1 /5 Jaime Rivas: "Ohana Car Care, where well treat you like family. You know...extended family, that we kinda hate."
The bay workers may be decent, but unfortunately I wouldnt know, as I wasnt able to get that far.
I typically do my own oil changes, but was quoted $55 for an oil change from Ohana. This would mean I only pay around $15 for the service, since the oil + filter combo I usually purchase is around $40 from Autozone. I figured, what the hell, lets treat myself and be a little lazy, so I took my car in for service.
It seemed okay at first. The business was a bit dirty and in disrepair, but I never judge a book by its cover. I was greeted by the desk boy, who was nice enough. I notified him I was there for an oil change, and waited as he input my information for my customer profile. After about a 5 minute wait, he confronted me with a total of $99, nearly DOUBLE my original quoted price. When I asked what the upcharge was for, he stated that my vehicles computer informed him I was over 1700 miles past due for an oil change, so he needed to perform an engine flush, as well as add an additive to the oil, probably some detergent.
I explained that, while my computer is stating 1700 miles past due, it is actually inaccurate, as it is programmed for a 5w-20 Genuine Honda Synthetic Blend, which typically gets 4-5k miles before needing a change. I, however, use a 5w-20 Full Synthetic, which typically lasts about 7-8000 miles before needing a change. My computer recommended an oil change at around 4k miles, which means we were performing this next change at roughly 5,700 miles...just under 6k. I rejected the flush and additives, stating that they were not necessary.
Boy oh boy...the desk boy did NOT like that. He immediately began arguing with me, stating that he needed to educate me on the manufacturers specifications for my vehicle, and that my Honda ONLY takes full synthetic. He stated that my cars computer is programmed for full synthetic, and that he would deny my oil change if I asked for a synthetic blend. Heres the kicker, I dont disagree with the logic behind using full-synthetic over a blend. In fact, I had an argument years ago with a mechanic who refused to put full synthetic in my vehicle, as the manufacturer specs state to use a 5w-20 Genuine Honda Synthetic Blend. I prefer using a full synthetic for many reasons, and under normal circumstances would agree with the desk boy and his desire to only use a full synthetic.
However, his arrogant attitude, as well as his insistence that I need to be educated when he was, in fact, incorrect on the manufacturer specs for my vehicle really rubbed me the wrong way. I believed that he was simply misinformed, and was calmly trying to explain the correct information to him, even offering to show him the manual that the manufacturer provides for the vehicle. This is when I realized he was not misinformed, but rather predatory. He lied to my face, stating that "there is no such thing as a 5w-20 synthetic blend", in hopes to prove to me that, if I wanted a 5w-20, it ONLY comes in full synthetic. That is the most outrageous and ridiculous lie Ive ever heard, and anyone who has ever worked with cars professionally knows this. It is impossible that he was simply misinformed, there was most certainly malice behind his intent.
Mind you, all of this was so he could justify an upcharge of nearly double my original cost, and so he could claim that I was uneducated and have gone significantly past-due on my oil change. From one small business to another, you guys are a predatory, untrustworthy, and incredibly shady business, and I will be sure to let all of my customers know to avoid your run-down establishment! Seems your 2.9 stars on Yelp is far more accurate than your google reviews.
For a business with bible verses and religious imagery plastered heavily amongst your walls, you guys really lack honesty.
Attached below are images of an oil that doesnt exist, as well as my vehicles user manual. I hope this can educate your desk boy, as he clearly needs it.
