Should a Mechanic Refuse to Honor It?

A mechanic had to deny a woman’s Groupon due to the type of car she drives. It’s raising awareness about the cut Groupon takes on coupons sold on the site.

In a TikTok, a mechanic at Morales Automotive (@morales_automotive) says his customer didn’t read the terms of the offer.

The mechanic begins asking the customer what kind of car she drives. He says she drives a 2016 Audi A5. 

“Did you read the Groupon?” the mechanic asked.

“I just bought it,” the woman purportedly replied.

The mechanic then explains that the Groupon price excludes European vehicles because it costs more to service them.

On Morales Automotive’s Groupon, it does clearly state *excludes European* at the end of each bullet point.

“Why would I give an Audi a $51 oil change? Seventy-nine-ninety-nine is what we normally charge for oil changes, but European cars are at $149 baby,” the mechanic asks. 

He notes that he doesn’t buy bulk oil for European cars.

“You pay the cost and you will pay for my labor. Simple as that,” he elaborates. 

“For $51 […] I’m not making nothing. Plus Groupon takes their portion. By the time Groupon pays me out, I lose $25. No thank you,” he concludes. 

The commenters were split between questioning the quote and understanding the mechanic’s decision to deny the coupon. 

“It’s more expensive because you are not prepared with the correct oil?” one asked. 

“It’s not your fault she did not read it. Why would you want to do it if you’re not going to make money? Your time is worth money,” a second countered.

How Much Should an Oil Change Cost?

The purpose of an oil change is to improve your engine’s performance, extend its longevity, and help you achieve peak gas mileage.

On average, an oil change should cost between $30 and $125, according to Kelley Blue Book (KBB) and AutoZone. However, it can cost more depending on the type of oil, location of service, and vehicle type.

European vehicles require fully synthetic oils that adhere to strict performance specifications, Star European Repair reports. Synthetic oils resist breaking down and provide superior protection against wear and tear.

According to Fletcher Jones Audi, an Audi oil change can cost between $143 and $170. The final Audi oil change price is determined by two components of labor and parts.

The typical breakdown for these costs is shown below:

• Labor Cost Range: $69 to $88
• Parts Cost Range: $74 to $82

Dealers often use manufacturer-recommended parts and may have higher labor rates, while independent shops can offer more competitive pricing. Dealership costs are increased by factory-certified mechanics, Audi OEM (original equipment) parts, and warranty service.

KBB reports a fair price for a 2016 Audi A5 oil change ranges from $181 to $230. Audi drivers on Reddit report paying anywhere from $140 to $250 for oil changes.

Should the Mechanic Have Honored the Groupon?

“She’s probably going to leave me a bad review. Why would I take the loss because you couldn’t read correctly,” the mechanic concludes his video.

Some people disagreed.

“I don’t know where you’re getting your oil, but we get our Mobil 1 5w-40 for only $6/quart. You could’ve easily honored that and gained a new customer,” one TikTok commenter countered. 

Groupon told Motor1, “We connect customers with local businesses but don’t manage point-of-sale terms directly. We always encourage full transparency in transactions and are currently reviewing this case.”

Reddit users claim Groupon takes 50% commission on the deals they offer from the small business. Groupon denies it, claiming “our commission rate is flexible and tailored to your business.” It also says that the 50% discount and 50% commission is a myth.

Whatever the commission cut is from Groupon, it’s apparently enough that the mechanic didn’t want to take a loss on the Audi oil change. 

Motor1 has contacted Morales Automotive via TikTok direct message. This story will be updated if he replies.