A bargain...or not.

The light in my car indicating that I needed an oil change became illuminated last week. I knew it was about that time but I always prefer that my car remind me personally before I take action. I promptly put it on my ‘to do’ list and thought about when I would fit it in to my schedule. Of course I have plenty of free time virtually every day but I feel more productive when I make lists and schedule certain times to do things, rather than just stopping at the shop on the way home from practice. It just so happens that there is a Jiffy Lube around the corner from where I live and I pass it on the way to pretty much all of my scheduled commitments—the track, weight room, chiropractor, and my massage therapist. Honestly, that’s all my life consists of. Anyway, I had seen a sign out front promoting a special ‘early bird’ price of $19.99 if you brought your car in between 7am and 9am. The deal was made even sweeter by the inclusion of a free coffee and bagel from Coffee Exchange, located just down the street. And not just a regular drip coffee, they were offering a free signature coffee drink. That’s like four bucks. And did I mention this place even has free Internet? sweeeeeet.

So I made the decision that Tuesday would be the day I got an oil change. I have to wake up early on Mondays to make it to the weight room by 8am, but Tuesdays are my day to sleep in and I was forfeiting that in exchange for a bargain. I set the alarm for 8:15 (hush) and made my way out of the house. Of course I had a moment’s hesitation when the alarm first went off, almost convincing myself that the extra sleep was worth the $10 bucks but then I remembered the free signature coffee drink and figured I would regret it if I stayed in bed. So off I went.

Can I just share with you for a second just how much I hate getting an oil change? I really despise these “customer service” agents that are constantly trying to make this whole ordeal into far more than a simple oil change. And perhaps I would listen and carefully consider their recommendations if it wasn’t for the fact that each and every time I go I am shown how filthy this filter is, how clogged this other thing is, how my windshield wipers are definitely not wiping how they should, and how I should definitely consider the upgraded oil that is twice as much as the posted price for an oil change. Maybe you’re right…or maybe that filter is always grey and collects a little dust. I did just buy this car brand new six months ago. And so today was no different, as they tried to convince me I am breathing air that would make people in China sick and that it is definitely recommended that my car use the premium oil. Umm, I drive a Honda Civic. This car doesn’t need premium anything. It’s precisely why I traded in my SUV to drive it—so that all things could be cheap and basic. If a Civic doesn't require the basic oil, what car does? And I know it might seem as if I just happened to show up before 9am and will be pleasantly surprised that my oil change is only $19.99, but it was most assuredly not. So therefore I am definitely NOT interested in paying $49.99. Not today.

So I proceeded to turn down this, that, and the other thing and finally I was ready to go. I happily signed my bill and the man handed me my keys and wished me a good day. But guess what he didn’t hand me? My coupon. So I quickly think to myself whether it’s worth calling him back over and asking for it. Perhaps I was mistaken and you have to get the upgraded oil in order to be eligible for the signature coffee and bagel. And since I was such a cheapskate then I certainly do not qualify. Beyond that, I think that I have a slight complex. Yes, I’m cheap and I love a good bargain, but I don’t always like to admit it. I’ll walk into a store and seem genuinely surprised as the sales clerk informs me that the whole back wall is an additional 50% off. Oh wow, that’s great. Actually that’s the only reason I’m in here. I’ll quickly browse through the front of the store but my sights are set on the sale rack. I don’t have a favorite shampoo and conditioner, I change my brand based on what’s on sale. I like to try the salon quality ones from time to time but I’d never want to pay full price for the stuff! So instead of admitting that I had woken up early specifically to get the sale price and a free coffee, I walk away with no coupon. And as soon as I drove away, I regretted it. It’s completely stupid of me, I know. Even if the coupon wasn’t available to me, what do I need to be embarrassed about for asking? Are the Jiffy Lube workers going to judge me and secretly talk about me as soon as I walk away? I doubt it. And now I’ll probably stay home tomorrow afternoon instead of enjoying an afternoon at Coffee Exchange on Jiffy’s expense.