I own a Saab 9-3 that needs to have the oil changed. When I lived in the U.S. I would either do it myself or take it to a garage that specifically changes oil (for like USD $30). However, because I do not know the Lausanne area that well yet nor the rules around doing self repair on cars I went to the local Saab garage. They quoted me a price of 450 CHF for JUST an oil change. A couple of questions for the forum:

1. Does the Saab garage quote seem reasonable?
2. Are there Swiss garages that just change oil? If so, would anyone have a recommendation for the Lausanne area?

Thanks

did you import the Saab?
you can do your own change and drop the oil off at a garage - they might charge you.

For Saabs bought here, is there no 3 year/100'000km free servicing?

The Saab was imported from the U.S. but by another party. This occur several years ago and since then the car has been serviced at a Saab garage in Zurich and been through several inspections (expertisée). I just recently bought the car used.

I am very excited to hear that I can change the oil myself. I used to do that all the time in the U.S. I have to believe that the cost of the new oil, an oil filter and disposal of the oil must be cheaper then CHF 450.

Are you aware of any auto part stores (chains) in Switzerland?

KR,
Steve

That price seems steep. I pay about CHF300 for an annual inspection/ oil change/ oil filter change on my Golf at a VW dealer...

I imported my Subaru as well as a bunch of oil filters. Dunno where you'd buy the filters (other than from a garage) in CH though. Oil you can find at Coop Baucenter for instance. Every community has a recycling center where you can also drop off old oil (as long as you do not do it in excessive quantities).

Is the 9-3 the one that is basically a Subaru Impreza WRX but with a Saab branding, or is that yet another car? Used to have the WRX, was an awesome car. I also think that 450 CHF for an oil change is outrageous.

Does anyone know of a Subaru garage in the ZH area? Need to get my car serviced and since I only do oil changes will need a garage.

Thanks.

There is a Casino supermarket near Prilly. In that same building near the entrance (before you actually go in to the supermarket), there is an auto parts store. Maybe you can get what you need there.

If I can find the exact address I'll edit the post.

EDIT: OK, it's not Prilly, it's in Romanel

Rte de Neuchâtel 4 - 1032 Romanel

450 chf for an oil change is downright crazy.
When I still had a car I would go to Euromaster and they would fill it up with good quality Shell helix oil for about 65 chf. Don't know the actual prices, but it surely won't set you back hundreds of $$

Check out www.euromaster.ch

Either your French is weak or the person you spoke with speaks terrible English because I can't believe for a second you were quoted 450chf for just an oil change on a Saab. The quote must surely be for a full service (tune-up) including all filters and oil.
I was burned once by a garage because he took advantage of my (at the time) poor German. They had a list a mile long of things that needed to be replaced or fixed on my Peugeot, I asked how much and they said only about 800chf. so I agreed. Later when I got the bill it was double that..!!! I went back to complain about the difference and the guy said the 800chf quote was for "parts only", I exploded..!! That was the last time I ever went to Franz Peugeot in Zurich and the first and last Peugeot I'll ever own.

Thanks for all the great suggestions.

There was definitely not any confusion between myself and the Garage. The individual I spoke with clearly understood what I requested. Even if the CHF 500 price included the oil filter and the air filter, it is still crazy expensive. Those parts cost absolutely nothing. I used to have the whole thing done in the U.S. for $40 including tax. Now i fully recognize it will be more expensive in Switzerland but not this much.