So I'm debating whether to fork out the premium for the dealership or risk a Meineke or Jiffy for my oil change. What do most people in the area do?

 

none. i do my own

 

Self of course. Why trust it to antone else when it's so simple? Sorry, I see you asked for locals and I'm not local.........but I think I'll be in the strong majority.

 

self or if its too cold i got a guy.........otherwise it would be a dealer but never ever ever ever a jiffy lube

 

Yeah - my problem is that it's too cold now. So I'm trying to determine what to do, but so far I guess the consensus is not a large chain?

 

yeah, no to a large chain. I do it myself. It should be semi warm on sunday, at least down here in CT. Should be about 40 degrees so you could do it then.

 

definitely do it myself, i have the convenience of doing it right in my own garage, know that the job is done right, AND save a bundle of money in the process

 

I have to agree with what is already posted. Those chain style oil change places cannot be trusted. Here's a quick example.

About 6 months ago, I took a contract job here in Kosovo. Anyhow, my wife decided to buy a Dodge Ram 1500 pickup a couple of months ago. Not a big deal, but when she bought it the man selling it (private sale) said it needed an oil change.

About a week later, she took it to one of those chain store oil changers and had it changed. Afterwards, she started noticing small drops of oil in the garage every morning. Her step dad took a look and it looks like the "wrong" drain plug was installed.

A trip to a trusted mechanic confirmed his suspicions and a proper one was bought and installed. Yea, the pan had to be re-tapped too.

So, avoid those places