When I was researching what I need for oil changes (specifically the pump and the actual oil) I came across a thread where someone said they'd paid for a "new drain plug" on their first service and that it was likely a bad charge because the factory method is to pump it out the top.

So today I actually did something I've NEVER done before, I took a car to a dealer and paid for an oil change. Probably a first and last time, but it wasn't bad at all...

Besides my being lazy when I was having problems finding the correct spec oil it gave me an opportunity to have someone else hump those 5 tires around the chassis and make a warranty complaint on stained seats etc.

Anyway, thanks to having read about extracting the oil from the top I also got a $15 discount over what they were going to try and charge me. Let me explain.

They handed me an invoice and they tried to charge:

$27.38 for the filter
$102.42 for the oil
$14.56 for a new drain plug
$4.74 for solvent
$69.95 for labor

But when I received the invoice I said "didn't you pump the oil out the top"

to which they replied "yup"

So I said "Then I guess you didn't remove the 50 bolts that hold the skid plate on to change the drain plug" and they quickly gave me a new invoice that was $15 less.

In the end the oil change was about $204.49 plus tax, I mean this is NJ there's gonna be TAX duh.

I mention this because it looks like JLR dealers use a computer system that automatically adds the drain plug as one of the replacement items even if they aren't doing it that way, so if you're going to pay for an oil change, keep an eye on it to try and keep from being overcharged (even if it's not a life-changing amount, it's still lunch).

Anyway, I'm glad I brought it in.

While it was there they washed the exterior, vacuumed and cleaned the interior, and removed two water stains from the non-treated fabric (I'm assuming as per the TSB), so it's kinda hard to complain.

And honestly in my case it was very good customer service which is nice to say because the sales experience was bar none the worst of my lifetime. So I sorta needed a positive experience if I was going to continue to do business with this place.

While I was there I also oogled a new D90..... hmmmmmmm, my Wrangler is getting nervous.

 

I was charged $7.87 for the plug (the variability of price is interesting). My wife picked up the car so she did not know. I emailed my SA about it, but wasn't didn't make a big deal as he has always been outstanding. Definitely not paying for that anymore, though.

 

Interesting they would recommend a new fill plug - even if they do change it that way - is the design with a built-in crush washer ? are they a light alloy ? I only have experience with my 96' D1 - the drain plug is significant size (same as the NAS Defender with a separate brass crush washer which I replace at each change (some say inspect and reuse but that is a very cheap thing) - but the drain plug is still the factory - never replaced

 

Wait a second.............you took my car in for an oil change.........and paid for it???? Thanks!!!!!!