9/21/2024 - I had been getting my oil changed in Chesnee for $40. The couple who ran the oil change business closed it down and Grease Monkey opened it back up so I thought I would give them a try.
Pros: The first thing I noticed is that they had more check points. In addition to checking the air pressure in the tires, they checked and topped up the coolant. They pulled and checked my engine air filter and my cabin air filter. Both were dirty and I was asked if I wanted them changed. I agreed to the change without asking the price. That was my mistake.
Cons: When I went to pay, they charged me more than $150. When I commented that I guess I will have to start back doing my own work, he asked if I was a first-time customer. When I said yes, he gave me a 10% discount that saved me $14.90. My final charge (tax included) was $141.07. I was billed $59.99 for a STP cabin air filter that sells at the AutoZone right down the street for $12.99. I priced it there because I am pretty sure one of the guys walked down the street and purchased it there. The engine air filter was a generic no name. It just said, "Made in China", so I priced another STP brand. They charged me $34.99 for a filter AutoZone sells for $18.99. Keep in mind that they removed my dirty filters as a part of their oil change/inspection. They either had to put my filters back or a new one so there is no labor charge consideration. For the two filters I paid a 297% markup above retail price.
I feel like I was overcharged by at least $50, but I do appreciate the $14.90 discount. I think the $49.99 conventional oil change is probably a fair value, but I would not recommend allowing the Grease Monkeys to do anything else.
7/16/2025 - I decided to give the grease Monkey in Chesnee, SC another try. It was a ghost town with no other cars being serviced. I parked my car in the oil change lane and got out. A young man came right out, I answered his questions and started walking through the marked pathway for customers to follow to the lobby. I observed a male and female sitting on stools in the shop. About halfway across the shop. I stopped and looked around the shop. The man I assume was the manager rudely demanded that I go on into the lobby. I pointed out that I was in an area designated for customers. He told me "We will just pull you around", got up and started heading for my car. I told him he would not, turned to the young man that was actually doing something (my car) and ordered him out of my car and left.
This place is on my "NEVER AGAIN" list.
I give it one star because there is nothing less. read more
