Best place to get an oil change in Ames?

[CysRage]

Where you do you guys usually go for the best deal? I see that Jiffy Lube has an $18 oil change and they tip off everything under the hood. I know there's also LOF Express but I have no idea how much it is and what else they do. Where do you usually go? Thanks!

 

[ISUAgronomist]

If you go to one of those places just be smart enough to deline all their stupid upsales.

I'm a DIY guy after enough crappy techs doing stupid **** to my car.

 

[iahawkhunter]

Where you do you guys usually go for the best deal? I see that Jiffy Lube has an $18 oil change and they tip off everything under the hood. I know there's also LOF Express but I have no idea how much it is and what else they do. Where do you usually go? Thanks!

I usually go to LOF and get the early-bird special, which is about $18 for just an oil change. A few extra bucks is what the call "full-service" where they check other fluids, your battery, tire pressure, etc. Whenever I've had them do the full service they've had plenty of opportunities to sell me services, such as a new air filter, nearing a service mileage for transmission fluid or coolant, etc. I've never had them push the sale, though. They just mention the upcoming interval and leave it at that. In fact, I've even had them tell me that the interval is very conservative and performing the service now is not needed.

 

[CysRage]

I usually go to LOF and get the early-bird special, which is about $18 for just an oil change. A few extra bucks is what the call "full-service" where they check other fluids, your battery, tire pressure, etc. Whenever I've had them do the full service they've had plenty of opportunities to sell me services, such as a new air filter, nearing a service mileage for transmission fluid or coolant, etc. I've never had them push the sale, though. They just mention the upcoming interval and leave it at that. In fact, I've even had them tell me that the interval is very conservative and performing the service now is not needed.

Do you know how late the early bird special goes? I'm hoping to go get this done this morning.

 

[cycloner29]

Just did the LOF full service. Avoid all the add ons. I had an 8 dollar coupon so it only cost $28 bucks. The express they just do the filter and oil that runs $18. Had a buddy who had a bad experience with Jiffy lube. They installed a new serpentine belt backwards and it cooked the motor due to it overheating. I would recommend LOF fast and friendly!

 

[cycloner29]

early bird is from Mon-Fri i believe.

 

[iahawkhunter]

I think it goes until 8am (legit early-bird) during the week. They open at 8am on Saturdays, so I don't know how long the early-bird special lasts today. You can call them at: 515-232-LOFX (5639)

They have a coupon special for $8 off a full-service oil change this month: LOF-Xpressâ„¢ - Specials. Usually the early-bird time is worth about $8, so if you add on the few bucks to upgrade from oil-change only to full-service at normal prices and then subtract the $8, you're probably looking at a little over $20.

 

[3TrueFans]

The people at the LOF place by Wendy's are very friendly, I'd recommend them.

 

[ISUCubswin]

Hansens Sinclair FTW

 

[FarminCy]

It's not in Ames but I have always had great luck at Big 8 Tyre in Nevada. Have to schedule appt not just walk in.

 

[CycloneNorth]

I've gone to LOF the past year or two and I have no complaints. Very fast, very friendly, and they don't push anything on you.

 

[wxman1]

LOF hands down.

Why drop off your car/ wait when the exact same thing can be done with the same or better or service in five minutes.

 

[iahawkhunter]

Hansens Sinclair FTW

I've never had an oil change there, but based on the great service I've had from them with regular repairs, this could be a valid option.

 

[EYEoftheSTORM]

LOF hands down. I have had nothing but good experience from them every time I go. You don't have a bunch of grease monkeys working there as all the employees are clean and very professional. They are also very friendly and don't try to push an add on sale, simply just inform you about anything that may need changed. It was a great idea to put that business on Duff and I am sure they are reaping the benefits for being there.

 

[CysRage]

I ended up trying lof and did the full service with $8 coupon. Very professional and had free caribou coffee and free self serve vacuums. Thanks for all of your input!

 

[CarlHungus]

I usually go to Jiffy Lube and get the regular penzoil. It's usually a good deal as long as you don't let them talk you into doing anything else

 

[ISUCubswin]

Does anyone know if LOF can run a diagnostic if my check engine light is on? Don’t feel like going to a normal service and sitting for a couple hours to find out it’s a 4 minute fix

 

[ISUAgronomist]

Does anyone know if LOF can run a diagnostic if my check engine light is on? Don’t feel like going to a normal service and sitting for a couple hours to find out it’s a 4 minute fix

Most all auto parts stores have a code reader you can use. Then google the code to find out the issue yourself. Better than going into an OIL change place to have them check for something unrelated to your oil

 

[isu_oak]

Does anyone know if LOF can run a diagnostic if my check engine light is on? Don’t feel like going to a normal service and sitting for a couple hours to find out it’s a 4 minute fix

I've never done it, but I know O'Reilly has a free service. You can start there and see if it works.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/free-check-engine-light-help

 

[cmjh10]

I've never done it, but I know O'Reilly has a free service. You can start there and see if it works.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/free-check-engine-light-help

This, they can diagnose it for you and you can go from there