That is a question we get all the time.  Or even better “why should I pay higher prices for an oil change at the dealership than at an oil change specialist?”

We’ll address the first question last, because the pricing issue is easy.  It is normally less expensive to change your oil at Thompson Buick GMC Cadillac than at the oil change kiosk in the parking lot of the mall.  I took my personal truck to one of these places with a big yellow sign earlier this year to see how they compare.  They were really nice, reasonably fast and way too expensive.  It cost me $21.00 more to have my oil changed there than it would for anyone to come into Thompson and have an oil change and tire rotation done by a GM certified technician.  Last year I went to a big tire chain for the same experiment and the results were virtually the same, but not quite as bad.  It is really simple.  They have to charge more for oil changes and filter replacements because that is all they have to offer.  Don’t be fooled by slick advertisements and shiny signs, you can get your vehicle maintained at any dealership for less than at the oil change specialists.

Now to the first question. 

When you go to an oil change kiosk you should get pretty good service, and sometimes it will be really fast.   But higher prices and a pot of coffee is all they really have to offer.  They have a guy earning near minimum wage who is trained to drain the oil, look at the wipers and filters, replace the drain plug (we often hear differently!) and get it out the door.  He is probably the managers nephew or neighbors friend and this is likely his first step in becoming a real technician.  We wish him the best of luck, but do you really want him learning on your car?    If he sees an issue he is not sure about who is he going to ask, the shift supervisor who went to a 5 day course on how to handle those issues?  These aspiring technicians do mean well and try their hardest.

What do you get at Thompson Buick GMC Cadillac?  You get maintainance technicians certified not at a 3 day seminar in the company headquarters, but GM certified technicians who know your vehicle inside and out plus go through a rigorous ongoing training regimen.  If the technician in our Express Lane sees an issue on your family vehicle he is not sure about, he has access 20 technicians who have GM and ASE certification in everything from suspension to electrical to major engine repair.  The question is this…  Do you know, not think but know, that the technician at the oil change kiosk can properly diagnose a suspension issue that could spell disaster for your family?  We know that our technicians can.  They are not good, they are the best and they care about you and your car.   Even if the cost were a little higher at our dealership, don’t you think your family is worth it?

Get the best service from the best technicians at the best dealership in the Triangle.  Thompson Buick GMC Cadillac, a part of the community since 1956.

Thank you,

The Thompson Team