Amsoil 10w-30 vs Mobil 1 5w30

[Brad_C]

G'day all,

I know this is just asking for a flame-fest, but bear with me.

I live in Perth, WA. It practically never gets colder than 0C and it's almost always above 10C. Summer gets pretty hot, but not enough to warrant going up to a 40W. The car is naturally aspirated and it lives a pretty relaxed lifestyle. Car has 450,000k (281k miles) and a bit of blowby, but nothing worth worrying about. It had a complete re-seal with Volvo viton seals at about 400,000k, leaks nothing and does not burn enough to worry about between changes. Oil pressure exceeds the specs in the service manual even when towing and very hot.

I've been happily using Mobil 1 5w30 for about 5 years now, but it's usually in excess of $90 a bottle (5L). Recently there are a number of Amsoil dealers that popped up in Perth, and Amsoil Signature Series is $80 for 5Qts (4.73L). So it's actually cheaper than the M1.

I do about 12,000k (~7,500k miles) a year and tend to change on the Easter weekend every year.
Sometimes, I can jag the M1 for $75 on sale, but it's still pretty pricey.

What would you do? I'm pretty happy with the M1. Given I can reliably get the Amsoil cheaper, is it any worse than the M1?

 

[901Memphis]

The Amsoil Signature series is as good as the Mobil 1 or better. They use a very robust additive package with Amsoil, lots of detergent, lots of friction modifiers, if it's cheaper than Mobil 1 go for it!

 

[Turk]

Look at a sample of VOA's & used oil analysis on this site and check out the additive packages and results.

You will see stronger additive packages with the Amsoil. I would go with the Amsoil.

 

[Shannow]

If you can get the Amsoil cheaper than the M1, then run it for sure.

 

[R80RS]

Use the Amsoil with confidence, especially if It is less expensive. You can compare the add packs at PQIA's website here: http://www.pqiamerica.com

 

[Ducman]

It's a no brainer.

I would use Amsoil ATM any day especially as it's cheaper.

I started using it in my car after the warranty expired with the factory fill and service refill being spec'd as Mobil 1 10w30.
As you have noted, I can also get the Amsoil cheaper than the 5w30 MOBIL 1 so I will continue to use the Amsoil.
The ATM is working fine in my application.
In terms of the question of grade, Amsoil also recommend the 10w30 for our climate here in OZ all year round.

If I were to consider an alternative grade of oil for my engine the new Amsoil 0w-40 AZF would most likely be well and truly on my shopping list.

 

[pbm]

I would consider Amsoil Signature Series to be superior to regular M1 and about equal to Mobil 1 Extended Performance. Since Mobil 1 Extended Performance is available for under $29 for the 5qt. jug at Walmart I'd use it....in your case I'd use the Amsoil.

Also, at 218K and your climate, I'd be using the 10w30...

 

[OneEyeJack]

Once the oil in in your engine how would you ever figure out which one is best. It's hard to say one additive package is better than the other once their are both in service especially since "best" has not been defined. You can run either oil with complete confidence knowing that the rest of the car or your interest in the car will probably wear out long before the engine with nothing more then routine maintenance and reasonable driving habits.

The cost to test and monitor in an effort to prove which oil is best in actual use given a reasonable definition of "best" would be staggering.

In other words, use the cheapest of the two.

 

[Kuato]

Easy decision. Amsoil.

 

[HerrStig]

Is motor oil taxed to death in your country?

 

[Brad_C]

I don't think its tax so much. We certainly don't get it as cheap as you guys, but there is cheap oil available. It's stuff like Mobil 1 which is just priced insanely. Mobil 1 0w40 is in excess of $100 a bottle.

Then again, we're paying 5 bucks a gallon for fuel (on a good day), so we're still much better off than the UK.

 

[robertcope]

Originally Posted By: Brad_C
It's stuff like Mobil 1 which is just priced insanely. Mobil 1 0w40 is in excess of $100 a bottle.


$100/liter? Or for a five liter bottle? Either way it is crazy.

robert

 

[mjoekingz28]

5L jug

 

[mjoekingz28]

Thats not crazy. Paying good dollar for a good product. And yet we are trying to get oil for a dollar a quart here.

 

[demarpaint]

If the Amsoil is less money for you, I'd use the Amsoil.

 

[Brad_C]

I think that's the thing. We don't mind paying for a quality product, it's just hard to find quality.

Our market is priced at what the market could bear.

I just looked up the local discount parts place. 1L of Castrol Magnatec 5w30 is $16.99. Cheapest is 1L of Gulf Western (a local oil) for $10.50 and that's on sale.

So the cheapest litre of mineral oil is $10.50. Now you see why my interest piqued with Amsoil signature at $16.50/qt.

 

[alcyon]

Oil is also very expensive in asia. In my country..buying a 4L shell helix ultra at the gas station costs rm247. In usd thats 65 .
sometimes mobil 1... helix ultra and castrol edge goes on sale at rm149 which is about 42usd. I usually grab the Full Synthetic on sale.
dino costs at least rm 86 which is 22 dollars.
semi syntethic at normal price is rm120. You north americans have it really good when it comes to oil price.

 

[DeepFriar]

Wow, that is expensive. Is there significant tax associated with that ala fuel tax?

 

[alcyon]

Afaik there is no fuel tax. Not sure about motor oil though. Amsoil prices here are plain crazy. The local dealer never offers it on sale. Thats why i always go for mobil 1, shell helix ultra or castrol edge.

 

[mjoekingz28]

Motor oil prices are very little compared to gasoline.

Lets see, 12000 a year at 20mpg at 3.00 is about 1,800 dollars

Two oil changes= $100 at about the most..


Alcyon, how many miles do you Asians ( or Oceania) typically run a year? The USA, for the most part, is spread out and built for the auto obile. In Europe and Asia, I would guess, you can walk, bike, take the train, etc to most places.

Still rm149 or rm298 plus filters sounds decent for a year's worth of oil.