FYI - I have only 200 miles on mine and the oil is a very light amber, I just checked it earlier today. A fresh oil change should not be dark. The only possibility is if they changed it cold and did not get but 2/3 of it out before quitting & installing the new. The old oil would make the new darker. Only a possibility.

This exact thing happened to my parents. I guess the oil changing place took so long and my parents keep complaining and next thing you know when you take the car home, the oil is dark as hell. Lesson learned here is dont be cheap and go to the lower oil changing place because it might look a little shady like this place. And the last advice is never complain or try to rush them because they can do things you dont want them to do.

Thanks for the input everyone. I'll try to answer everyones questions.

Why I don't just do it myself?
Well, I don't have a garage like I used to, and I don't have the time to do it. I'm trying to make it out to the Fontana event at Cal Speedway on Tue.

Age of the mechanic(s)?
I'm not sure because I only talked to the service rep. I hear what you're saying, but I'm not the type to discriminate.

Anyway, I'm going to call the Dealer tomorrow and tell them what I've noticed. I'm going to insist that I come over and they inspect it themselves and tell me if the oil should be that dark.

Please keep us posted.

That would be ideal, but some people won't if they can get it done for free from the dealer.

You can at least get to the filter without jacking/lifting the car, just pop a couple clips, slide your arm in there and mark it with a sharpe.

Actually, I've seen oil stay nice and amber for a thousand miles.

Low-dollar, low-value tasks are reserved for the low-dollar employees. Junior techs are going to get the oil change jobs if they are available. A kid changed my oil when I went in for my free service. He couldn't have been older than 18, but I could watch through the window and he did a good job.

I know I will let the dealer do ALL my oil changes, but that is because my dealer gives FREE lifetime oil changes with the car... I would be stupid not to let them...

If they are trustworthy, then it's cool. :)

A good rule of thumb is NEVER go to a dealer for anything "but warranty work" and ALWAYS document your oil & filter change with a RECEIPT!They will get in your pocket one way or the other!Don't be foolish!
As for the dealers that say they will give you "free oil changes for the life of your car"...DAH!...BEWARE of these con artists?Anyone who believes they are honestly getting oil changes all the time need to check into a rehab as soon as possible!

I think you need to sit back and take a breath and read over your last post?
Honestly dude if you believe you are getting honest lifetime oil changes from this dealer then you must be the guy that has been spotting Elvis lately in
Tennessee!
What was he wearing when you last seen him?

Quick trick to catch 'em off guard: Next time, get under your car and scrape a small part of the oil filter with a file. I caught a Mazda dealer trying to fool me into paying for a scheduled oil change they didn't do! I spoke to the shop mgr, he apologized and deducted $19.00 from the "maintenance" charge. Needless to say, I never went back there, and started doing my own oil changes.

That just defeats the purpose of taking it in then. By the time you remove the undertray you might as well change the oil yourself!

Correct!

I think it's been mentioned before but you only have to remove four screws from the undertray to change the oil and filter.