JohnzCarz

They have had that deal going for a long time - as in years. Not sure if it's just a "pad slap" or if they include resurfacing the rotors, etc.

And it seems the race to the bottom is all-inclusive. There used to be a time when you could count on the quality of a particular brand, now it seems even some well known brands are sometimes no better that the white-box stuff. Maybe there really is just 1 factory pumping out all this stuff, the only difference is the color of the box. At least the factory stuff seems a safe bet...for now.

I have to ask myself - do customers really believe they are getting 'free' oil changes or, as another dealer was advertising, free tires for as long as you own the vehicle? I can maybe see a struggling shop giving away $15 worth of oil and a filter in the hopes that they generate some traffic and build a customer base but eventually someone (the consumer) pays for that oil change in some form. I can't even imagine how the tire deal works. They must have a clause that you need to bring in the car for an 'inspection' every month or else the deal is void. I guess this marketing does work though. Locally the 'free oil change for life' marketing campaign started with 1 dealer and within no more than 2-3 months every dealer in the area was on-board. I doubt they would join if it was a money loosing deal.

I think it’s human nature to look at the invoice and think the shop is making a fortune. When you consider the cost of the equipment, facility, utilities, insurance, salaries, training, fees, etc. it’s a different story. But the customer doesn’t see that part. As for $17.99 oxygen sensors and $14.99 brake rotors, I don’t think they actually fit any of the cars driven in this country!