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Burning 5 quarts in 10,000 miles is not out of line for high mileage engines. So basically you never have to change oil. Just top off as you go.
The only one I've had to top off is the Passat. It's needed it twice in 125K miles. The Explorer was fine for the 135K it had one it when sold. The BMW I bought used hasn't needed it in the 40K miles I've had it and it's now at just over 90K.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I do my own on my 1974 Nova, most recently last weekend. The 5 quarts of oil cost me $28.99, the filter was $6.49. Considering that shops mark up parts, with labor costs, disposal fees, $65 just doesn't seem bad at all. With tax it cost me $39 to do my own, and I still have to get rid of the old oil. Where I take our newer vehicles they do more than change the oil and filter, it's rotate tires, check air pressure, top up all other fluids, and inspect belts and hoses. That for $69, and with synthetic blend. I did see that Big O tires is offering oil change and filter plus tire rotation for just $29.99, plus tax and $3.50 waste disposal fee.
Convenience is a huge factor. At the said garage, they have walk in service after 12pm. They are done Before you can catch up on your emails. Judging by how many mechanics are tied up with oil changes, makes me think they could be making more money on oil changes than repairs.
Location: In a perfect world winter does not exist
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Serious Conversation
It's now pushing $70-$80 for synthetic.
Pushing? Thats a great regular day price. Where I live 70 to 80 bucks for synthetic is the dealer special.
Sometimes its best to just let them do it. Got to make a trip to dispose of oil. Not fun, I don't enjoy chores in the hectic, traffic chocked city. Just get it done for me, with tire rotation and I am happy.
No wonder people cant afford to pay back their student loan
Not sure what this has to do with an oil change. Or any service that has seen an increase in cost over time... which is the majority of them...
Quote:
Originally Posted by HappyRider
One remedy is to ditch the 3000 mile interval that they put on a sticker. 5000 miles is pretty safe. Another twist in the equation is topping off between oil changes, sometimes as much as by 2 quarts. Would that extend the oil change interval?
Quote:
Originally Posted by HappyRider
Burning 5 quarts in 10,000 miles is not out of line for high mileage engines. So basically you never have to change oil. Just top off as you go.
I'm not sure burning off that much oil is "not out of line". It seems there may be a gasket or valve issue? I have an Outback w/ 130K miles.... I'll keep a quart of oil in the back as it does burn a little from time to time (about twice a year or 7500 miles). But I typically end up using it at the next change as it rarely get used beyond 1/4 quart.
If you really want to understand how your car is doing - getting an oil analysis is an option. For half the cost of an oil change, it will tell you how much life is left in the oil. This will give you a better indicator on how often you should change your oil...and maybe even see if there are issues.
Just the supplies alone - I pay about $35-$40 for regular 5w30 synthetic ($25-30 for 5 quarts, extra $7 or so for an extra quart) and about $7-$14 for filter depending on how many I get at a time.
I prefer to DIY as I can do it on my own time and make sure it's done right (as indicated before). The caveat to DIY is that you're going to have to invest in the tools - jack, jack stands, funnels, pans, gloves, etc. I probably bought $300 worth of equipment so I can do my oil change and rotate tires. But, two weekends a year, I get to do something I enjoy (after the fact) and be confident that my car was taken care of.
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