the problem until last March. It has been like that at least 4 years, long enough for rust to start showing around the plug dent. I have gone over and over the earlier thread. I know many on here said just leave it. But it worries me, especially that they aren't able to properly drain it when I do get an oil change, due to that dent at the drain spot. So I suspect gunk is building up in there which shouldn't be, because of the dent. Is it critical? No, obviously, as I waited 7 months and thought about it. And someone mentioned (in the prior thread) that it could be an issue on windy roads and going up hills. I live at the top of a hill; every time I go out, the trip home is up hill. Three times a week I do the hills as shown in the attachment, home being the point on the left, I go past the point on the right to do errands, then return home. I'm not sure if that is what he meant, or if he was referring more to mountain drives.

I am also concerned that, this is an original part; replacing is never the same. AND . . . What if they don't seal it right and the whole thing drops off on my drive home? ( Years ago when I had an oil change on a Honda Civic, the dealership mechanic didn't close something properly, I never got home that day, at least, not in MY car. )

@Mendel Leisk thanks for that info. If I stay with the appt at the dealership, I 'shouldn't' need it. If I decide to go to the independent mechanic, I will print it out. Though I think they get all that when they sort out the pricing and call me back.

Hmm, but apparently, if "even pat wong thinks it is ok" I shouldn't bother with it. LOL I could worry about this twice a year for the next 5 years, I suppose. I've decided to get it done with this oil and filter change (which is over a month past due, but mileage wise is not due yet).

 

Answer to item 1: I hit things. Lots of things. I used to hit them more when I lived in RI. Since moving to MA 4 years ago, I don't find as many interesting things to hit. I also used to get flat tires regularly, when I lived in RI. The tire place use to say I picked up enough screws, nails, and assorted other metal items to build an entire RI transportation bus! Been in MA 4 years, and not had one flat tire. It was the city life that caused all these issues, I guess!

Item 2: unlikely

3 ok.

4. Here we go again. Do I or don't I get this done? I wonder if I can keep the appt I have and wait till I walk in, then say, Oh never mind, just do the oil and filter change.

 

Yes, that is correct.