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The Savvy Shopper, Athens, TX (2026)

07/05/2024

Pam cooking spray 8 oz.

Walmart $3.97
Piggly Wiggly $6.15 "sale price"

That's 55% higher at a "discount" store. That just ain't right...

05/22/2024

So how about an oil and filter change? The price of an oil change has sky-rocketed. I remember when it would cost $19.99 at Jiffy L**e. That's been a few years ago:)

It's typically cheaper to do it yourself, but most folks will take it to get done. Lots of choices from the dealership, local automotive repair facility, Grease Monkey, Take 5 Oil Change, and Walmart. As of 5/21/24.

In this scenario, I'm using my 2015 Suburban that takes 8 quarts of synthetic oil.

SO many factors to consider like:

- How quick can I get in and out? Grease Monkey and Take 5 probably the fastest. Bacon Chevrolet and Wal-Mart will allow you to schedule an appointment. I chose Wal-Mart and was in and out in 25 minutes. You can do your shopping while you wait.

-Who do you trust most? I think dealer or local auto repair shop wins this. They know your car the best and typically have more seasoned mechanics.

-Annoying upsell attempts. No doubt the Grease Monkey and Take 5 will likely attempt to upsell you on an air filter, cabin filter, windshield wipers, fluid flush, etc. Some of these services could very well be needed, but seems like it's a 99% chance they will try to upsell you. It's my opinion that a dealership will also make known what services may be due, but the quick oil change facilities are really pushy on the upsell. Wal-Mart has never tried to upsell me.

-Other variables: oil type, oil brand, conventional or synthetic, high mileage, extended change intervals, quality of oil filter, do they provide other services like vacuum interior and l**e chassis. The examples I list are as close as I can get to being similar.
‐-----‐-------------------------------------------------
DIY: filter $6.50, Mobil 1 synthetic $5/ qt if bought in 5 qt bottle. Total is $46.50 if purchased from Wal-Mart. $70 if purchased from O'Reilly Auto.

Take 5 $172. Mobil 1 syntheric oil 8 qts. +141% higher than Wal-Mart

Grease Monkey $148. Mobil 1 synthetic oil 8 qts. +106% higher than Wal-Mart

Fultons Automotive $135. Mobil 1 synthetic 8 qts. 88% higher than Wal-Mart.

Bacon Chevrolet $90 GM OEM oil 8 qts +26% higher than Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart $71.50 Mobil 1 syntheic oil 8 qts

And for what it's worth, it's my opinion you should change your oil and filter every 5k miles and rotate your tires at the same time. Many oil change facilities will say every 3k miles which is too soon. Modern cars will tell you when to change the oil based on driving habits. But allowing 7k-10k miles between changes is too long.

I tend to do my own oil changes but if I don't have time then I'll pop into Wal-Mart if there isn't a wait or make an appointment. I will look for dealership specials too.

If you are on a very tight budget, Wal-Mart offers a "Pit Crew" oil change for $25 with up to 5 qts conventional (non synthetic) oil. That is cheaper than doing it yourself.

Would love to hear your oil change experiences in the comments.