August 2021 by Chris Gerak
I have a 1984 Mercedes 300d and this guy is advertising $40 oil changes for a regular car. I ask him how much for an oil change for my car and if he can do it. He tells me it will cost $229. Obviously this is an astronomical price for an oil change. I ask him why so much and he responds, “Welcome to California.” I have lived in California for a year and not everything is expensive. Yes, the cost of goods is a little higher but it’s not much higher than other places depending on where you live. Also, I know that the market price for an oil change on my car is $110-$130 in my area in San Diego. The diesel oil is a little more expensive, maybe $20, than gasoline and the oil filter might be $10 more. I can appreciate a few extra bucks for the old uniqueness of the vehicle, but there is no way he can fairly charge a price like this. This guy is the epitome of a shady mechanic who will rip you off. He is not an honest businessman. Can you even trust him to work on your car if he will charge almost double the cost of the rest of the Mercedes specialists in the area? This is more expensive than what Mercedes-Benz itself will charge. I was stunned and just walked out of the place. I wouldn’t go here for anything just based on this experience.
