Alas, 6 quarts of Mobil 1 full synthetic runs me $14, plus a filter is $3ish (though someone gave me a bunch a few years ago) and I have a Fumoto valve, so changes run me 30 minutes at home.
I've never actually taken my car to an oil change place. I don't KNOW they change my oil, I don't KNOW if they strip the bolt and I don't KNOW that they put full synthetic oil in, and they seem to charge $30-ish around here (Texas).
I have use Mobil 1 synthetic oil for years. Mobil 1 regularly have rebates which make the price if synthetic oil a lot cheaper. I stock up on filters when I find deals. Both of my cars use the same filter. I would estimate it cost me $20-$25 for one oil change (5.5 qt oil + filter) and maybe 5-10 min of my time. Get the ramp, drive the car unto the ramp, unscrew the bolts for bottom engine cover, drain bolt and oil filter. Leave and do something else (I usually mow the lawn). When I return, oil is completely drained. Install drain bolt and new filter. Pour in new oil. Done. It is even faster when I do the SUV since I do not need to get it on a ramp.
If I take my car to oil change place, it will be at least 30 min or longer. Drive there, wait if there is a line, then more waiting while they work, then drive back home. I rather do something else with my time. YMMV of course.
I haven't seen anyone answer the "mess-up-able" question. Yes, it is mess-upable, and you can ruin your engine. I don't mean to scare you off if you're interested in doing it, but I want to be truthful.
That is exactly why I insist on doing all my own oil changes.
+1. If you are new at this, I am sure someone has recorded how to do this on youtube. Oil change and other simple maintenance is just the lowest hanging fruit to save money when one own a car, and I enjoy the change of pace. I work in front of computer all day, so any other work in the garage over weekend is kinda fun.
$55 is not bad depending the type of oil, how many quarts the car need and the location. I do not know how much local Lexus dealer charge, but I know they have free lunch, fresh baked cookies, espresso, and free car wash among other things. I would not mind paying $55 for oil change at that Lexus dealer but I will take advantage of everything that they have lol