Good Decision on Buying Car?

[lancerplayer]

The company my father works for just bought a 2009 Honda Accord as a company car and he will be the one driving it daily. It is loaded with every option and is a very nice car. The company usually keeps company cars for about 3-4 years, then gets new ones. My father said when they are ready to get a new car, I could buy the Accord from the company for under book value. I am all for this, but there is one thing I am hesitant about...

All the oil and filter changes will be done by a Conrads. The car will be driven 80% city and 20% highway. It will be driven like a grandpa and not be beat on. Most likely, Honda specs will be used as far as oil grade and oil change intervals go. I'm trying to encourage my dad to use quality oil and get an oil analysis at least once, so when I get the car I will know more about it other than how it looks on the outside. However, I do not think this will happen. It will be up to the techs at Conrads that determine if they feel like replacing the oil with the right grade and amount.

If you were in my situation, would you be a little worried about how the car will be taking care of in terms of maintenance?

 

[bobfather99]

lancerplayer,

I did just this very thing with my 95 Bonneville, and I would recommend it, especially since you know what kinds of drivers/environments the cars will see. Plus you will know if the fluids are changed, if the vehicle was in any accidents, and if there are any gremlins to look into..

I recommend it, and not only for the good deal...($$$$)

 

[JHZR2]

knowing that the oil WAS replaced, and that the car was driven and cared for in a good way is more important than fretting over what oil the place might have put in.

Get it, Auto RX it, then convert over to a syn 0w-20... problem solved.

Id be more concerned with AT maintenance, as honda ATs are unreliable.

JMH

 

[rg200amp]

I would rather have a grandma'd motor with so so oil changes, than a motor that has had great OCI and has been drivin like a Indy car.

 

[Fester]

Sounds like great inside info on a used cars history. If everyone knew this stuff before buying a used car, buying would be a pleasure nothing to lose sleep over. Go for it.

 

[PandaBear]

Buy it.

 

[dkryan]

Gotta second JHZR2's comments.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
knowing that the oil WAS replaced, and that the car was driven and cared for in a good way is more important than fretting over what oil the place might have put in.

Get it, Auto RX it, then convert over to a syn 0w-20... problem solved.

Id be more concerned with AT maintenance, as honda ATs are unreliable.

JMH

Agree except for AT part. Honda 5-speed ATs have been always been reliable in the four-cylinder models, and the V6 models have been trouble free since 2004.

 

[rjundi]

Changing the oil is the most important factor in longevity of engine.

The "quality" of oil within a spec is Minutiae. This website is all about Minutiae of motor oil.

 

[JTK]

3-4yrs is a loooooooong way away. If it's still what you want when the time comes, it will be an excellent used car where you know it's whole history.

Joel

 

[crinkles]

why don't you spend a few $ on changin the oil with something you're comfortable with, at mid-maintenance intervals when your dad is over for the weekend etc. that way if the shop messes it up, at least you halve the time things aren't "perfect".

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: rjundi
Changing the oil is the most important factor in longevity of engine.

The "quality" of oil within a spec is Minutiae. This website is all about Minutiae of motor oil.


DING!

We have a winner!

Post of the board IMO!

Agree 1000%.

Take care, bill

PS: Back to the OP.. I would not worry a bit about the engine. It will be fine.