stevea26 Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 Hey all, I am looking to get a long long time out of my wife's 08 Taurus X Limited AWD. What do you guys think about going with Mobil 1. I have heard a lot of good things about it. Here are the details. Its got 11,000 miles on it and she does "hard" miles.... 95% stop and go. Only about 7,000 miles per year. So.... what do ya think? Worth it? And if so what would the time and miles be still 6 months or 7500 miles? Thanks for your advice!! Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerM Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 IMO, there is a reason that Ford gives you the optimum oil specs and change intervals, and AFAIK Mobil 1 isn't on the list of requirements. Unless you expect to be particularly lax in your maintenance, I see no reason to spend the extra cash. Although your owners manual MAY have a more frequent oil change schedule based on the scenario you describe. If it helps: I've got 156,000 miles on my 1993 Ford Ranger with nary an oil leak or any oil consumption, and I change the oil about every 6 months or 4-5K miles, whichever comes first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marginal Economist Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 Hey all,I am looking to get a long long time out of my wife's 08 Taurus X Limited AWD. What do you guys think about going with Mobil 1. I have heard a lot of good things about it. Here are the details. Its got 11,000 miles on it and she does "hard" miles.... 95% stop and go. Only about 7,000 miles per year. So.... what do ya think? Worth it? And if so what would the time and miles be still 6 months or 7500 miles? Thanks for your advice!! Steve Motorcraft offers a full synthetic oil. You can get the extra level of protection, save some cash, and support FMC and your local dealership. WIN, WIN, WIN! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevea26 Posted January 1, 2009 Author Share Posted January 1, 2009 Motorcraft offers a full synthetic oil. You can get the extra level of protection, save some cash, and support FMC and your local dealership. WIN, WIN, WIN! I did not know that. And I should have.... I will look into it. As good as Mobil 1 you think?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomServo92 Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 I like M1. I've used it for years but I'm sure any full synthetic (such as the Motorcraft) will do just as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanh Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 (edited) I did not know that. And I should have.... I will look into it. As good as Mobil 1 you think?? it probably IS Mobil one....last i lookes motorcraft didn't own, or have their own seperate refinery.....personally I'm a Castrol man, but use Motul semi synth in the Aprilia....works fine.... Edited January 1, 2009 by Deanh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FordBuyer Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 I have all my oil changes and other fluid flushes done at my local Ford Dealer. Gives me chance to check out latest coming from Ford, and more importantly, if anything goes wrong Ford did the work and they have computer record of everything done. Once a year I have Ford do The Works oil change and they rotate tires and check all my systems and note if anything needs special attention. I don't shop price and go to just anyone for auto service. I have heard a lot of stories about some teenager at local oil shop screwing things up and ruinging engines and shop owner won't stand behind work. I want Ford doing my work and would rather deal with them than some mom and pop down the street. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton5.4 Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 I use Mobil-1 in all my Fords. 10w30 changed at 5,000 with Motorcraft filters. 98 Explorer 5.0 135,000 02 F-250 5.4 (plow truck/sled & quad hualer) 65,000 04 Taurus 3.0 70,000 No leaks, no noises, no worries. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Selby Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 Might want to read this, like any article it should be taken with a grain of salt but it gives you something to think about. http://www.imakenews.com/lng/e_article0012...1.cfm?x=b11,0,w A Nov. 20 letter by Valvoline technical director Thomas Smith to its customers and marketers reiterated that claim, and then stirred the pot further by saying testing with an independent laboratory indicated Mobil 1 5W-30 does not meet minimum API SM or ILSAC GF-4 specifications because of its inferior performance in the Sequence IVA engine wear test. Vehicle manufacturers recommend consumers only use oil which meet those minimum standards. Personally I use Motorcraft 5-20 Semi-Synthetic in my 2002 F-150. I use this truck to pull a camper and tow cars with so it sees hard use. I'm very anal about oil and considered using a full synthetic in the past but IMHO if you keep the oil changed as scheduled full synthetic's are wasted money. BUT.....if you live in an area with extremely cold winters a full synthetic would be an outstanding idea. When I was stationed in Minot, North Dakota I used Mobil 1 because it would flow at extremely cold temps while other oils wouldn't. Bottom line, if Mobil 1 gives you piece of mind then it's worth it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomServo92 Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 Might want to read this, like any article it should be taken with a grain of salt but it gives you something to think about. http://www.imakenews.com/lng/e_article0012...1.cfm?x=b11,0,w A Nov. 20 letter by Valvoline technical director Thomas Smith to its customers and marketers reiterated that claim, and then stirred the pot further by saying testing with an independent laboratory indicated Mobil 1 5W-30 does not meet minimum API SM or ILSAC GF-4 specifications because of its inferior performance in the Sequence IVA engine wear test. Vehicle manufacturers recommend consumers only use oil which meet those minimum standards. Personally I use Motorcraft 5-20 Semi-Synthetic in my 2002 F-150. I use this truck to pull a camper and tow cars with so it sees hard use. I'm very anal about oil and considered using a full synthetic in the past but IMHO if you keep the oil changed as scheduled full synthetic's are wasted money. BUT.....if you live in an area with extremely cold winters a full synthetic would be an outstanding idea. When I was stationed in Minot, North Dakota I used Mobil 1 because it would flow at extremely cold temps while other oils wouldn't. Bottom line, if Mobil 1 gives you piece of mind then it's worth it. Is there independent confirmation of Valvolines claims? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White99GT Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 (edited) Mobil 1 has been showing high Fe in used oil analyses for the last couple years, I think Valvoline just took notice and is basing a marketing blitz on M1's current weakness. Motorcraft full-syn (and semi-syn, and all their motor oils actually) is made by ConocoPhillips and the same oil can be found under both the Motorcraft and Kendall brands. They are good oils, Motorcraft Semi-Syn is probably the best oil value right now; it nearly rivals many group III "full synthetics" in performance for less money than many conventional oils. Most major label 5W-20 oils meet Ford's WSS-M2C153-H spec, including M1. Pennzoil Platinum is the best readily available mainstream API SM "synthetic" oil going right now, but boutique oils (Amsoil, Redline, Renewable Lubricants Inc) remain the best oils overall; however, you pay for it. So I would vote for neither option. I vote for Motorcraft Semi-Synthetic if on a budget, Pennzoil Platinum is you are willing to spend a little more, and Redline if you are willing to spend $9/qt. You'll get great performance from any of those three. Edited January 2, 2009 by White99GT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mettech Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 Go to Bobistheoilguy.com for some answers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevea26 Posted January 2, 2009 Author Share Posted January 2, 2009 Mobil 1 has been showing high Fe in used oil analyses for the last couple years, I think Valvoline just took notice and is basing a marketing blitz on M1's current weakness. Motorcraft full-syn (and semi-syn, and all their motor oils actually) is made by ConocoPhillips and the same oil can be found under both the Motorcraft and Kendall brands. They are good oils, Motorcraft Semi-Syn is probably the best oil value right now; it nearly rivals many group III "full synthetics" in performance for less money than many conventional oils. Most major label 5W-20 oils meet Ford's WSS-M2C153-H spec, including M1. Pennzoil Platinum is the best readily available mainstream API SM "synthetic" oil going right now, but boutique oils (Amsoil, Redline, Renewable Lubricants Inc) remain the best oils overall; however, you pay for it. So I would vote for neither option. I vote for Motorcraft Semi-Synthetic if on a budget, Pennzoil Platinum is you are willing to spend a little more, and Redline if you are willing to spend $9/qt. You'll get great performance from any of those three. Wow a ton of info thanks for your input! I am thinking if I do run the full synthetic to go with the motorcraft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sixt9coug Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 i use 5w20 Mobil1 in the Ranger with a Motorcraft filter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chevys Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 Im no expert but bob is the oil guy is the place to go for answers. I have seen a lot of cars run a long time on regular oil. The main advantage of synthetic is longer intervals in most cases. I have run both. The average guy will never see the benifits of synthetic in my opinion. It may let you sleep better but thats about it. Oil is a whole lot better than it used to be. If you run pennzoil, motorcraft of what ever just keep it and the filter changed regularly and you will be fine. Only my Mustang sees synthetic and its probably a waste to be honest. Just change it no matter what you run in decent intervals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IMSA-XJR9 Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 I run Mobil 1 in the Mach and Motorcraft in the daily drivers. I use Motorcraft filters for all. Although if I know I will be racing the Mach I will use a FRPP Ford Racing Filter. Probably not needed for the amount I do, but oh well . . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
351cid Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 The one main advantage (IMO) to running synthetic seems to be the cleaning agents. I've torn down several engines that had over 150K on them. Appears to me that the ones that use synthetic are always clean on the inside and the conventional ones seem to range from clean to sludged. Just my experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twintornados Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 I run Mobil 1 in the Mach and Motorcraft in the daily drivers. I use Motorcraft filters for all. Although if I know I will be racing the Mach I will use a FRPP Ford Racing Filter. Probably not needed for the amount I do, but oh well . . . . http://home.mindspring.com/~ed_white/id7.html Here is a site where the guy has disassembled filters with pictures and discussion for comparison purposes. The Motorcraft FL-820S, and Ford Racing version of it are quite different. The Ford Racing filter has more media and more filter pleats for even higher levels of protection. A real good site for all those "filter hawks" out there.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterstern Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 In my view, synthetic is only needed if you're doing extended drain intervals or if it's high performance/turbocharged/supercharged engine. If it's a 'normal' engine and you're following the 3 month/3000mile drain interval, then just use regular oil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 If it's a 'normal' engine and you're following the 3 month/3000mile drain interval, then just use regular oil. That's overkill for most of today's engines. 5,000 - 7,500 miles is command and recommended. 3/3K is just wasting oil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suv_guy_19 Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 3/3K is just wasting oil. Depends on the time of year I think. Up here, in the winter, GMs oil life system will run out before 3K miles but in the summer will last between 5K and 8K miles. Even still every dealership that I've ever went to recommends oil changes at 3K. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaZor Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 A company called SOMS Technologies has created a new kind of oil filter. Actually, it’s two in one. Inside it has a standard filter element that catches big stuff, and a micro filter for much smaller particles. It’ll catch stuff down to two microns. The company claims engine oil can be kept fresh for way longer than normal, up to 30,000 miles. The filter gets replaced at every other oil change and the oil level topped off. http://www.microgreenfilter.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 Even still every dealership that I've ever went to recommends oil changes at 3K. You think that just might have a little something to do with cash flow? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron W. Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 (edited) Even still every dealership that I've ever went to recommends oil changes at 3K. You think that just might have a little something to do with cash flow? Dealers aren't making the money off of oil changes, more like a loss leader. Throw in the free safety inspection and topping off of fluids It's basicly a break even. They may however try to "upsell" a needed or not needed service in order to make some cash. P.S. I have mine changed every 3k at the local (12 miles away since my dealership folded) dealer. EDIT: Motorcraft filter and oil of course. Edited January 2, 2009 by Ron W. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mazda626 Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 The one main advantage (IMO) to running synthetic seems to be the cleaning agents. I've torn down several engines that had over 150K on them. Appears to me that the ones that use synthetic are always clean on the inside and the conventional ones seem to range from clean to sludged. Just my experience. It may not be the synthetic oil that makes a difference. A car owner that uses synthetic oil would tend to be more conscientious about regular oil changes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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