2014 SLP Panther Camaro Long-Term Road Test

Edmunds.com

2014 SLP Panther Camaro Long-Term Road Test

Our long-term 2014 SLP Panther Camaro gets its first oil change.

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fordson1

Okay, I guess...I'm used to getting this oil for like $32 for five quarts. And to drain eight quarts...I would allow more time than that. The last oil to drain out is the crappiest. Also, I'm time-traveling - commenting on a 2/28 post at four o'clock p.m. on 2/27.

kirkhilles_

Wow, 8 quarts. Yeah, I was going to comment as Walmart as a 5 quart jug of that for $25.17. Still overpriced...

miata52

And they probably used a Fram oil filter...

ocramidajzj

I Wouldn't trust this sort of shop to touch my car. Too many horror stories from people. I will say though that this shop looks pretty clean and bright compared to those in the NE.

robs249_

Ugh Valvoline! They always try to upsell you on everything and tell you that your car needs this, that and a third. My friends mom went in for an oil change and they told her she needed her transmission fluid flushed and replaced.. Yeah, she got it flushed alright. But never replaced!!!! She no longer has that car...

joner800

why dont you guys go to chevy for the service? is it price, or do they not service the SLP?

banhugh

Whether it's a dealership, $8/h paid, 18 year old kid, with an ASE "diploma" or a local shop, $8/h paid, 18 year old kid, with an ASE "diploma" makes no difference to me.

I have horror stories from both dealership and local shops. The important thing is to find a place you trust.

Also, it's a shame you have a 2 post lift and all the tools/equipment to do your own oil change and don't use them.

I would love to have a two post lift in my garage!

hybris

+1 banhugh When you guys got the two post lift you had to expect us to say "Why don't you do your own oil changes?" I'm guessing that its a matter of only a few editors know how to do a proper oil change and they all have more important things t

joefrompa

Most valvoline's and quick lube places are not well run/trusted. However, just like anything, there are plenty of places also run by good people operating an effective small business who care about customers.

$120+ is a bit steep for a 20 minute oil change, even with 8 quarts. I disagree that 20 minutes isn't enough time to let the oil drain - a hot car just pulled into the shop will drain all effective oil in a few minutes flat. But that's not exactly top notch oil they put in there, and they get it in bulk discount, so that's a bit steep.

I'd pay $120 for that oil change though if I got a quick car wash and maybe fluid top offs on washer fluid and what not. It's still not cost effective, but the perceived value would be better.

Regarding the two-post lift/DIY: I think you should at least have a few of your more entry-level employees DIY at least once on these vehicles.

Document it, show ease of access to the filter/plug, comment on how easy it is to read oil level afterwards (it's amazing how many modern cars make it a total PITA to get a good read on the actual sump oil level)