putting money into an old car (1 Viewer)

[dancer]

I know little about cars. My father bought a used car a year ago from someone he trusted (a cousin, who told him good condition), paid whatever the blue book value was for this 2001 Isuzu Trooper with 125000 miles (paid something like $2500).

A few months ago the brakes stopped working entirely, replaced them for $600.

Battery died, bought new one for whatever that costs.

Now transmission is totally messed up, will cost 2200 to fix.

Dilemma is, does it make sense to pay 2200 to fix this, or instead spend 2200 (or more) on a different used car?

On one hand, it seems crazy to pay 2200 to fix a car when the car's value isn't much different than that.

On the other hand, if he fixes this (assuming done properly) he then has a car that he knows has a good transmission, good brakes, good battery...is that going to be more reliable than going out and starting all over again with something that might end up with more problems? What more can go wrong? Better the devil you know?

Father on a limited budget - buying new car is not an option. Neither is suing the cousin or getting him to pay for anything.

 

[Statcruncher]

The problem with putting money into a used car is that you can't identify the "wasting money" point until it's too late. If it's been taken care of and properly maintained he may go the next 100,000 miles with nothing more than routine maintenance. However if it was abused/neglected he may have already spent too much as there could be endless repair bills in the future.

And by the way, batteries are routine maintenance just like wiper blades, tires, bulbs, and oil changes.

 

[Joe Summer]

Putting money into the bank seems like a safer plan to me.

 

[dancer]

Putting money into the bank seems like a safer plan to me.

I guess that would mean then using that bank account to pay for taxis any time he needs to go to the store or anywhere else? I think that bank account would go down to zero pretty quickly, then he would have no money and no car...

 

[Cjw_55106]

Lol at the thought of suing anyone. Brakes and batteries need to be replaced from time to time.

 

[captain_amazing]

Don't pay for the transmission. They can only be rebuilt so well. Get a new used care from a more reliable manufacturer, even if it's a bit older a costs a little more. Also, even before the issues, I feel like he was taken at that age for that kind of care, if it was recently purchased.

Also, who told him the transmission is screwed? What exactly is wrong? I'm assuming $600 for brakes had to do with a bad line or a bad cylinder, otherwise he got swindled there too.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Don't pay for the transmission. They can only be rebuilt so well. Get a new used care from a more reliable manufacturer, even if it's a bit older a costs a little more. Also, even before the issues, I feel like he was taken at that age for that kind of care, if it was recently purchased.

Also, who told him the transmission is screwed? What exactly is wrong? I'm assuming $600 for brakes had to do with a bad line or a bad cylinder, otherwise he got swindled there too.

Prob needed new rotors too

 

[ROCKET]

Don't pay for the transmission. They can only be rebuilt so well. Get a new used care from a more reliable manufacturer, even if it's a bit older a costs a little more. Also, even before the issues, I feel like he was taken at that age for that kind of care, if it was recently purchased.

Also, who told him the transmission is screwed? What exactly is wrong? I'm assuming $600 for brakes had to do with a bad line or a bad cylinder, otherwise he got swindled there too.

Prob needed new rotors too

Even with rotors $600 is a rip off

 

[chet]

Sell the '01 for parts and buy something else.

 

[Ignoramus]

What can you get in a replacement for $2200? Can you guarantee a newer, trouble-free vehicle for the same money? Doubtful. "The devil you know" and all that.

Also, get a second opinion on the transmission and look at both rebuilding as well as replacing with a rebuilt.

 

[Cjw_55106]

Don't pay for the transmission. They can only be rebuilt so well. Get a new used care from a more reliable manufacturer, even if it's a bit older a costs a little more. Also, even before the issues, I feel like he was taken at that age for that kind of care, if it was recently purchased.

Also, who told him the transmission is screwed? What exactly is wrong? I'm assuming $600 for brakes had to do with a bad line or a bad cylinder, otherwise he got swindled there too.

Prob needed new rotors too

Even with rotors $600 is a rip off

If you don't do them yourself, 600 is in the ballpark.

 

[Johnny Rock]

May I ask how old your dad is? Just seems like these are lessons he would be teaching his son, not the other way around.

 

[ROCKET]

Don't pay for the transmission. They can only be rebuilt so well. Get a new used care from a more reliable manufacturer, even if it's a bit older a costs a little more. Also, even before the issues, I feel like he was taken at that age for that kind of care, if it was recently purchased.

Also, who told him the transmission is screwed? What exactly is wrong? I'm assuming $600 for brakes had to do with a bad line or a bad cylinder, otherwise he got swindled there too.

Prob needed new rotors too

Even with rotors $600 is a rip off

If you don't do them yourself, 600 is in the ballpark.

I had mine done on my 2000 GMC truck for $350, $600 is ridiculous

 

[fantasycurse42]

I was curious, I looked online (which is prob cheaper than an older man got)... Found pads for like $90 (x2) & rotors for $70 (x2).

$320 in parts, he prob paid $400 and two hours of labor.

 

[captain_amazing]

What can you get in a replacement for $2200? Can you guarantee a newer, trouble-free vehicle for the same money? Doubtful. "The devil you know" and all that.

Also, get a second opinion on the transmission and look at both rebuilding as well as replacing with a rebuilt.

You can certainly get a more reliable vehicle for less than $2200. Just need to look at the right places, barter for a good deal, and get an inspection from a trusted shop before buying. Sure, it will still have issues and probably 190k on it and might be showing signed of rust, but it's certainly doable.

 

[cstu]

Sell the '01 for parts and buy something else.

Correct answer.

Do not put $2200 into an old Isuzu. Next thing you know the engine will blow.

 

[wilked]

His first mistake was buying an old Isuzu. Replacing the tranny would be a worse one tho

 

[top dog]

Having spent many years being broke and having to maintain some old junkers I know this scenario too well.

On any vehicle that is old with high miles you throw money into it. I'd sell the car as is for as much as I could get. Probably could scrap for $300 - $400 depending on your area and current scrap values. Should be able to sell it on Craigslist for a little more.

Put the $2100 into a different ride. I had to put a transmission into a 2001 Ford Windstar a few years back. Bought a junk yard trans for $700 and spent 4 days in the father in laws garage pulling the old one and putting the new one in. Sucked. Was able to then sell the Van for at least $1200 more than I would have got with a bad trans.

Don't blame the cousin. #### happens on old cars. Brakes, batteries, belts, power steering pumps, alternators, etc just start going bad after time. Never know when a transmission or motor will go either. It's way cheaper to maintain an old car than a car payment. Until something major goes. You just have to figure that into the equation when going to cheap beater approach.

 

[gianmarco]

Replacing the tranny would be a worse one tho

Yep. Just ask AZ Ron.

 

[Ignoramus]

Don't pay for the transmission. They can only be rebuilt so well. Get a new used care from a more reliable manufacturer, even if it's a bit older a costs a little more. Also, even before the issues, I feel like he was taken at that age for that kind of care, if it was recently purchased.

Also, who told him the transmission is screwed? What exactly is wrong? I'm assuming $600 for brakes had to do with a bad line or a bad cylinder, otherwise he got swindled there too.

Prob needed new rotors too

Even with rotors $600 is a rip off

If you don't do them yourself, 600 is in the ballpark.

I had mine done on my 2000 GMC truck for $350, $600 is ridiculous

What did you have done to them?What did the OP's father have done to his?

 

[Rogi]

Been there too. For me, once a car is paid off most repair costs are justifiable. On our last vehicle the tranny went bad and the cost to repair was more than the car so I traded in. Sometimes I wonder if it would have been better to pay for the transmission instead of taking on a car payment.

Edmunds is a good website if you're looking for another

 

[shadyridr]

I had all four of my brakes done and rotors replaced and it was around $600 also.

 

[Dentist]

I had all four of my brakes done and rotors replaced and it was around $600 also.

I had my brakes done and they also needed new calipers and everything. It was double that.

 

[Cjw_55106]

I had all four of my brakes done and rotors replaced and it was around $600 also.

I had my brakes done and they also needed new calipers and everything. It was double that.

Sounds like you guys need to hook up with Rocket's guy, because apparently, you got screwed.

 

[Dentist]

I had all four of my brakes done and rotors replaced and it was around $600 also.

I had my brakes done and they also needed new calipers and everything. It was double that.

Sounds like you guys need to hook up with Rocket's guy, because apparently, you got screwed.

guess i did.. who knew

Furthermore I had my wife's brakes done (just the front ones) and that was like $400 or $500.. and i'm not even sure that was a total replacement

 

[Johnny Rock]

I know this thread isn't about brakes but those of you paying through the nose should try replacing them yourself. Pretty easy to learn on YouTube nowadays. Rewarding too.

 

[Dentist]

I know this thread isn't about brakes but those of you paying through the nose should try replacing them yourself. Pretty easy to learn on YouTube nowadays. Rewarding too.

I have done a decent amount of work to my car, changed a fan motor, headlights, air filters, batteries, windshield wipers, etc.

But I watched the youtube video on the brakes and decided my time would be better spent fixing some more teeth and paying for the job to get done. Feel the same way about oil changes. Just -EV compared to my hourly rate.

 

[jamil]

I know this thread isn't about brakes but those of you paying through the nose should try replacing them yourself. Pretty easy to learn on YouTube nowadays. Rewarding too.

I have done a decent amount of work to my car, changed a fan motor, headlights, air filters, batteries, windshield wipers, etc.

But I watched the youtube video on the brakes and decided my time would be better spent fixing some more teeth and paying for the job to get done. Feel the same way about oil changes. Just -EV compared to my hourly rate.

But an oil change is literally just draining the oil, go back in the house while it drains then putting new oil in.

 

[Dentist]

I know this thread isn't about brakes but those of you paying through the nose should try replacing them yourself. Pretty easy to learn on YouTube nowadays. Rewarding too.

I have done a decent amount of work to my car, changed a fan motor, headlights, air filters, batteries, windshield wipers, etc.

But I watched the youtube video on the brakes and decided my time would be better spent fixing some more teeth and paying for the job to get done. Feel the same way about oil changes. Just -EV compared to my hourly rate.

But an oil change is literally just draining the oil, go back in the house while it drains then putting new oil in.

This is true. it's not difficult.. but it's a whole thing... gotta have the filter, gotta find a place to take the old oil, have to have the oil on hand, have to have something to drain it in, have to jack the car up, it's a mess... sucks.

 

[NFL-ons]

IMO, there are certain things to throw money away on. 10% of a new car's purchase price is not worth the thrill of driving it off the lot for me. So, my car buying philosophy was to purchase a car (read finance) 2 years old with around 24k miles, usually one just off lease. I would then drive it until the warranty was up, trade it and start again.

My personal opinion on debt shifted after starting a family, I decided that a car payment was something I no longer wanted to make. Broke even selling the financed cars and purchased 2 older model vehicles for cash. Bought them on craigslist. When I went and looked, I made sure there was no rust, then I had my mechanic buddy check them out.

There are certain things that just need to be repaired/replaced on an older vehicle tires, brakes, ball joints, shocks, etc and there are others that just break like ac systems, shifting mechanisms, washer systems. Now not making a car payment is great at the beginning of the month but getting hit with those $800, $600 ... car fixes blows. Add em up and divide by 12, it ends up being around $200/mo.

You should be able to get around $1500 selling the Isuzu. You have the $2200 for the tranny. My local credit union is lending for less than 3% for 60 months, $5k would b around $90/month. I know you said there is a fixed/limited income issue, but the old man could make that walking the neighbor's dog every month. I would take all that and buy a good car for around $10k which should b about $14k dealer value.

 

[NFL-ons]

I had all four of my brakes done and rotors replaced and it was around $600 also.

I had my brakes done and they also needed new calipers and everything. It was double that.

Haha. Remember it was like my 2nd or 3rd jalopy as a young man when I had my first brake issue. I don't know crap about cars, so I take it to the shop with the most face time, Meineke. Gets done and they hit me with that $1200 bill. I'm like wtf but they know what they are doing. I remembered one of the things they look at (replace) is the calipers which they said were "frozen". Couple months later I'm hanging with my gearhead buddy and tell him the story. He starts laughing and tells me that basically all calipers are "frozen" when repairs are being made.

'You can eat a chicken once, or eat its eggs for the rest of its life.'

 

[Bull Dozier]

What can you get in a replacement for $2200? Can you guarantee a newer, trouble-free vehicle for the same money? Doubtful. "The devil you know" and all that.

Also, get a second opinion on the transmission and look at both rebuilding as well as replacing with a rebuilt.

You can certainly get a more reliable vehicle for less than $2200. Just need to look at the right places, barter for a good deal, and get an inspection from a trusted shop before buying. Sure, it will still have issues and probably 190k on it and might be showing signed of rust, but it's certainly doable.

I've got an old Camry I'll let go for $2200. Only 165k.

 

[cstu]

I know this thread isn't about brakes but those of you paying through the nose should try replacing them yourself. Pretty easy to learn on YouTube nowadays. Rewarding too.

I have done a decent amount of work to my car, changed a fan motor, headlights, air filters, batteries, windshield wipers, etc.

But I watched the youtube video on the brakes and decided my time would be better spent fixing some more teeth and paying for the job to get done. Feel the same way about oil changes. Just -EV compared to my hourly rate.

But an oil change is literally just draining the oil, go back in the house while it drains then putting new oil in.

This is true. it's not difficult.. but it's a whole thing... gotta have the filter, gotta find a place to take the old oil, have to have the oil on hand, have to have something to drain it in, have to jack the car up, it's a mess... sucks.

I have a place I bring my own oil (Mobil 1 Extended Performance) to and they do it for $25 while I grab lunch. Takes about 8 quarts (~$50) so for about $75 I get an oil chance with some of the best oil you can buy that is good for up to 15k miles (I change it in half that).

 

[Cjw_55106]

I know this thread isn't about brakes but those of you paying through the nose should try replacing them yourself. Pretty easy to learn on YouTube nowadays. Rewarding too.

I have done a decent amount of work to my car, changed a fan motor, headlights, air filters, batteries, windshield wipers, etc.

But I watched the youtube video on the brakes and decided my time would be better spent fixing some more teeth and paying for the job to get done. Feel the same way about oil changes. Just -EV compared to my hourly rate.

But an oil change is literally just draining the oil, go back in the house while it drains then putting new oil in.

This is true. it's not difficult.. but it's a whole thing... gotta have the filter, gotta find a place to take the old oil, have to have the oil on hand, have to have something to drain it in, have to jack the car up, it's a mess... sucks.

I have a place I bring my own oil (Mobil 1 Extended Performance) to and they do it for $25 while I grab lunch. Takes about 8 quarts (~$50) so for about $75 I get an oil chance with some of the best oil you can buy that is good for up to 15k miles (I change it in half that).

Is this a bargain of some sort?

 

[cstu]

I know this thread isn't about brakes but those of you paying through the nose should try replacing them yourself. Pretty easy to learn on YouTube nowadays. Rewarding too.

I have done a decent amount of work to my car, changed a fan motor, headlights, air filters, batteries, windshield wipers, etc.

But I watched the youtube video on the brakes and decided my time would be better spent fixing some more teeth and paying for the job to get done. Feel the same way about oil changes. Just -EV compared to my hourly rate.

But an oil change is literally just draining the oil, go back in the house while it drains then putting new oil in.

This is true. it's not difficult.. but it's a whole thing... gotta have the filter, gotta find a place to take the old oil, have to have the oil on hand, have to have something to drain it in, have to jack the car up, it's a mess... sucks.

I have a place I bring my own oil (Mobil 1 Extended Performance) to and they do it for $25 while I grab lunch. Takes about 8 quarts (~$50) so for about $75 I get an oil chance with some of the best oil you can buy that is good for up to 15k miles (I change it in half that).

Is this a bargain of some sort?

Wouldn't say bargain but you aren't getting it at Jiffy Lube for that price - and you do they are probably breaking something else while you're there.

 

[Johnny Rock]

I have a 1986 Ford 2WD pickup with a topper I'll let go for $2,200. Under 100,000 miles.

 

[glock]

I know little about cars. My father bought a used car a year ago from someone he trusted (a cousin, who told him good condition), paid whatever the blue book value was for this 2001 Isuzu Trooper with 125000 miles (paid something like $2500).

A few months ago the brakes stopped working entirely, replaced them for $600.

Battery died, bought new one for whatever that costs.

Now transmission is totally messed up, will cost 2200 to fix.

Dilemma is, does it make sense to pay 2200 to fix this, or instead spend 2200 (or more) on a different used car?

On one hand, it seems crazy to pay 2200 to fix a car when the car's value isn't much different than that.

On the other hand, if he fixes this (assuming done properly) he then has a car that he knows has a good transmission, good brakes, good battery...is that going to be more reliable than going out and starting all over again with something that might end up with more problems? What more can go wrong? Better the devil you know?

Father on a limited budget - buying new car is not an option. Neither is suing the cousin or getting him to pay for anything.

Where are you? That has a BIG bearing on the finances involved here.

Still have a 2000 Isuzu Trooper that I picked up for $13K with 32K miles on it back in '03. Isuzu America was on the way out and you couldn't sniff any of the other comparable full sized SUV's for almost double that. I've put 150K+ miles on it and it has been all I wanted and more. That being said, parts have been expensive the last few years because they are harder to come by. The "last" straw for me was the tranny going a year ago. Since I had no immediate path to another vehicle, I had it repaired, figuring I could at least recoup that expense when selling it after I found something else. I picked up a mint Jeep Liberty for $14K with only 12K miles on it, but have held onto the Trooper as a winter ride because it will still go through/over anything. And my wife drives a skateboard Scion.

It's hard to know when to let go, and $2200 buys you nothing up here in my neck of the woods.

 

[captain_amazing]

Find your father a nice used Peugeot.

You can thank me later.

 

[belljr]

I was curious, I looked online (which is prob cheaper than an older man got)... Found pads for like $90 (x2) & rotors for $70 (x2).

$320 in parts, he prob paid $400 and two hours of labor.

If the brakes stopped working it could have been new calipers, plus other crap. I would say he got ripped off until we know what the actual break work was

 

[SWC]

Putting money into the bank seems like a safer plan to me.

you are gd right about that one big buddy take that to the bank bromigo

 

[SWC]

ok so listen you are in my wheelhouse here because i am probably the one guy on fbg who does not make a billion million a year and whose lady is not kate upton or whatever but hey here is the thing a used car is ok if it is honestly just nickling and diming you and by that i mean maybe one time in six months you put on brakes for a hondo and a half and then maybe half a year later you gotta put in an alternator or water pump or something for three hondo that is ok because hey if you break it down you own the sucker it gets you a to b and that is only like fifty bucks a month if you figure it what kills the thing is if something major goes like a head gasket or rings or tranny or the rear seal you name it anything that is more than ten percent of the value of the pos or whatever then you dump it and move on take that to the bank brohans

 

[jamil]

I know this thread isn't about brakes but those of you paying through the nose should try replacing them yourself. Pretty easy to learn on YouTube nowadays. Rewarding too.

I have done a decent amount of work to my car, changed a fan motor, headlights, air filters, batteries, windshield wipers, etc.

But I watched the youtube video on the brakes and decided my time would be better spent fixing some more teeth and paying for the job to get done. Feel the same way about oil changes. Just -EV compared to my hourly rate.

But an oil change is literally just draining the oil, go back in the house while it drains then putting new oil in.

This is true. it's not difficult.. but it's a whole thing... gotta have the filter, gotta find a place to take the old oil, have to have the oil on hand, have to have something to drain it in, have to jack the car up, it's a mess... sucks.

I have a place I bring my own oil (Mobil 1 Extended Performance) to and they do it for $25 while I grab lunch. Takes about 8 quarts (~$50) so for about $75 I get an oil chance with some of the best oil you can buy that is good for up to 15k miles (I change it in half that).

Is this a bargain of some sort?

JFC $75 for an oil change?

 

[Dan Lambskin]

How much does he drive? Can't he just start taking Uber?

 

[BeTheMatch]

ok so listen you are in my wheelhouse here because i am probably the one guy on fbg who does not make a billion million a year and whose lady is not kate upton or whatever but hey here is the thing a used car is ok if it is honestly just nickling and diming you and by that i mean maybe one time in six months you put on brakes for a hondo and a half and then maybe half a year later you gotta put in an alternator or water pump or something for three hondo that is ok because hey if you break it down you own the sucker it gets you a to b and that is only like fifty bucks a month if you figure it what kills the thing is if something major goes like a head gasket or rings or tranny or the rear seal you name it anything that is more than ten percent of the value of the pos or whatever then you dump it and move on take that to the bank brohans

I recently sent back a new car I had bought because it was dumb since I hardly ever drive. So for the past six months or so, I've been driving a 2001 Chevy Tahoe with 223K miles on it. Rear main seal is shot, but cardboard and oil are cheap, and I put on less than 4,000 miles a year. I'm thinking it may outlast me. I did have to replace the water pump and put on some used tires, but it's good to go. Take that to the bank brohans.

 

[Johnny Rock]

ok so listen you are in my wheelhouse here because i am probably the one guy on fbg who does not make a billion million a year and whose lady is not kate upton or whatever but hey here is the thing a used car is ok if it is honestly just nickling and diming you and by that i mean maybe one time in six months you put on brakes for a hondo and a half and then maybe half a year later you gotta put in an alternator or water pump or something for three hondo that is ok because hey if you break it down you own the sucker it gets you a to b and that is only like fifty bucks a month if you figure it what kills the thing is if something major goes like a head gasket or rings or tranny or the rear seal you name it anything that is more than ten percent of the value of the pos or whatever then you dump it and move on take that to the bank brohans

I recently sent back a new car I had bought because it was dumb since I hardly ever drive. So for the past six months or so, I've been driving a 2001 Chevy Tahoe with 223K miles on it. Rear main seal is shot, but cardboard and oil are cheap, and I put on less than 4,000 miles a year. I'm thinking it may outlast me. I did have to replace the water pump and put on some used tires, but it's good to go. Take that to the bank brohans.

You went through all the time and hassle of buying a new car, then gave it back because you figured out you didn't need a new car?

 

[ragincajun]

Honda Civic is the only answer.

 

[SWC]

Honda Civic is the only answer.

if that is the answer then i do not want to know what the question is brohan take that to the bank

 

[Ignoramus]

I know this thread isn't about brakes but those of you paying through the nose should try replacing them yourself. Pretty easy to learn on YouTube nowadays. Rewarding too.

I have done a decent amount of work to my car, changed a fan motor, headlights, air filters, batteries, windshield wipers, etc.

But I watched the youtube video on the brakes and decided my time would be better spent fixing some more teeth and paying for the job to get done. Feel the same way about oil changes. Just -EV compared to my hourly rate.

But an oil change is literally just draining the oil, go back in the house while it drains then putting new oil in.

This is true. it's not difficult.. but it's a whole thing... gotta have the filter, gotta find a place to take the old oil, have to have the oil on hand, have to have something to drain it in, have to jack the car up, it's a mess... sucks.

I have a place I bring my own oil (Mobil 1 Extended Performance) to and they do it for $25 while I grab lunch. Takes about 8 quarts (~$50) so for about $75 I get an oil chance with some of the best oil you can buy that is good for up to 15k miles (I change it in half that).

Is this a bargain of some sort?

JFC $75 for an oil change?

For a full synthetic? Yes.

 

[BeTheMatch]

ok so listen you are in my wheelhouse here because i am probably the one guy on fbg who does not make a billion million a year and whose lady is not kate upton or whatever but hey here is the thing a used car is ok if it is honestly just nickling and diming you and by that i mean maybe one time in six months you put on brakes for a hondo and a half and then maybe half a year later you gotta put in an alternator or water pump or something for three hondo that is ok because hey if you break it down you own the sucker it gets you a to b and that is only like fifty bucks a month if you figure it what kills the thing is if something major goes like a head gasket or rings or tranny or the rear seal you name it anything that is more than ten percent of the value of the pos or whatever then you dump it and move on take that to the bank brohans

I recently sent back a new car I had bought because it was dumb since I hardly ever drive. So for the past six months or so, I've been driving a 2001 Chevy Tahoe with 223K miles on it. Rear main seal is shot, but cardboard and oil are cheap, and I put on less than 4,000 miles a year. I'm thinking it may outlast me. I did have to replace the water pump and put on some used tires, but it's good to go. Take that to the bank brohans.

You went through all the time and hassle of buying a new car, then gave it back because you figured out you didn't need a new car?

Wasn't much time or hassle.

 

[top dog]

I know this thread isn't about brakes but those of you paying through the nose should try replacing them yourself. Pretty easy to learn on YouTube nowadays. Rewarding too.

I have done a decent amount of work to my car, changed a fan motor, headlights, air filters, batteries, windshield wipers, etc.

But I watched the youtube video on the brakes and decided my time would be better spent fixing some more teeth and paying for the job to get done. Feel the same way about oil changes. Just -EV compared to my hourly rate.

But an oil change is literally just draining the oil, go back in the house while it drains then putting new oil in.

This is true. it's not difficult.. but it's a whole thing... gotta have the filter, gotta find a place to take the old oil, have to have the oil on hand, have to have something to drain it in, have to jack the car up, it's a mess... sucks.

I have a place I bring my own oil (Mobil 1 Extended Performance) to and they do it for $25 while I grab lunch. Takes about 8 quarts (~$50) so for about $75 I get an oil chance with some of the best oil you can buy that is good for up to 15k miles (I change it in half that).

Is this a bargain of some sort?

JFC $75 for an oil change?

For a full synthetic? Yes.

They are pretty much charging the same price if they provided the crap oil. I don't think this is really an unreasonable price.

Paying $25 to have someone do the work and getting the oil you want.