Amsoil, what are your thoughts?

[wolfc70]

Originally Posted By: HangerHarley
Originally Posted By: Gary Allan
Quote:
Oh, Gary. You are a sharper and more educated knife than I. If only i could let that one go. However, i see a flaw... thumbsup

Gary. I can buy Castrol Edge, Syntec. GTX, High Miles, or any other Castrol at the store. I can NOT do this with AMSOIL at WM, pep Boys, Autozone, (name a retailer, gary.)


I don't quite see your point.

That's not a marketing issue.

That's a distribution/vending issue.



I was trying to say the marketing of the Scotsman, Sludge in the convertible, etc. makes me -think- of that when i see Edge on the shelf.

When i go in the store, I dont see AMSOIL on the shelf.

In that sense, the "horrible marketing" of Castrol wins.

My local Fleet Farm stock a pretty decent amount of Amsoil products. They carry the XL line, the motorcycle line, the Severe Gear oils, the Marine products and a few diesel oils. Granted the prices are pretty high, but I can just walk in a buy it if I need it.

Having a PC discount helps, even with shipping, it is still cheaper than in the stores. IMHO, there is nothing "scammy" about the way the company sell their products. Yes some dealers are idiots and do not help the situation, but there are some good one too. Pablo and Gary Allen are two prime examples of excellent dealers.

 

[Iain]

Originally Posted By: wtd
I just found out yesterday that a guy I work with sells Amsoil and has used it for four years. I have never used it but he wants me to try it.

I did a search here and it doesn't seem that many people use it here. Is it too overpriced for what it is or do people not like their marketing?

Years ago I used Mobil 1 and after not very good oil analysis results, I quit using it and all synthetics.

So, what is the consenus on Amsoil? Thanks.

Wayne


I've used Amsoil EA oil and air filters (EaO11/EaA202) continuously for the past 3-4 years and find them excellent. Wouldn't use anything else.

 

[FZ1]

Based on the UOAs I've seen on this site,I conclude it's a good oil.

 

[rossn2]

Ran the diesel oil in Dodge 2500 with Cummins. and now run the 20w-50 Motorcycle oil and 75-110W Gear Oil in my Harley. No complaints what so ever about the product. Just wish shipping was cheaper....

 

[hounddog]

Stopping smoking and 3k oil changes was rough.I manage to do both! I usually change oil/filters once a year or a max of 15k using Amsoil oil and long life filters.All but my 09 Hemi and due to lifetime warranty it gets 6 and 6 using Wix filters and Amsoil XL 5w20.I find 6 and 6 a pain these days.Years ago I would have shuddered at such.

 

[CompSyn]

Originally Posted By: HangerHarley
When i go in the store, I dont see AMSOIL on the shelf.


Originally Posted By: HangerHarley
That, I believe, is the fundamental breaking point. My family was always "Well, if it is so good, how come they arent in the stores best product category?" Kinda "Snake Oil" Logic.

I am not saying AMSOIL is bad oil. Only that their "Tests," videos, and statements (old 4-ball weaer tests from 2001, etxc) get ridiculed a great deal.

Im trying to spin it how Castrol marketing, even stupid commercials, make people check out Edge when they go in the store. Whereas they dont see AMSOIL, at all.

They do see a small sampling of Rpyal Purple 5W-30 and 10W-30, though. Adding to the confusion. At Wal-Mart.

You have to take a step back and put it into historical perspective.

In 1972 AMZOIL was initially marketed to retail outlets as other popular name brand conventional motor oils.

As the first synthetic (automotive) motor oil to be tested and validated by the America Petroleum Institute, it was the first of its kind.

At that time (1972), most people hadn’t heard about synthetic motor oil for automotive use and had a hard time justifying the cost at 3-to-4 times that of the popular name brand conventional motor oil sitting on the shelf next to it.

So, the AMZOIL sat on store shelves collecting dust. Without someone to explain the benefits of using synthetic oil, sales were domed.

That’s when Multi-Level-Marketing (MLM) came into play and what saved AMZOIL from meeting a similar fate as with other early synthetics of its kind.

Today, Amsoil remains loyal to its independent dealer network that saved it from the ashes, and why you don’t see it on the shelves of big chain stores; to keep a level playing field for its dealer network.

Amsoil dealers can now register smaller independently ran chain stores and mom and pop business to stock Amsoil on the shelf, which is why it has emerged on some store shelves.

The MLM marketing has been glitchy in the past as Amsoil continues to offer educational resources to help increase the integrity, knowledge and service demonstrated by their independent dealers. Sometimes it’s a success, sometimes not.

Some people are turned off by this and others don’t mind buying quality products from an independently owned and ran American company through the next door neighbor trying his hand at a small business.

Choice, we all have it. Thank God for that.

 

[nfs480]

Up here in MN all the Napas carry Amsoil as well as Fleet Farm, and i've seen quite a few gas stations that stock it as well.

 

[Whimsey]

Another boutique oil, Royal Purple is sold at my Walmart. It costs $8.74 per quart, only sold in quarts. This is Walmart, most of the oils sold are dino's at the cheapest price. Needless to say it sits collecting dust. For 5 quarts you'd spend $43.70. This is a LOT more than 1 quarts bottles or 5 quart jugs when figuring quart pricing of any other synthetic oil they sell.

The typical Walmart oil purchaser is more attuned to pricing. And where I live it's 3,000mi/3months or total neglect

.

Whimsey

 

[Pablo]

Originally Posted By: troyh
I too am turned off by their sales practices. Like another poster, if they had a local store I might bite. Until then, I will avoid their Scamway practices.


I'm fairly offended by your comment. It's actually pretty ignorant. Do you actually have any proof Amsoil is a) running scams? b) has anything to do with Amway?

I have been with Amsoil for over 10 years. They have never once been false, or tried to steal or cheat anything. I wish I could say the same for local stores. Amsoil is an honest company.

You can figure rebates in comparisons, which is fine - but then you can figure you can get Amsoil a whole lot less that suggested retail. You don't have to run Amsoil "forever" to get your money's worth. Considering I get it less than M1 and PU, going 10K intervals is just fine.

Anyway, insults really don't have a place on BITOG.

 

[river_rat]

Originally Posted By: StevieC
How much "Snake Oil" is on the shelf at Walmart? STP or Lucas additives anyone?

Indeed.
In fact, my Walmart sells API SA "Motor Oil" right there on the same shelf as the actual motor oil.

 

[buster]

I don't hold the dealers that lie against Amsoil. The only issue I have with them is their over simplified testing.

The most important numbers we never get to see, but that goes for all the brands. Could definitely do without the 4-ball wear test.

Despite what most believe, Amsoil has not always been the best oil on the market. Like most other brands, it goes through different cycles.

I was never impressed with the SL version of Amsoil. Around 2004??...they seemed to step it up a notch. Larger facilities and new chemists. They even lowered the ZDP to true SM levels. That was a turn around for them. Prior to that their chemistry was nothing to brag about.

 

[gaspo]

To me oil price never was a major factor, can change oil weekly with $10+ per quart without noticeable change in my wallet... Just like someone mentioned above I hate their distribution method, Mlm / independent dealer /membership programs..and that why I would not touch their product with a ten foot poll. Whoever disagree please pm to Bill

 

[troyh]

Originally Posted By: Pablo
Originally Posted By: troyh
I too am turned off by their sales practices. Like another poster, if they had a local store I might bite. Until then, I will avoid their Scamway practices.


I'm fairly offended by your comment. It's actually pretty ignorant. Do you actually have any proof Amsoil is a) running scams? b) has anything to do with Amway?

I have been with Amsoil for over 10 years. They have never once been false, or tried to steal or cheat anything. I wish I could say the same for local stores. Amsoil is an honest company.

You can figure rebates in comparisons, which is fine - but then you can figure you can get Amsoil a whole lot less that suggested retail. You don't have to run Amsoil "forever" to get your money's worth. Considering I get it less than M1 and PU, going 10K intervals is just fine.

Anyway, insults really don't have a place on BITOG.


Amsoil=Amway=the Avon Lady.

All MLM.

Oil might be good, but not worth the price.

I would really like to see a true test with all these oils (M1, PU, PP, Castrol Edge, Amsoil, etc.) with some definitive answers.

I do not honestly see Amsoil being all that better to justify their extreme cost. I think it is everyone being deluded sipping on that Amsoil Koolaid.

 

[Pablo]

Yes. They are MLM, but that's where the similarity stops. MLM is not illegal, and can be more efficient "traditional" than middle man upon middle man distribution schemes. Please tell us about the "scam" part.

You keep saying extreme cost. M1 is $8.99 a quart here, at a real brick and mortar store. Royal Purple, Redline, PU are all more expensive at the store than Amsoil PC prices. I'm not that "deluded".

I have no problem if you don't like or use Amsoil. It's mainly your use of the word "scam" that bothers me. I am a very ethical person. I am NOT involved with a scam. I don't delude people. I don't push the product. You should probably post some proof that Amsoil is a "scam" or consider an apology.

Thanks,

Paul

 

[demarpaint]

Amsoil's business model is upsetting to some. To others it is a way to get into a business cheap and make some extra cash. I don't see it as a scam, or a value to me anymore with my OC habits.

As far as oil prices Mobil 1 might be $8.99/ qt in a real brick and mortar store, but anyone that frequents this site is getting it a lot cheaper if they watch sales. Same goes for Edge, PP, and others.

Amsoil is tought to beat for extended drains, but it is not for everyone.

 

[Gary Allan]

Many of my customers are seeking stuff that's just not present too much at discount retail. That is, it's not on Wally's shelves ...at least in any variety or with any consistency. The motorcycle oils ..the trans/diff fluids. PZ's synth gear oil was $20/quart at the local NAPA. What do they care? They're heavy into the service trade and the cost gets handed down. M1 sells at AAP, but the price floats and it's not always available. It's a very slow mover for them.

 

[kemo]

definitely not a fan of the way amsoil is sold, nor the lies that many dealers spout out of their mouths to get you to buy their product. Personally, I feel that if it was as good as it is claimed to be, they wouldn't need to tell us blatant lies to get us to buy it.

It is easily one of the most expensive oils in Minnesota at this time, if not the most expensive that is readily available to the consumer at Fleet Farm and Napa.

Many dealers have websites that are filled with lies... such as:
"In fact, we know of several major NASCAR and Indy racing teams that use AMSOIL in their race cars yet the oil sponsors logo on the hood and quarter panels is not what is in the vehicle! They want you to believe it is..... but it isn't. Fact is, every successful major race car in the world uses synthetics, and an extremely large percentage of them use AMSOIL synthetics. We know exactly who these racing teams are but are not permitted to advertise who they are because they have such a large amount of money at stake with their sponsors wanting the public to believe they are using the brand of oil that is is advertised on the car."


The big red flag is where they say that they aren't allowed to tell who they are. Amsoil would NOT allow a company like Mobil 1 or Pennzoil or Quaker State to claim the bragging rights if said car won.

Other dealers go on to say that Amsoil has never had an engine failure due to a "lubrication related failure".

Our local Oreilly used to sell it, I asked one of the workers what happened to the other amsoil products (after seeing a quart on the counter), she said "amsoil doesn't stand behind their product, so we aren't going to sell that garbage here"...

Last but not least, my last gripe about amsoil... they brag via cheesy bar graphs, from "independent" labs... but they don't actually show the REAL results... just bar graphs that even the average Joe could compile to make everyone else look bad.

Long story short, I avoid it, I'm a mobil 1 guy.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: kemo
definitely not a fan of the way amsoil is sold, nor the lies that many dealers spout out of their mouths to get you to buy their product. Personally, I feel that if it was as good as it is claimed to be, they wouldn't need to tell us blatant lies to get us to buy it.

It is easily one of the most expensive oils in Minnesota at this time, if not the most expensive that is readily available to the consumer at Fleet Farm and Napa.

Many dealers have websites that are filled with lies... such as:
"In fact, we know of several major NASCAR and Indy racing teams that use AMSOIL in their race cars yet the oil sponsors logo on the hood and quarter panels is not what is in the vehicle! They want you to believe it is..... but it isn't. Fact is, every successful major race car in the world uses synthetics, and an extremely large percentage of them use AMSOIL synthetics. We know exactly who these racing teams are but are not permitted to advertise who they are because they have such a large amount of money at stake with their sponsors wanting the public to believe they are using the brand of oil that is is advertised on the car."


The big red flag is where they say that they aren't allowed to tell who they are. Amsoil would NOT allow a company like Mobil 1 or Pennzoil or Quaker State to claim the bragging rights if said car won.

Other dealers go on to say that Amsoil has never had an engine failure due to a "lubrication related failure".

Our local Oreilly used to sell it, I asked one of the workers what happened to the other amsoil products (after seeing a quart on the counter), she said "amsoil doesn't stand behind their product, so we aren't going to sell that garbage here"...

Last but not least, my last gripe about amsoil... they brag via cheesy bar graphs, from "independent" labs... but they don't actually show the REAL results... just bar graphs that even the average Joe could compile to make everyone else look bad.

Long story short, I avoid it, I'm a mobil 1 guy.

Welcome to Bitog. You are certainly entitled to your opinion. I'm not much of a fan anymore either, but they do make some quality products and are respected by many members here, others share some of your views. Seems every brand of oil has people here that hate it.

 

[Trav]

I use Amsoil transmission and gear oil almost exclusively.
Never had a failure or complaint of any kind with any of their products i have used.
Their fuel additive,PS fluid and power foam all work very well.IMO the Amsoil air and oil filter are some of the best out there.
I do use HDD in my Kabota diesel and never had any problems even at -15F,
i use so much engine oil its not practical for me to order motor oil as i need to get rid of the old so its not hanging around,AA takes it from me 25 gal at a shot because i buy most of it from them.

Regardless of what folks think about how they sell their product they are really top shelf.I would buy some and run it,
if you like it then your onto a good thing.If not it cost you an oil change,but you wont know if you dont try.

 

[D189379]

I haven't tried much of their stuff, just transmission fluid (which isn't very good) and front and rear diff fluid (which seems fine.)

It's pain to buy the stuff so I don't think I'll bother again.