Ok, so today I went to Jiffy Lube to have my oil changed, and they told me I needed a new cabin filter.
I don't know anything about cars, and they made it sound like this "cabin filter" was a specialty item, that I needed right away. They made it sound like getting it there was the only option, and they charged me $59.99.
When I got home, I called the auto parts store, and it turns out that the filtler is only 15.99!! What the hell? That's about 4x the amount!! HOW COULD THEY??
I don't get how they could rip me off so bad...
I just don't understand.
Is this normal, for them to charge you $60 for a $15 part?
Help...
(P.S. - this is the only section that has people going through it still... never get answers in the others, so ty for helping.)
2007-09-26 18:48:04 · 15 answers · asked by Just a Girl ♥ 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Singles & Dating
What I don't understand, is that they charged me SEPERATE for the labor...
They're acting as if the part itself is really that much, which is a blatant lie.
2007-09-26 18:57:49 · update #1
Did they at least show you the filter first before replacing it?
You paid for the "convenience" of getting it from them, so they bought it from the same parts place you would go to, and they "expertly" installed it, and they got a sizeable markup for the part and a labor charge for that little ditty. It is what the market will bear.
Now that you know, you just ask to see it in the future, and if it does need replacing, you tell them that you already have one at home and you will have your husband/dad to put it in.
I suggest you learn more about maintaining your car. Perhaps join a Meetup.com group.
2007-09-26 18:57:52 · answer #1 · answered by revsuzanne 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did That include the oil change? I'd call Jiffy lube and ask for a quote for an oil change and filter with a friend on the phone, notepad in hand, with both of you writing down the price quoted. Have your friend tell them your make and model of car, listen in on the conversation on an extention. It would be better if your friend was a male. Make sure they quote the price , sales tax and all, as you pretend you must bring just the right amount of cash to pay the bill. If they quote the same price you paid that's what they charge, otherwise complain to the supervisor of Jiffy Lube, or the company itself to get your excess cash back!
2007-09-26 19:15:03 · answer #2 · answered by V B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no matter who u are (unless ur a 6 foot 3 buff guy) the auto mechanics will ALWAYS try to rip u off some way or another. Either requesting things u dont really need but ound cool or overcharging. The best option is get only what u actually went for but keep note of what they tell u u "need". if ur car got their fine its almost guaranteed it wont blow up in the few hours/days while u do ur research.
2007-09-26 18:57:56 · answer #3 · answered by Danny G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it is normal that is how they get there money, best buy does it daily its just no one notices or has the resources to find out but my example, best buy charges $100+ for an amp installation kit but yet if you were to order the same kit directly from the manufacturer that kit would only cost $20, accessories and upselling is how these places make their money not from routine services or single main sales like a basic $19.99 oil change..they make nothing off of that the labor and oil is more then $20.
2007-09-26 18:54:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go back tomorrow. Ask for the manager ask for a complete refund or you are calling your local news station to tell them. That is a complete rip off.
Dont let them con you into thinking that was ok! Tell them you will also contact there corporate office to inform them of the bad repuation they are giving the jiffy lube name
2007-09-26 18:57:59 · answer #5 · answered by qtpie0122 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is how automobile garages make their money. They increase the price of the items they sell.
If you can....buy your own oil and filter and change it yourself. You save lots of money and it is not difficult. Your car manual should give directions.
And if you bought a "Cabin Filter" you really got ripped off.
There is no Cabin Filter in a car.
2007-09-26 18:56:32 · answer #6 · answered by sasha1641 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having no idea, really, my assumption would be that the $59.99 was the cost for part & labor (for which there's usually a minimum.) I'm a tradesman and my prices are very often parts & labor inclusive. Call them and ask
2007-09-26 18:59:10 · answer #7 · answered by trab421 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They saw you coming from a long ways away. It was wrong of them to take your ignorance of cars to their advantage by making you think you needed a new filter and only they could replace it.
The cabin air filter is like the air filter in your air conditioner. It does not really improve the performance of engine, but helps keep the air inside, where you are, clean.
2007-09-26 18:54:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I hate to tell you this, but it is normal. Especially if it's a female customer. Most women don't know about cars, so the auto places tend to try to screw us over. I actually do know some things about cars, so when they start telling me outright lies, I question them, and you should see the looks on their faces when they realize I know what I'm talking about. Either you have to start learning about cars, or you need to have a guy go with you and let him do the talking. Sorry.
2007-09-26 18:59:57 · answer #9 · answered by dark bubble 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Their labor is outragous!!! Next time just check out other places before you just authorize a repair. You would be surprised, even with the rate of doctors!!! I never just have something done. I check out the rates and talk to everyone I know before I have anything done anymore. The quality and prices of everything can vary tremendously!!
2007-09-26 18:58:51 · answer #10 · answered by PEGGY S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋