I’ve been meaning to get the oil changed in our car for the past few months and finally got around to it today. I’m always nervous to do stuff like that, especially without Philip there, just cause I waltz in there with my white winter coat, blue plaid scarf slung around my neck, and pointy toed stilletos, basically asking for those mechanics to rip me, the stereotypical no-car-knowlege girl, off. I’m their weekly commission, waiting to happen.
Philip always sends me off with these words of wisdom: “Do not let them convince you to buy ANYTHING that you didn’t plan on buying.”
So in I go, just needing an oil change and a checkup. And I walk out with a new air filter, a new radiator hose, a new radiator cap, and a tire rotation. WHAT?
It was just at TAD bit more than the $18.90 I planned on spending for the oil change.
But hey, I did bat my eyelashes a bit and get my tire rotation for free. That should count for something…right?
Anyone else getting conned into spending money they didn’t plan to spend for their pre-winter checkup?
I think my cousin did. They got some sort of a transmission flush or something. The mechanic warned the engine light may come on at some point- but acted like they could just turn it off- you can’t! If the engine light comes on it’s usually a problem! A bad problem!
I’m glad I have a trusted car guy.
I totally understand I hate going to get anything done on the car without Prince. I am surprised they don’t try to seel us a whole new car!
Oooh! Another story! The husband took our car into one of those Jiffy Lube things for an oil change. They TOOK our air filter and tried to sell us another one! We had the car for years, and knew there was a filter in there. The husband just said “put it back and I won’t press charges” (oh la la!) They did. Those mechanics are criminals!
I refuse to get any work on the car done for just that reason – I always make Bart get it taken care of.
It’s called Up-Selling. Any location that has something for sale strives for the Up-Sale. Think of the candy at the grocery store check out or “Would you like fries with that?” at McDonalds. Always get the customer to buy more than they planned. We’re all sitting ducks.
I hate car stuff too. I’ve learned to just say “I only change oil, my husband takes care of the rest. I’ll let him know…” Boring, but I don’t feel like a schmuck when I tell them no the all the things they are trying to scare me into buying.
Marie, that is BRILLIANT! Thanks for sharing.