[David Decker]

Today I took my wife's Enclave in for its first oil change to the Buick dealer where she purchased the car. Their advertised price was $27.95. When I picked up the car the bill was for $34.95 plus tax. I asked the service writer how come and he told me it was because this was a large vehicle and they charge more for large vehicles. I told him that the service was performed on the engine and that the size of the vehicle had nothing to do with it. He then said that the engine took 5.5 qts of oil and that their $27.95 price was for grease and oil change up to 5 qts. I then reminded him that no grease was needed on this vehicle and that he was charging me $7.00 for a half quart of oil which probably came out of a bulk tank and not even noticable. I then called another Buick dealer in a small town 10 miles west of here and asked their price to change oil in an Enclave. They said it was $24.95 even after I reminded him that the manual says it would take 5.5 qts. Guess who gets my business from now on! So beware that some dealers may be using the good size of the Enclave to justify over-charging for services. I only know about the oil change price, but there may be more areas that this dealer would overcharge me on. Who knows!

 

[dfc101a]

You might want to consider posting the name of the rip-off dealer and the one that has the upfront and better pricing. That is the only way others in your local area who visit the forums can take full advantage of what you had to learn the hard way.

Just a thought.

On a related question, how many miles did you have on your Enclave before the oil change indicator came on?

 

[David Decker]

Sorry but I don't want to spread dealer names in my area but the Enclave had 2816 miles on it at 1st oil change time. I would have had it in at 1000 miles but we were on a trip and it wasn't a convenient time. I know GM recommends a longer time for this change but I'm old fashioned (74 yrs old) and my habits don't change quickly. I used to overhaul engines on 1930-1950 Chrysler cars and like to get those chips out of the engine soon after breakin. GM probably would tell me this is unnecessary, but like I said, I'm old fashioned.

 

[krm]

I have a related question....when is the best time to take it in for it's first service/oil change? I have 4000 miles on mine, and the onstar diagnostic says that it should go in after 9000 miles. No indicator lights have gone on. I have, however, received 2 automated messages on my phone from the dealership where I bought my Enclave saying that it's time for its initial service. Any thoughts?

 

[mss42]

my dad who is an auto mechanic by trade and had his own business for 45 years and now retired always says change oil every 3000 miles no more regardless of what they say. he says by the time you change the oil like the dealers say that oil will have begun to stick to the inside of the engine and will cause the life of your engine to decrease fast. i choose to believe my dad rather than dealers and therefore i change oil in all my cars every 3000 miles or less but never more. remember oil goes in thin and light and it cooks over time in the engine and turns into a thick, black syrupy mess thus causing it to stick to engine.

 

[ccaats]

I have almost 150K miles on my 2001 Grand Am GT and only change when the change oil light comes on (usually between 6-7K miles) and use regular 5W-30 oil. It still runs fine and doesn't use 1 drop of oil. Our 99 Montana doesn't have the light, but I try to change every 5K because my wife drives more city miles than me. 120K miles on it and it uses no oil either. 9K miles does seem a little high though, does the Enclave manual say this because it recommends synthetic oil?

 

[antique]

I have almost 150K miles on my 2001 Grand Am GT and only change when the change oil light comes on (usually between 6-7K miles) and use regular 5W-30 oil. It still runs fine and doesn't use 1 drop of oil. Our 99 Montana doesn't have the light, but I try to change every 5K because my wife drives more city miles than me. 120K miles on it and it uses no oil either. 9K miles does seem a little high though, does the Enclave manual say this because it recommends synthetic oil?

I am not sure if extending the oil change when using synthetic is a good idea, I am no expert but
I have come across this site www.boyistheoilguy.com a great place to answer all your oil questions in the forum..

 

[muljo]

I am in the habit of getting my oil changed every 3500 miles. I spoke with my mechanic about synthetic as my van is getting up there in mileage and he said because I am good about my oil changes that he does not recommend synthetic. It is thinner the regular oil and even though it allows for longer times between changes, oil is still the best for lubrication, etc. I could not tell you all the reasons why, maybe antique's web site contribution can explain it more.

May be just a line, but I have been going to this shop for +7 years and they have always treated me very well.

 

[kanin247]

No matter what oil you use, my dad always taught me to change oil every 3 months or every 3000 miles. Which ever comes first.

 

[mss42]

No matter what oil you use, my dad always taught me to change oil every 3 months or every 3000 miles. Which ever comes first.

:ditto: exactly right.... we must have same dad j/k

 

[krm]

Thanks...I'll make an appt. :thumb:

 

[antique]

No matter what oil you use, my dad always taught me to change oil every 3 months or every 3000 miles. Which ever comes first.

+1 agree with you 1000%

 

[JRacer]

Synthetic is thinner but is more resistant to heat and does not breakdown under heat like regular oil does. Thats why you can go longer between oil changes on synthetic. I have used synthetic for years, but never go more then 5000 miles between oil changes. When the oil is drained out it does not have the black baked look that regular oil does, it is darker then when it is was put in but not black and gritty. The claim is that it also does not build up engine gunk like regular oil normally can do.

 

[mss42]

regardless,

i will still do as i was taught and change that oil every 3000 miles or 3months whichever comes first.

 

[Canuck]

regardless,

i will still do as i was taught and change that oil every 3000 miles or 3months whichever comes first.

Tough to teach old dogs new tricks as some other people would say. :angel:

 

[mss42]

Tough to teach old dogs new tricks as some other people would say. :angel:

:rofl: :deadhorse:

 

[zman]

Everything I have read lately states that 3 months, 3000 miles is overkill. However, everyone needs to do what makes them comfortable.

I think I am actually going to send my next oil change in for an analysis just to see what it says. I have never done that before.

 

[axiama]

Is anyone planning to follow the oil life display on the dash? I'm at 78% oil life with 850 miles on the Enclave. Usually I change the oil twice a year which is approx every 5,000 - 6,000 miles. :jaw:

 

[coopermine]

Is anyone planning to follow the oil life display on the dash? I'm at 78% oil life with 850 miles on the Enclave. Usually I change the oil twice a year which is approx every 5,000 - 6,000 miles. :jaw:

I never get the oppurtunity to hit the 3 months mark, I hit the 3000 miles in just six weeks. ;D

If I only drive 5-6 miles a day, I wouldn't go for an oil six in months too. Plus it is lease who cares >

 

[Canuck]

Has most of your miles been stop and go? I'm guessing the more stop and go and short distances the quicker the % life drops on a per mile basis.

I'm sure we will nver know for sure.