Amsoil extended intervals vs. buyer stigma

[televascular]

I have always been a synthetic-only, 5000-mile OCI kind of guy. From exploring this site and others, I'm convinced that Amsoil is capable of supporting extended drain intervals with proper filter changes (or using the EaOs). Personally, I would be confident changing my Amsoil every 20,000 or so.

BUT!

If I were in the market for a used car, there is no chance I would buy anything without service records. And if I was only generally knowledgeable about cars and knew nothing of Amsoil, I would never consider buying a car that experienced 20,000 OCIs, thinking the owner was neglecting proper maintenance.

So. I am a little concerned about resale value and buyer willingness. I don't want to rail the buyer with Amsoil facts and figures in an attempt to alleviate any misconceptions. I don't want to have to explain how to interpret my UOAs so they know I'm not damaging the engine. I'm thinking that I'll use the ASL and change every 5,000mi anyway. Am I being paranoid?

 

[Gary Allan]

Remember, just because you're not paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get you.

Do whatever relieves your anxiety. I would use ASL for the full 7500. I would take just about any Group III oil out to 7500 if the mileage was racked up in a short enough time frame.

What kinda mileage are you doing?

 

[Triple_Se7en]

I would never go beyond 7.5K -- even with Amsoil - without a UOA done to check for fuel or coolant dilution. If everything turns out fine, then extend it - but not to 20K. I would get another UOA done at 12K.

 

[Merkava_4]

Go ahead and change your Amsoil at 5000 miles; you have my blessing.

 

[cmhj]

FWIW "TRADE-IN" value has little to do with service history, at least in our area. As long as the engine sounds fine, tranny shifts good, mileage is within reason for it's age and the overall appearance is good, service records are meaningless.

In fact, I've traded in 3 cars over the past 4 years. In every case when I went for a quote, the dealer didn't even want to see my records.

Now for the average Joe on the street buying thru private channels, ya' I'll agree a more frequent OCI will be worth something. Depending on mileage, age etc. will also make a difference if one is to use syn or dino. I'm for syn and will likely always be regardless of my OCIs.

 

[Cutehumor]

I think 20k oci is for those people who plan to own the car till the wheels fall off or they trade in the car and take a huge loss via trade in value. I wouldn't buy any private vehicle with oci that long. I know it could work, but I would have to trust that you didn't run the oil too low and checked the oil every month. your a stranger, so I would eliminate all questions and go to the next potential car

 

[Pablo]

I've done 20K OCI's and sold the car with no issues. My turbo got the oil changed every 10K. No issues. I even included the UOA's.

You know how many people actually asked me for an accounting of every oil change? Zero.

You know how many people were glad the cars had Amsoil in them when I sold the car? All.

You know how many cars sold had problems with engines or any compression/leak/dirty engines detected in their mechanic's check out? Zero.

I've heard people have this worry, I'd say it's a bit of a red herring.

 

[televascular]

I run 22,000mi per year, so I do rack the miles on pretty quickly. I plan on doing ASL UOAs on a semi-regular basis.

Quote:

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I think 20k oci is for those people who plan to own the car till the wheels fall off or they trade in the car and take a huge loss via trade in value. I wouldn't buy any private vehicle with oci that long. I know it could work, but I would have to trust that you didn't run the oil too low and checked the oil every month. your a stranger, so I would eliminate all questions and go to the next potential car

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That's exactly the buyer sentiment I'm afraid of. I will never trade-in a car to the dealer (why don't I just walk into the sales department with my pants down and bend over?). The name of the game is buyer confidence.

I guess I'm doing ASL changes every 5-6k.

 

[Titan]

If you are selling to a dealer...it doesn't matter. If you are selling to an individual...you should be able to explain the reasons for the longer OCI, IF they even ask.

No problem in my book.

 

[Crusader]

What I'm currently looking for is a 92-95 Civic VX that has been run with Amsoil's finest syn at up to 25,000 OCI 400,000 miles on original engine with full disclosed UOA & Amsoil MTF tranny fluid non-smoker car with a near perfect interior and only a few door dings. I will pay full blue book + for your car.

What I just settled for was a 98 DX HB Civic with 109k virtually no maintenance records with near excellent interior and a few door dings and I paid $500 over blue book.

 

[surfstar]

I haven't, nor can I recall any family member, seeing the full OCI history on a used car purchase. Never had any lube related problems on these cars, either.

 

[BennyL]

the real question is... who will know? if someone comes to buy your car and they ask about oil changes, just lie. its that simple. you know your doing the car good, and thats all that matters. when people are buying your car, they just want to play games with you. so just lie and and say you use synthetic and change it every 3000 miles. done and done.

 

[Crusader]

Quote:

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the real question is... who will know? if someone comes to buy your car and they ask about oil changes, just lie. its that simple. you know your doing the car good, and thats all that matters. when people are buying your car, they just want to play games with you. so just lie and and say you use synthetic and change it every 3000 miles. done and done.

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I can always tell when people are lying. It's a gift. I tell the truth to my own detriment.

 

[HondaF1Fanatic]

I always ask for full service records and won't buy without them. Before coming here I wouldn't have touched a car using even 10,000mi OCI regardless of the oil, filter, or UOA results. Now I would happily buy such a car provided the UOAs are included and all showed reasonable wear. I still wouldn't pay close to Blue Book for it though.

Jon