Bike mechanics are in high demand and not super common. The quote he gave seemed super on point to me. It’s what I’d charge if someone asked me to do the same thing. I could probably get it running for less but it would probably continue to break down over time
Just due to the lower volume the price jumps up unexpectedly.
For the labour of an oil change, I was quoted $25 for my car, and $65 for my motorcycle.
To change the oil and filter on my car, you have to reach in a super terrible spot prone to burning and cutting people who attempt it.
On my motorcycle? It's an enduro, I have a foot of clearance and can see the single bolt required from across the driveway, it also requires exactly 2 quarts.
I got quite quick at changing my bike oil, and continued to pay someone else to burn themselves on my car.
It's been... A very long time since I've been quoted that little for an oil change, by dealership or third party chain or an independent. And I do not drive an Audi either :-)
Few thoughts / possibilities
- was work done as part of larger work, as incremental?
- does 25$ charge include parts?
- was this a quick turnaround lube shop or an actual qualified mechanic
- do you have a relationship
- what's their business model? A lot of them have loss leaders because when they change your oil for 25 they'll find out you also need a brake change or filter change or or or
$25 and $65 did not include parts (the oil or filter)
I use synthetic, and their markup is so much it's cheaper to just provide them with my own. Hell their price for filters is more than the parts counter at the dealership.
Quick lube shop, so the least qualified people you can get to lay their hands on your vehicle. Gonna be honest, I check there's still oil in my car when I get home.
And yes, the quick lube shop is always trying to upsell me services I "need", like $100 to change my air filter, or $80 to change my cabin air filter (both which are literally 1 minute jobs), and $20/$40 parts from the dealership. Same with brake fluid flushes and other things.
It is pretty common. The warranty has probably saved me thousands at this point and having them maintain the car is the easiest way to make sure it stays valid.
Pre-COVID I was doing full synthetic (Mobil-1) for $25 a bottle on sale plus a $15 filter in my other car. A good sale is $45 now.
