Best value???

[otis24]

What do you consider the "best value" in a motor oil? I know that a lot of people use different oils for different reasons. I tend to look at the quality of oil in relationship to the price. For instance; is Valvoline or Castol GTX a good value at $1.98/quart versus Havoline at $1.28/quart? (These are the prices I remember before Katrina hit). I'm currently using Havline. Also, I can usually find Havoline on sale for a good price (I hope Katrina hasn't changed that).
Would I be better off spending $2.07 per quart for Motorcraft (5W/20 synthetic blend) versus Havoline at $1.68/quart (current price)? Am I getting a lot more protection from a synthetic blend? I plan on going to 5K OCI's and will do some towing throughout the year with my 05 Grand Caravan.

 

[bulwnkl]

In my part of the country, Chevron Supreme at $0.49/qt is the best value; even better than Havoline at $0.99/qt. Since that chain doesn't carry the 5W20 I need in Chevron or Havoline, Pennzoil at $0.99/qt is my best value there. Castrol is an equal value/price, but I prefer the physical properties of Pennzoil 5W20 over Castrol 5W20 in this vehicle in this climate at this time of year.

If I were in your position, I would choose Havoline over MC at the same price.

 

[penzdude]

i need to move. pennzoil is well over 2.00 a qt here, even at walmart. kmart is insane. havoline can be had on sale for under 2 bucks a qt. i'm guessing for best value honors, maybe the supertech? reg intervals, non extended drains. napa also had their branded {all climate} on sake recently for 1.49 a qt.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

The best values can always be found by following the promotions and rebates forum. Get the best oil you can for as cheap as you can and stock up when sales are going.. That's the best value.

 

[55Test]

Best deal up here in this part of Canada was probably the $2.39 Maxlife. We don't get the $.49 cents per quart deals like you guys get. I'm jealous.

 

[LarryL]

bulwnkl (hun) has it right, chevron has got you covered for value. We use it in fleet service, including their synthetic and it's good stuff. The problem is that they don't have a fancy image and they don't have it plastered on one of those NASCAR circus cars, that I know of. And you're right, watch for cupons and the value improves.

 

[otis24]

One angle of my question is being missed. At what point does an oil stop being a good value (i.e., paying too much based on the quality of the oil) and at what point does the oil become a really good value (good oil, good additive package, low price?).
I think Havoline is a really good oil (even at $1.68 per quart). Does a $3 quart of oil (you name the brand) start making a lot of sense based on the "extra protection" gained?
I guess I have not seen this issue addressed here. What "benefits" am I getting from a $3-$5 quart of oil that would justify the price difference?

 

[ImaginThat]

I'll give you my two bit opinion, since I also have a 04 Grand Caravan with the 3.8 spec'd for 5-30 which is coming up on 25000 miles. My first 2 changes were 3000 oci on Valvoline All Climate, seemed to work fine but started getting a little valvetrain noise around 2000 miles in. Next 2 were on Chevron Supreme and as I got closer to the 3000 mark the noise was starting to come around again. Next was a shot of Havoline which reacted the same as the Chevron. There was no way I would run any of the above oils past 3000, the noise may have something to due with 5-30's shear stability. I wanted to go to 5000 oci, so the last two have been Mobile 5000, which seems to be able to make the 5000 mile mark solely based on the sound of the engine and gut feeling. So for my next fill which is due in about 750 miles I'm loading up with Trop Arctic blend based on price of 1.48 compared to the Mobil which has gone up to 1.88, the advantage of being a synth blend and the months of lurking on this site. For only going to a 5000 oci while under warranty I cannot see any advantage in going with a full synthetic at 3-5 bucks a quart when for 2 bucks or less you can have more than adequate protection. We'll see how the Caravan likes the Trop Arctic. I know my F150 likes the MotorCraft 5-20 blend, just wish Trop arctic came in 5-20.

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

Motor is largely a by product of the refining process.

At one point last year, 4 quarts of motor oil could be had cheaper than a gallon of gasoline or diesel fuel.

Most of the name brands talked about on this forum will do their job very well with little difference in cost per mile.

JMVIO

 

[mikemc]

In my area, TropArtic blend at an every day price of $1.42 is hard to beat. I used to buy Havoline but the price has increased a fair amount in the last year.

 

[hominid7]

Exxon Superflo is a good deal where i shop. It seems to be the least expensive among the name brands.

 

[GoldenRod]

I'm thinking of going with 2qts of Chevron synthetic and 3qts of Chevron supreme the next go-around. Haven't made up my mind yet. At least I dont have to think about filters; always use AC Delco PF47's.

 

[mikemc]

"One angle of my question is being missed. At what point does an oil stop being a good value (i.e., paying too much based on the quality of the oil) and at what point does the oil become a really good value (good oil, good additive package, low price?). "
-----------------------------------------------
To that point, I honestly believe full synthetic is a complete waste of money for most drivers. Today's better dino and blends will help an engine last longer than most folks keep a vehicle.

 

[GoldenRod]

mikemc, I tell you what: to me a good value is an API approved oil for under $2. A synblend under $3 is a good value. And as long as conventional oil stays below the $3 threshold, I will stay with 3mo OCI's too.