Some Perspective on the "Havoline Backlash"

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Oct 10, 2005
Messages
52
Location
Attleboro, Massachusetts
Its strange. 12 months ago it seems that Havoline's only function was as the answer to the question, "Name a motor oil that begins with the letter 'H'". Then the UOA's started trickling in and people noticed, "Hey, this stuff is pretty darn competitive. And its priced right to boot."
After a few more months, many of us (myself included) had "stars in our eyes" when it came to Havoline and said goodbye to our old favorites ( "Valvo-who?").

Now there appears to be a growing backlash from forum members who have taken a "The emperor has no clothes" approach to the Great Havoline Revival. It has now been "revealed" that Havoline will NOT cure male pattern baldness, erectile dysfunction, or the heartbreak of psoriasis. Neither will it make an old clunker run like a champ. Before the "debunkers" start ther victory laps, let me make the following observations :

I had never seen anyone make extrodinary and overblown "Miracle oil" claims in respect to Havoline's properties. It was simply noted that (as with most Group-IV oils) it does its job pretty darn well. And at a reasonable price (I have never paid more that $1.68 per quart, and have scored it for $1.28 !!!)

So why has Havoline's star risen so meteorically? Because it was "slumming it" on the Dollar Store shelves for so long while other brands ( and you know who we are talking about) were being heavily advertised to the point of being "hyped". Throbbing pistons, curvy mountain roads, sleek, sexy German "Uber mobiles" thrusting themselves through alpine tunnels: the quasi-pornographic images just screamed "This oil will cure all ills and get you a date in the process." And there was good,old Havoline. Traditional, a little old fashioned, and somehow quaintly American ("Norman Rockwell's motor oil").

Bottom line; It is a good oil at a good price that does not take itslf too seriously. It is the Cal Ripken of motor oils : it comes to the park to play, gets the job done, and goes home to mow the lawn. No hype, no overblown promises, no "bling".

We are not Kool-Aid drinkers. We just know a good deal when we see one. Get over yourselves.
 
I haven't seen any "havoline backlash" at all. Perhaps the GC guys are jealous and starting stuff.
tongue.gif
wink.gif


Am I missing something?
 
Havoline Backlash. Hmmm...
And what was your reason for starting another pointless Havoline thread?
confused.gif
 
I have been using Havoline since it came in the gold cardboard cans back in the 70's. It was always a good buy. There weren't many places that stocked it years ago preferring the name brand more recognizable oils. Most people wouldn't buy the gas station brands of oil but wanted the QS, PZ, Valvo, GTX etc. I used to get it in an auto parts store that featured it as the house brand oil. Now it's a regular player in Advance Auto. You don't have to give all your money away to get a good oil.
 
I didn't notice a huge backlash about Havoline, but if there was/is going to be one, it 'll come from people with the following motos:

1) cheap oil can never be good.
2) synthetic is always better than dino
3) no dino can equal a syn, or a boutique oil (=2, but put in a different way)
4) no oil, especially a dino, can come close or better than GC, especially not without its own forum
5) an inexpensive oil normally used in affordable, mid-class cars can't be good.
 
---A Havoline Back-What?---

Seriously, where was it? I must have missed it.

Is it still around?
 
haaa. That was a great analysis of Havoline. I don't think their has been a backlash. Havoline has just not received nearly the attention other brands have, like your M1's, Amsoils etc., mainly due to marketing as you've stated. It does perform well though. Then their are the vad's of the world, or Pat Robertsons so to speak, who spread the good word of the Green. Which I must admit, is one fine oil.
grin.gif
 
Slumming it it Dollar Stores? Maybe Texaco just was not willing to buy the marketspace into other stores? Heck, I don't know. After driving my car almost 7 miles with no coolant in the engine or radiator I can only attribute the engine holding up due to the Havoline 10w-30 that I had in it at the time. I know other quality oils would probably held up just as good in the same situation. The letter I sent Texaco must have impressed someone. They are using it as an internal news letter.
 
quote:

It is the Cal Ripken of motor oils : it comes to the park to play, gets the job done, and goes home to mow the lawn. No hype, no overblown promises, no "bling".

Some more great imagery - I like it!
grin.gif


Seriously, I don't really see any evidence of an attempt to bash Havoline.

Also, we don't have a single oil that outperforms all the others in all applications.

We have many good oils and forum members will express a preference for these oils from time to time.

And when in doubt, remember John Belushi's famous advice:

"Wolfshead, it will never let you down!"
 
There is no 'Havoline backlash', just one post by one member that got a few replies. I'll continue to use Havoline, Motorcraft and any other oil that offers good performance at a good price.
 
quote:

And when in doubt, remember John Belushi's famous advice:

"Wolfshead, it will never let you down!"



I thought Dan Akroyd said that?

The Havoline Backlash was started by "buster". PM him until his mailbox is full.
grin.gif
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top