oil change price... it's like, WOW!

Forrest

I do want to spend more. I never use cruise control in my car until few miles WAY WAY down the road, like 5,000 or 8,000 miles, Yes i go to that lenghts so i dont mess with the engine.

In my 350z i used Royal Purple Religiously, now with the ester crap i planned on using it until i was sure i wanted to continue to use Royal Purple.

No where in my plans did formula shell come in. See what i mean? That was never part of my plan. Im the type of guy that i want it the way i WANT IT, and dont mess with that. Obviously i dont want the moon to fit in the palm of my hand but i keep my wants realistic.

Adding this, guess what i only use chevron also, Costs more. The cheap crap gas is allways right near a chevron too, but i dont faulter.

shabarivas

Thats too bad man... I would stay the fvck away from chevron if i were you... I get chevron once in a couple months and thats it. The techron they add to their gas mix can be harmful to your engine life if constantly used... There might be no real evidence of it but why take a chance? It does have extra stuff that engines were not supposed to burn lol... same w/ shell... stick w/ 76

U235

What says that Nissan Esther is better than another leading oil. It'll only take a few months before someone sends their oils out for analysis and I'm going on record now saying that those will conclusively prove there's no need to spend $12 / quart for this pixie-dust Nissan oil.

The Chevron/crap gas station comparison is not a valuable contribution to this thread. I've seen no one on this thread mention using some crappy no-name oil like Kendall or GreatWestern or whatever. People are talking about Royal Purple, Mobil-1, Motul, etc. These have been proven time-after-time in VQ engines (although Mobil-1 isn't that great actually). To me, this recommendation is not too different than if Nissan "recommended" Chevron Premium and someone decided to put Shell in it instead (both top-tiers gas). Again we're not comparing this Nissan magic-juice to crap oils.

Even Castrol GTX performs really well in just about every VQ engine to date. I'd be using Amsoil if I got a 370z and I'd have no hesitations about it.

To the guy who said the dealer can deny warranty because you didn't use the recommended oil. That's complete BS and would be illegal. There are laws specifically written to prevent that sort of issue. If it was a "Requirement" it's one thing, if it's a "Recommendation" it basically doesn't hold any weight.

I generally tell people the best thing they can do is use a quality DINO and change it every 3k miles. My favorite mainstream DINO is Castrol GTX. I use it in my Infiniti because A) it's a lease and I have no intention of keeping it. B) I change every 3k miles regardless C) In oil analysis GTX outperforms Mobil-1 (on 350z/G35).

However, since the 370z is likely to be driven more aggressively by most drivers, and some of the overheating issues documented, I'd be inclined to run a top synthetic: Amsoil or Castrol Euro Formula would top my list.

Forrest

I dont want to find out that you NEED it after i have not been using it. remember a test can go both ways.

U235

If you NEED it, it'd be a requirement. This engine isn't brand new, it's been in use in the G37 for a good year now. Usually within a year there's the signs of whether something is going to be wrong.

Regardless, if it turns out there's ANY problem and that the car must have this special oil, Nissan will be responsible for any damage caused by not running it since it's a recommendation and not a requirement. It's not unheard of for entire engines to be recalled (see e46 M3 for example). My point being, read things literally: REQUIRED = NEED TO DO. RECOMMENDED = Optional.

The fact that it's optional means using any other high-quality, proven synthetic is still ok and still exceeds the requirement. If it gives you peace of mind, I say go for it. A regular synthetic oil change will cost you $60+ and it seems others have been able to get Ester changes for $80 so it's not such a big difference. However, at $120 it's bit more of a contemplation.

The valvetrain info is interesting.

Transport3r

I notice that oil type wars are popular on every car forum

Robert_Nash

That's about right; at least if you want the dealer to do it.

The 3.7 runs best with an ester based synthetic; it's a Penzoil Platinum product and the dealer price is around $12/qt.

As I understand it, there is a service bulletin out regarding this for the 3.7L engine across the board.

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Forrest

Okay my dealer called me back as promised, and after there "research" they reconize there is a difference between Nissan Ester Oil and Formula Shell.

Before they stated we are not sure there is a difference and its pointless for you to come and get it changed due to that.

So im scheduled for the May 4th, to get Nissan Ester oil in. They are offering to pay for it, i am telling them NO i want to pay for it, so far we are on a stand off on who pays for it, but i may have to toss money at them and run out like a fiend hehe.

BanningZ

I think that's great customer service that they actually did check it out instead of dismissing you. Not to mention they offered to correct the situation free of charge. Sounds a lot better than many dealerships I've worked with in the past.

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Forrest

I buy all my nissans from them. There service deparment can get a little picky but in reality they are just trying to do the best job. They are also rated like #1 with the nissan dealer locator, some nissan dealerships have no rated and a few have the big #1 symbol, this is one of those dealers.

Diversion

I opted for the "economy" warranty package when I bought the car which gives me free maintenance and oil changes every 3750 miles and (insert number) inspection checks and brake adjustments, etc... I guess I feel I made a good choice then! I think they will do free oil changes/inspections up to 75,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first.. doubt i'll even own the car by then.

tru_Asiatik

$120 seems resonable...i guess
cheapest i found the nissan ester oil from a dealer is $11.99+CAtx per quart
so that comes to about $80.00 for 6 quarts
add to that a good quality oil filter(K&N or Mobil) which is about $12.99+CAtax
which is abot $15.00
plus maybe $1.00 for a new gasket

so that adds up to $96.00 an oil change(WOW!!)

so savings of $24.00 plus the satisfaction of knowing you are able to change your own oil and you know it was done right(by you)

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Forumite

WTF?

The place where I bought mine charges $18 for an oil change.

semtex

Then they're not using the recommended oil that's spelled out in the owner's manual.

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Forumite

I dont think that would matter considering they have to back the warranty anyhow.

I only put about 5 miles per day on in the car anyhow.