I apologize in advanced for the length. Though I want to ensure I am thorough, so as to fairly portray what had happened. There is a summary at the bottom. This is my opinion of what occurred. You may contact the owners of the business yourself to hear their side of the story.
I would like to call your attention to "The Great Canadian Oil Change" located on # 1 - 4103 - 4th Ave S. Lethbridge. Alberta. 403 - 394 - 7711.
* I called ahead to ensure they had my oil filter in stock. Indeed they did. They were aware of what model and type of vehicle I was bringing in.
* I asked about the price they would charge, and I also expressed my dismay at the cost of my last oil change at Mr. Lube ($150, they work on a commission.)
* He assured me that they are the cheapest, and that they make sure they are competitive by comparing prices.
* I was told over the phone it would be about $120-$130 all in. This is typical for my vehicle (Dealer charges ~130.)
* After driving into the garage, what seemed like only seconds later I think I could hear my oil already being drained. "Hmm speedy," I thought.
* Then suddenly a shout from downstairs, "He has the wrong oil in here!" Apparently one of the owners has a bionic petroleum analyzing nose.
* I quickly stated that they are mistaken. I know exactly which oil the vehicle requires, and I have never added anything else. Castrol Syntec 5W30. This suggested oil brand name is also embedded on my OE oil cap. There is no mistaking it.
* After stating my oil preference, and also expressing my certainty on which oil I should use, the owners spent the next 10 minutes nauseatingly up selling their most expensive oil.
* I continually informed them that I do not agree with what they are saying, and that I will be sure to cross-check their "information" when I get home. I was already getting nervous as a result of their pushiness and "SUSPICIOUS TO ME" oil standard claims.
* I noticed on the computer screen they had already input me for 7.5 quarts of the unusually expensive Amsoil product.
* I kindly requested that they use Castrol Syntec. They only had Mobil 1 synthetic in stock. I said okay that is fine. The two are in fact basically interchangeable.
* The owner told me I am not allowed to have Mobil 1 synthetic in my vehicle. The owner said "NO". He refused saying that HE somehow is not "ALLOWED." They go on to spew more "info." to me about how I should not be using Syntec/Mobil, and that they will only sell me Amsoil.
* At this point I am highly irritated and starting to feel like I just drove into a trap. No word of a lie, "**IN MY OPINION, IT *ONLY* FELT**" like I was being "robbed" in an alley.
* I immediately asked if my oil was already drained (I hoped that what I heard earlier was not actually my oil draining) so that I could leave and go elsewhere. They happily informed me that the oil has already been drained.
* Finally I give in and tell them I have somewhere to be, so just fill the damn vehicle up with your Amsoil oil.
* The grand total was $160, this includes a non OE filter for $30. I know a lot about my vehicle and what it requires, what things cost for it etc. Despite expressing my knowledge, the two owners still "TOLD ME INFORMATION I HAVE NEVER HEARD ABOUT BEFORE" to my face about prices, suppliers, dealer policies etc. I cannot imagine what its like for a less auto savvy customer drives into their shop.
* Can you imagine how I felt driving out of there? I could not believe what just happened. I was essentially cornered and given no choice but to sit there and be "SOLD TO" by the two owners of the business.
tl;dr: went to get my oil changed at "The Great Canadian Oil Change." I was told by the owner of the business over the phone that they are the cheapest in town. After telling him how I thought Mr. Lube was way overpriced, in the past charging me $150 for an oil change, he reassured me saying it would be about 120-130 at their "The Great Canadian Oil Change" in Lethbridge.
Upon arriving my oil was immediately drained, then after my request to use the oil recommended by the manufacturer of my vehicle, I was told "NO." The owners said they were only "allowed" to use their suggested product. In the end I was charged $160, and "SOLD" into purchasing their most expensive oil, including a non OEM filter for $30.
To me it felt like the two owners were also very forceful in communicating to me. They told me a lot of "INFORMATION I HAVE NEVER HEARD ABOUT BEFORE" about synthetic oil. What they were saying was did not sound correct TO ME. IN MY OPINION a certified automotive tech. would have agreed it their information was incorrect, however I am only speculating as I have not actually asked a certified automotive tech. what their opinion on the matter is.
This experience was nauseating. Had our communication been documented/recorded, I would casually conversed with a legally informed person what their opinion on the matter was. **(I AM NOT SAYING THE OWNERS OR THE GREAT CANADIAN OIL CHANGED DID ANYTHING ILLEGAL.)** It was that bad. To me it was a blatant "PUSH".
NOTE: My intention is NOT to harm the business called THE GREAT CANADIAN OIL CHANGE in LETHBRIDGE, or either of the owners of the business reputations. I am NOT implying criminal behaviour by the business or owners, NOR am I declaring the owners unfit to preform their jobs adequately.
I am simply stating my opinion and experiences with the business on January 17 2012 at ~2:30pm. My intention is to let others know how I felt personally.

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