What are the chances these practices go on within the oil industry?

[madeej11]

My interpretation of the message that the boutique brand representative seeks to convey is that their oil is better BECAUSE it is more expensive. That is the perception that keeps them in business.

Amsoil's message has basically been the same since it's inception. Pay up for a better engine oil, especially the SS line.

 

[Gene K]

Amsoil's message has basically been the same since it's inception. Pay up for a better engine oil, especially the SS line.

Amsoil's AEL is a little over $10 a quart for a preferred customer. M1 ESP locally is $9.99 a quart. Both appear to be excellent products but the price differential doesn't seem large to me.

Disclaimer: I don't own a VW Diesel so I don't need a 507.00 Spec Oil.

 

[buster]

What would end a lot of the oil debates is if companies published their engine sequence test results - IVA, IIIH etc. Not going to happen but it would be interesting.

 

[Snagglefoot]

I was thinking most first rate oils can be had for under $5 per quart, and those with a stash are way less than that.

 

[Kamele0N]

I don't want to name names, but one of the boutique brands on their blog made this statement, which is a bold accusation. What are your thoughts on it?

"When a competitor’s oil easily passes an industry-standard test, they often reformulate to reduce cost and performance to where it barely passes the test. When we pass a test (or a double-length test), we continue to search for ways to increase protection even more because, for our customers, “good enough” doesn’t cut it. "

That was my conversation with my friend cca 1 month ago.....he works for one oil/lube distributor....

After that I will never buy.....lets say MB OEM 5w30 MB 229.51/52 oil......but will buy Mobil1 5w30 ESP instead....if you know what I mean

Although both oils are produced by Mobil1..........first one is from a "bulk"...and the other is......for my car

 

[Gene K]

That was my conversation with my friend cca 1 month ago.....he works for one oil/lube distributor....

After that I will never buy.....lets say MB OEM 5w30 MB 229.51/52 oil......but will buy Mobil1 5w30 ESP instead....if you know what I mean

Although both oils are produced by Mobil1..........first one is from a "bulk"...and the other is......for my car

I have a friend that works at a blending facility (not Mobil) and also have a small trucking company and after lots of UOA I have absolutely no problem with bulk. I think many people let their imagination run away with them. I have tested HDEO from 3 Majors on many occasions and all were at least as consistent in bulk as bottle. After lots of testing I will use all 3. They are functionally identical and given the convenience and cost it will be bulk.

 

[OilUzer]

but it's hard to shake the barrel. lol

 

[gfh77665]

welcome to capitalism where shareholders and profits influence decisions more than unnecessarily exceeding the specifications. Meeting the specifications is a requirement, exceeding is just a waste of money...

Capitalism has produced $13 jugs of SuperTech synthetics, too.

 

[tnt_motorsports]

Capitalism has produced $13 jugs of SuperTech synthetics, too.

I Agree!

 

[RDY4WAR]

That absolutely, without a doubt, does happen and not just in the oil industry. Not trying to be political, but the government is far more guilty of this than the private market. Just ask a veteran about that one...

 

[Kamele0N]

I have a friend that works at a blending facility (not Mobil) and also have a small trucking company and after lots of UOA I have absolutely no problem with bulk. I think many people let their imagination run away with them. I have tested HDEO from 3 Majors on many occasions and all were at least as consistent in bulk as bottle. After lots of testing I will use all 3. They are functionally identical and given the convenience and cost it will be bulk.

Its nothing wrong with a bulk oil.....but oil intended directly for a "Joe the consumer" is more in the spec....

XYZ car company buy a big amount of oil for all of their assembly sub-companies...well we need that 5w30 ESP...but make it that way that it will still be VW 504/507 specd....but 2c...3c....5c cheaper for us...because we are big buyers and will buy/need that oil also in the future....will sign a contract for our future needs etc...

Do you see a picture now? Its still an ESP....but sliiiiightly reformulated one!

 

[Gene K]

Its nothing wrong with a bulk oil.....but oil intended directly for a "Joe the consumer" is more in the spec....

XYZ car company buy a big amount of oil for all of their assembly sub-companies...well we need that 5w30 ESP...but make it that way that it will still be VW 504/507 specd....but 2c...3c....5c cheaper for us...because we are big buyers and will buy/need that oil also in the future....will sign a contract for our future needs etc...

Do you see a picture now? Its still an ESP....but sliiiiightly reformulated one!

I think the OP was more concerned with how long before that VW oil becomes the bottled ESP since it's 5 cents cheaper a gallon and reduces product proliferation.