[Terrain]

We noticed an interesting tidbit during research for our story on how to make your car last 200,000 miles. While reaching out to respondents to our Annual Auto Survey for tips and scouring our car forums, we found that many readers said they use synthetic motor oil exclusively in their keeper cars. And keep them they do, with many reporting accumulated miles far exceeding 200,000.

Does expensive synthetic motor oil pay off in the long run?

 

[Canadian-Terrain]

Haven't owned a vehicle long enough to ever need synthetic motor oil but one of my vehicles is getting to that stage slowly. I hear using synthetic oil will help the engine to stop burning oil and keep it lubricated better as conventional oil that you used early in it's life just wont to the job.

 

[howelryan14]

i think it pays off but everyone has different views on things

 

[Terrain]

i think it pays off but everyone has different views on things

i also think it pays off but haven't seen proof of it making any difference. with cost being the same in a way it makes sense just to make the move.

 

[Zakman]

Synthetic motor oil

As well as my new 2012 Terrain, I also own a 2004 GMC Envoy XUV with just under 135,000 miles on it. I have used nothing but synthetic oil from the first oil change and I can state from experience that it's worth every penny! My engine runs just as strong as when it was new and uses no oil. I've changed the oil and filter every 5000 miles. With the cost of gas, oil and upkeep being what it is today, the extra cost of synthetic is well worth the price.

 

[Terrain]

As well as my new 2012 Terrain, I also own a 2004 GMC Envoy XUV with just under 135,000 miles on it. I have used nothing but synthetic oil from the first oil change and I can state from experience that it's worth every penny! My engine runs just as strong as when it was new and uses no oil. I've changed the oil and filter every 5000 miles. With the cost of gas, oil and upkeep being what it is today, the extra cost of synthetic is well worth the price.

Now thats what im talking about!

My friend has a 03 civic with 160 000 miles that burns oil and that was just using regular oil.

 

[Condor1949]

IMHO, the additional cost of synthetic is only worth it "if" you tend to ignore the recommended service schedule or use the vehicle in a manner that puts strain on the engine. Normal use and adherence to the mfg's service recommendations does, as far as I am concerned, negate any real advantage. Most owners tend to comply with the annoying little window sticker and get their oil changes "roughly" when the sticker recommends. Those times are based on regular, non synthetic oil. The advantage of the longer life of a synthetic is lost. Dealers and oil changers love this. You pay extra for the oil and do so more often than is necessary. And don't get me started on blends. Is 2% synth and 98% reg. oil worth the higher price? Most blends don't specify how much or how little you get.

 

[LanellePalmer]

I have used nothing but synthetic oil from the first oil change and I can state from experience that it's worth every penny!