100k Relative Oil Change cost by Method

I don’t believe there’s a more passionate discussion then there is with OCI’s but it might be challenged by “Oil Brand”.

Here’s a summary of what the relative cost of oil change methods for 100,000 miles.

This is based on a DIY’r performing their own oil changes for $30 with filter and Blackstone lab tests of $30.



The RED column is the most expensive option.
The GREEN column is the least expensive option.
The cost difference per 10,000 miles between the most and least expensive is $42.

I believe a quality oil filter is more important than the change interval.
I’m told,and believe, a synthetic filter media is better than cellulose.
I believe a Tacoma will reach the warranty period without issue despite the OCI you use, or any at all.
I believe shorter OCI’s will mostly benefit those owners who keep their vehicles for over 200,000 miles.
I believe most owners don’t hold on to their vehicles for long durations or greater than 200,000 miles.
I believe a DIY’r is not only lowering their oil change cost by doing it themselves but also mitigating the risks from professionals performing the job. I use professionals only in the context of they are getting paid to perform the task.
I believe an oil change is the best and least expensive thing one could do to their truck to improve it’s longevity.
I believe a shorter change interval won’t hurt the vehicle but one beyond 10,000 has that potential.
I believe the manufacture’s change interval is decided more by marketing than it does by engineering. Think of it this way…what is Toyota’s risk of suggesting a 5k OCI vs a 10K? Answer that one and you’ll have your answer as to why its 10k and you don’t even need to be an engineer to figure this one out.

I believe this will be helpful to some but it won’t escape the wrath of others I’m sure.

 

Where are you getting 6.2 quarts of

$54 0w20 oil Toyota/ exxon mobil Case of 6 Quarts Full Synthetic TGMO SN 0W-20 Oil

0w20 oil and filter for $30

 

I say split the difference at 7,500 and spend $400?

 

You can get OW-20 at Walmart for this cost but the analysis remains essentially intact whether the oil change costs you $35 or $40.

 

Yea … that needs to be around $45 for decent oil+ oem filter or $70 for Toyota oil plus filter

 

What oil ? Super tech ?

 

Yep, and it’s only post #5 where the oil branding is broaching the discussion.

 

I think $45 per oil change (without BS testing) is a little more realistic, but doesn't really change the point of the thread all that much. $40ish for 6 quarts of mobil 1, $5 or $6 for OEM filter.

 

I’m not letting you pull me in that direction sir.

 

Well you made a post about costs. Oil brand/quality is hugely variable here.

 

As long as the same amount is used across all columns/intervals, the point remains the same. But as others will point out, if you start a thread about specific dollar amounts, the entire internet will hold you accountable to whats a more realistic average among all DIYers. Either way, its a good comparison regardless of $30-70 per change, to drive home the OP point that OCI's can be shortened than what the manual says, even cut in half, for less than $1k over the span of 100k miles.

 

Cost delta actually between methods. This post isn’t evaluating type of oil and if your preference is a $100 change cost the relational differences between the methods remain unchanged.

 

What proof do you have that shorter OCI = 200k miles of trouble free ownership, and that longer OCI do not? By longer I mean within range of mfr recommendation, 10k.

There's so much other crap on vehicles that will fail before you have an oil related engine failure. Frame/Body rust, transmission,electrical, paint, interior, etc. You are statistically more likely to be involved in a wreck and the vehicle be totaled before 200k miles than your engine grenading because you used non boutique oil, a fram filter, and changed it 10k miles instead of 5k.

I don't think anyone is arguing that shorter OCI are bad, it's just everyone pushing the 1-5k mile OCI acts like anything over 5001 equals tangible vehicle damage and your engine is going to explode.

Growing up we kept every car we ever bought, 10+years 200k+ miles, it's always been half luck, half common sense vehicle maintenance and care..We follow mfr maintenance schedules on all of them. They get whatever oil is on sale, usually not the same oil twice, and sometimes it's not even the same oil weight back to back.

We are over complicating this oil thing around here.

 

Interesting I guess but I don’t really understand the point of this.

 

Cost was never even a consideration.
Here is the other side:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-zDt9FGJi8

 

I did not say that.

 

Judging from other threads, it seems like the point is "you 10k changers shouldn't flame me for 5k changes, considering it cost you $double/triple for (insert mod here), than it does for me to halve the OCI's over the span of 100k miles".

Not saying OP is saying this; he's just making that info into an easy to read format, whether the $amount be accurate or not.

 

Um, cost most certainly was a consideration brought up in many a post.