LOF-Xpress Oil Change - Ames

Address:	520 S Duff Ave, Ames, IA 50010, USA
Phone:	+1 515-232-5639
Site:	lof-xpress.com
Rating:	4.7
Working:	6AM–8PM 6AM–8PM 6AM–8PM 6AM–8PM 6AM–8PM 8AM–5PM 9AM–4PM

Location

Photos 94

Reviews 5

John Burdine Jr

Ive used LOF since they opened for all of my vehicles, and its a smooth operation until they make a mistake. I brought in my 2014 Sprinter van (diesel) and picked one of the oils they offered. After clogging my DPF with ash, and cascading issues with my DEF system (costing me over $2500) I found out that neither oil they offered met the MB low ash spec required by this engine. They offered to replace the oil and only charge me half their supplies cost (still somehow $80 out of my pocket). The manager insists that it was my fault for not telling them what oil my engine required and that they went "above and beyond" by "researching" the correct oil after their mistake (even though I had to tell them what the spec was and the approved oils). WARNING: if you have a modern diesel avoid LOF, as they admit their "systems and procedures" only tell them what viscosity is allowable, and not what grade of oil your engine or emissions systems requires. EDIT...after owners comments below: Ted I appreciate your rapid response, I had requested to discuss this with you or your son directly for weeks, but I guess this conversation has to happen on your rating board. I would like to show you the emails from your managers where they admit neither oil your technician offered meets Mercedes low ash spec for my OM651, i4 2.1 engine (spec 220.51/229.52). I also have an email from your manager stating that your ALL DATA system failed to specify the right grade on this engine. Someone in the bay (maybe CJ) also told me in person that the system didnt flag the vehicle as an "eco" like the "other promasters" (whatever that means...this isnt a promaster). Lastly, the following quote through email from location manager Rob, led me to believe your system only specified viscosity. "Our system shows us the oil viscosity that the manufacturer recommends for each vehicle. These recommendations are then given to the customer and the customer chooses which oil they want to use, and if there is a specific grade of oil that needs to be used in a vehicle, it is the responsibility of the customer to make sure that it is communicated." As you can see, my claims are not unsubstantiated. I sincerely hope all your stocked oils are quality products, but Ive come to learn there are important reasons why the manufacturers of diesels with modern emissions systems have specific ratings. What is a high quality option in one vehicle may foul the DPF in another.

Sam Sivaskandan

I have always loved the convenience and speed of the service here at LOFX. Been coming here for quite a few years and was always happy with their service and reliability. However, today after the standard lube Oil service for my car, as I drove back home on the expressway, I heard a terrible noise everytime I pressed the gas peddle to accelerate. This is an excellent Honda CR-V in top condition that I have been driving for 7 years. So I immediately knew something was wrong. I turned around and went back to LOFX to let them know that something was not right. They were kind enough to check. And they told me that nothing was wrong with all the items they touched for the service. I told the person that there is definitely something wrong. He said that even his manager had checked the car and that nothing was wrong. I drove from there to the Honda Dealership and they heard my issue and in 3 minutes diagnosed the problem. LOFX had not correctly replaced the air filter in the housing. So the housing was off alignment creating a leak path for air to be sucked from around it causing the noise. All companies make mistakes. So that is not an issue. What is an issue is to have the managers and their managers check the service and still NOT FIND THE PROBLEM caused by them. Very disappointed because this incident showed that they have a serious reliability issue that even their senior management is unable to solve. THAT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR ANY BUSINESS. You lose customers very quickly. They did offer me a $ 18.99 rebate based on the points I had earned. But that is something I would have gotten anyway because I paid to get those points. NET-NET they did not make any effort to make it up to the customer. BE VARY OF THEIR SERVICE.

Xander Simunek

I went to get a "quick oil change" at LOF-Xpress and my car engine, which was working perfectly well before I brought it there, seized not more than 10 feet out of their driveway. At first, the manager that was onsite admitted that they were completely at fault, and assured me that they would cover the damages. However, when the second manager came (the owners son), he immediately refuted any accountability for the mishap before the situation could even be evaluated. I had the car towed to the Land Rover dealership to be properly inspected, and (to no surprise) they determined that the engine was terminated as a result of excessive oil (found in multiple chambers of the engine). Basically, LOF flooded the engine by overfilling it with oil. This was AFTER under-filling my engine by THREE quarts the previous day (01/09/15), which caused my engine to smoke and my final return to the establishment (01/10/15). After numerous failed attempts at resolving the issue peacefully with LOF-xpress, the problem has now been passed on to my attorney. LOF is the epitome of how to poorly conduct business, but I assure you that they will be held accountable. I am working with a local paper to cover the story, so if you know anyone that has had a bad experience with LOFXpress -Ames, please have them contact me. FORTUNATELY, unlike the majority of students/people that would be left without a car, I am blessed with an amazing support system and will be getting my car back in a few days. Total estimated cost of repairs will be about $15,000.00 (not covered by insurance). Please beware of this wretched place and share this story with anyone that even considers going there. It will probably be the last time that they drive it otherwise.

Diggi Web Design

I love this Automotive Full Service Company, seriously! Where else can you pull up in your vehicle to receive an oil change and be served without leaving your vehicle+?( all while being served Keurig brewed coffee / hot cocoa / or tea+!) and not to mention simultaneously catching up on the latest news or sports upon the many Large HD Flat Screens. Their mechanics always work within your viewing range or upon the viewing screen near you. There is no need for your vehicle to be raised in the air as oil is changed from below. Simply you pull up, follow guide in, park, be served beverage of choice from available selections ( : I always get coffee :), just hangout within your vehicle for about 3-5 minutes watching the Flatscreen/Listen to radio/ chat with passenger, then start vehicle/then shut off, bay manager describes service you requested then guides you out. I think LubeOilFilter-Xpress of Ames Iowa is the fastest, most efficient and customer oriented business of this genre of service Nationwide. Whoever created this business model for the LubeOilFilter Service Industry truly covered all aspects of customer service. -Every 3,000 miles for the past 1 year my Wife and I have had our vehicle serviced here and highly recommend LOF-Xpress to you today!

Chris J

The service is good, the people are kind(face value at least), but a situation happened where the ethical standing of the company has made my family and I withdraw our accounts. One of the employees took advantage of a19 year old girl. The employee traded their vehicle with her and reassured her it was a fair trade. The car the employee traded is barely in working condition. Apparently due to it being "private business"(which depends on which side you are hearing) LOF is not willing to look into at all. I understand policy and covering your own assets, but when an employee admits he did an unethical trade to a young woman, with no repercussions whatsoever, it is a reflection on the company. Needles to say it has shaken our trust at an otherwise great place. Wish i was invited to speak in person, would have been a good business decision to even pretend you respect your customers enough to give them that. This is not to attack the company but if you are a ethically sound individual, who still believes in having a honest moral compass, this review may be something to consider. Reviewed a 1 not 0 because prior to this they were great. Needless to say our vehicles are now being serviced elsewhere.