Valvoline Instant Oil Change

I've been using this business for many years for all my cars! and thought that a few times they may have overstated the need for certain services. However, I did heed to their advise and do the recommended services. I was looking for their phone number using Yellow Pages (Internet) when I came across the review of the customer who had service done on his Toyota Camry (and was charges extra) because their car took a special oil filter! Cartridge type instead of a Filter (Enclosed Type).



We've have our daughters 2001 VW Jetta VR6 serviced their several times and have been charged $85 - due to the special filter? and the synthetic 5-40? or 5-30 - Can't recall.. The filter is available from VW for $18.20 and in normal and available in stock.. Why is Valvoline calling this a special filter??? and charging more? I think they've lost my business of bringing in my 4 vehicles for service now...

THIS LOCATION SCAMS ITS CUSTOMERS.



I have been a customer at this Valvoline for a number of years, bringing 5 cars to them. I have since moved away, and haven’t visited in two years.



On Sunday, 12/04/11, as soon as I pulled in, the midget with glasses says “your car needs a special oil filter, $14.99”. Then when I paid, they also charged me an extra $7.48 for oil. I was in a hurry and didn’t want to deal with it then, so I paid it and left. Big mistake.



I drive a 2009 Toyota Camry SE V6.



I found out the next day:

#1, they shouldn’t have charged me for oil. That’s included in the $29.99 oil change price.

#2, it doesn’t need a special oil filter. Pep Boys sells it for $4, Toyota for $5

(they just tell people they need a ‘special oil filter’ to inflate their prices.)



I called the Manager, Memo Olivas, who stumbled to answer my questions about the extra charges. He said they charged me for the oil because I must’ve needed more than 5 quarts. I told him my car only takes 4.3 quarts. He got silent.



They won’t refund me the excess charges. So I did some digging:



#1, They are no longer a franchise of Valvoline, for more than 2 years now. They are a ‘service center’ which serves exclusive Valvoline products. So, if you are looking for Valvoline quality, reputation, or problem resolution, you will NOT get it here.



#2, They display a ‘Better Business Bureau’ accreditation plaque in their waiting room. Oops! They aren’t actually accredited.

Check it out: http://www.la.bbb.org/business-reviews/General-Auto-Repair-Services/Valvoline-Oil-Change-and-Service-Center-in-Cypress-CA-100024134

I wonder how the BBB will feel about this false affiliation. Maybe I’ll ask.



This is one of those dishonest mechanic stores that you hear about in the media. BEWARE!