(Filled-up 05/28/20 TH @ 1:30pm and many times before): Pull up to the cheapest gas in the SFV... as long as you had a membership or gift card!
Van Nuy's Costco Gasoline station had become a heavily-frequented location since I did so much business in the surrounding areas. Along with the numerous rental properties I managed, various clients, events and projects I worked for and on took me all over Southern California, and one of my favorite breweries (Macleod Ale Brewing Co.) barely a mile away, inexpensive gas was a must for all the driving I did. On average, Costco's gas prices were usually about $0.20/gallon cheaper than the going rate everywhere else, and I was always about value. However, this particular location wasn't visible at all off the nearest freeways (e.g. 101, 170, 405) nor was it easy to get to once you exited the freeway. How did this location compare with others within the chain and in the area!?
PURCHASE
87 Unleaded Gas ($27.50) - I was at the ¼-tank marker, and this location was in the direction I was heading back home, so why not fill-up for less!? Based on the wait in a long line, you would've thought there was a gas shortage (oh... the person ahead of me had issues with the pump)! Nearly fifteen minutes later, I finally pulled up to a pump and fueled up. After 10.58 gallons of gas at $2.59/gallon, my "Brave Little Toaster" was stuffed and ready to get out of the hot Valley!
SERVICE
Unless there was something wrong with the pump you were at, the machine was out of receipt paper, or your Costco membership card wasn't working, it was all self-service. Unfortunately, my Pump #6 flowed at a slow pace. I recalled a couple employees who milled around for any customer support. Simply... all was good.
PARKING (N/A)
None specifically for the gas station. However, there were plenty of spots that surrounded the station and plenty more as you drove away and headed towards the actual warehouse where they had a massive private lot solely for themselves.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
Located along the main drag of Sepulveda Blvd. among car dealerships, industrial shops, and more, this was a large gas station with fairly wide two-lane aisles all with long lanes that allowed if you needed to pass by cars https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=NHX0dgFem6nMKl72JoV8kw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. It had a total of 20 pump stations (8 gas lanes with a mix of two or three pumps each). However, no soapy suds, squeaky squeegees, paper towels, and air or water stations - just like all other Costco gas stations I've been to. But, there were places to dump any trash you had. The pump stations were completely covered from the elements unless a hurricane or tornado headed towards you. There were numerous ways to enter the area which potentially created traffic jams that spilled into the surrounding parking spaces while a couple ways to exit with minimal space to maneuver once you pulled into the gas station area. There was plenty of natural lighting during the day and appeared like fluorescent lighting at night. There were no TVs or background music.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Personally, Costco Gasoline's Van Nuys location served its purpose with its low prices and proximity to the apartments I managed and clients I had in the area. Again, the distance from the nearest freeways wasn't convenient but easy to find once you arrived. This location appeared to share the same daily extended hours I've seen at others which was great for commuters. I found good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $28.00; no applicable discounts/tips). And, Costco now only accepted VISA credit cards and not mine of choice...AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more