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CampingN_C_'s avatar
CampingN_C_
Explorer
Jan 31, 2016

Free oil changes gimmick.

OK, so the place I bought my Ram from offers "free oil changes for life". Yes there's a catch. You get the free oil changes as long as all the services in the book are done by them at the proper intervals. So another words here in a few months I'll be due for my first change, the six months hit before the 7500 miles.
So here's the list if things needed on the first trip to get the "free oil change"

Check DEF fluid
Rotate tires
Lube front drive shaft
Lube tie rods
I figure they'll hit me for around 30-40 bucks for that, maybe. Of course at every six month interval it'll get more expensive.
Pro's: I'll be getting the truck serviced 100% by the book at the dealer, could help come resale time.

Cons: I've always done all my own service work over the years.
I think I'll pay more in the long run for everything.
Thoughts?

73 Replies

  • Check the websites of the local dealers for "specials" coupons. I just had my oil changed, fluids topped off and nitrogen serviced (tires) for a $27 coupon. Not free, but done at my mileage and time schedule. It didn't include tire rotation, but I do that myself.
  • I think the dealer is pretty picky about the plan. For example, a buddy that bought a new Jeep from them installed a K&N air filer shortly after buying it. When it came due for a filter change (in the book) he had to buy one or it kicked him out of the free oil change program.
  • Don't know how Ram does it, but I got 2 year or 24,000 miles free oil changes on my Chevy. Included with that oil change, included everything you mentioned as part of the warranty. I haven't had to pay anything on my Chevy (yet). They take care of everything.

    I imagine, if those items are a requirement for the free oil change, they'll do it automatically. At my oil changes, they also top off all my fluids, including the DEF. No charge (yet).

    Your's is probably the same, except its for life! Take advantage of it. The truck should be serviced regularly anyway to keep it healthy!