[britye]

Well, I'm getting close to the 15% mark for which Honda suggests the oil be changed according to the Maintenance Minder System.
I am well over 8000 Kilometers and haven't had any issues but, I can't help but wonder if this distance (and time for that matter, I bought the CT in January) are the best thing for longevity of the engine.
I have always serviced my other vehicles (other than the Honda's) at 5000 K or 3 months, with synthetic oil (Mobil 1 mostly) and just can't help wondering why Honda suggests different.
Maybe I'm old school, but I just can't get past the idea that the oil change interval is way too long. My Dealer says not to worry and that doing anything differently will not be beneficial......
What do you guys/gals think is best?

Oh and by the way, who is paying for your first oil change?

 

[r4wd]

MM System

Wow a very controversial topic when you visit any forum. So my take is do what you feel comfortable with. I have been using the MM system on my last 3 Honda's with no problems, but will admit found it very difficult to switch from the old school method to the MM system.
http://www.vtec.net/forums/one-message?message_id=583156

 

[Limbery]

My dealer was asked this at our "new owner orientation evening" and they said it's fine to just go by the MM....but don't let it go past 1 year before bringing it in....

Personally, I've felt that especially the first couple of oil changes it's important to keep within your comfort zone since the motor is new and tight, so there will be more initial wear that you want to clean out.....(I could be wrong in that though?)

 

[ACT]

Just done with 1st oil change w/ tire rotation.

Oil change is free but not the tire rotation.

anyway, I asked for the price for regular oil change. It's $78 + tax. little bit expensive. with this price, will you come back to dealer for regular oil change or go somewhere with cheaper prices?

 

[RyansQuick6]

My dealer is only around $30 for oil changes, you're getting ripped off. Oh and our dealer pays for our first oil change.

 

[ifonline]

Yep... the oil change should be somewhere around $30 or so. Anything significantly more and you are being had, assuming that you are in the US.

And as for the old way of changing the oil out every 3000-5000 miles or 3 months... engines have come a long way since then. Heck, my Mercedes had to be serviced only once per year or every 10,000 miles... no more, no less. I'm at almost 3000 miles and about 70%, so I expect to get close to 10,000 per oil change. Not at all worried about it. If something goes wrong, I will make sure Honda will cover it as I am following the instructions in the manual and paying attention to the oil life/service minder.

There is no need for this to be a "hot topic." There is no need to sweat it. Let the car tell you when it needs service, and until that happens, don't even bother worrying about it.

 

[Kemosabe]

My guess is that if Honda even suspected the remote possibility that their recommended oil change intervals might result in engine damage THEY would have to pay for under warranty, they would opt for the minimum time or miles.

Engines are SOO much better than they used to be, due to better machining (CNC), better metals, better electronic engine controls, etc. that most of us think an engine with 100K miles has just moved from its teen years to adulthood!! Thirty years ago - OK, forty years ago, an engine with over 60K miles was running on luck!!

Also, if it were an issue, would we be using 0-10 wt. oil????? Go with the owner's manual!!

Around these parts, a full synthetic oil change for $30 is a bit of a bargain. I'll have to ask (axe?) my dealer.

 

[ifonline]

Something to consider... Honda is first and foremost an engine company (that's their philosophy), so they should know a thing or two about service requirements for the engines in the Crosstour.

Somewhat related... if you haven't seen this yet, it's well worth checking out:

 

[chefmark]

Something to consider... Honda is first and foremost an engine company (that's their philosophy), so they should know a thing or two about service requirements for the engines in the Crosstour.

Somewhat related... if you haven't seen this yet, it's well worth checking out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiaPNlR5A4I

Good Video...as long as the Crosstour is not one of their Failures

 

[Microcosm]

Also, the quality of synthetic oils has increased dramatically over the years. The real limitation these days is likely the oil filter.

 

[ifonline]

Good Video...as long as the Crosstour is not one of their Failures

Very good point!

 

[Barbosa]

I tend to be guilty of driving till the warning lite flashes or turns off cause it gave up. This changes when its part of my warranty of course.

 

[leek69]

You might have meant 0W-20 weight oil

 

[Kemosabe]

My dealer wants $69.00 +t for an oil change! Says because the 0W-20 oil is expensive!!

 

[chefmark]

Just done with 1st oil change w/ tire rotation.

Oil change is free but not the tire rotation.

anyway, I asked for the price for regular oil change. It's $78 + tax. little bit expensive. with this price, will you come back to dealer for regular oil change or go somewhere with cheaper prices?

Yep... the oil change should be somewhere around $30 or so. Anything significantly more and you are being had, assuming that you are in the US.

And as for the old way of changing the oil out every 3000-5000 miles or 3 months... engines have come a long way since then. Heck, my Mercedes had to be serviced only once per year or every 10,000 miles... no more, no less. I'm at almost 3000 miles and about 70%, so I expect to get close to 10,000 per oil change. Not at all worried about it. If something goes wrong, I will make sure Honda will cover it as I am following the instructions in the manual and paying attention to the oil life/service minder.

There is no need for this to be a "hot topic." There is no need to sweat it. Let the car tell you when it needs service, and until that happens, don't even bother worrying about it.

I thought the CT took standard oil and not Synthetic oil. My Wife's Car takes synthetic oil and her changes run about 70 bucks. So which is it Synthetic or Standard

 

[ifonline]

According to the owner's manual, the Crosstour takes 0W-20 motor oil, and the manual specifies that synthetic oil may be used if desired. In other words, the Crosstour takes conventional motor oil.

I just checked Gwinnett Place Honda's pricing (where I purchased my vehicle), and they charge:

- $24.00 for a synthetic blend oil change
- $38.00 for a full synthetic oil change

That's far less than $70, so for anyone paying much more than that, I might suggest shopping around for your next oil change.

 

[britye]

I'm pretty sure that no one makes a 0-20 wt. conventional engine oil.
So far as I can see (and my Honda dealer told me) 0-20 are all synthetic oils.

 

[ifonline]

You may be right. I am only referencing the manual that states "synthetic motor oil may be used" which suggests that the regular oil used in the vehicle is conventional.

 

[CurlyGirlCa]

Just today, I was at 4825 miles and 50% and just felt more comfortable getting it changed at that mileage, at least early on. We love our mechanic shop and I had forgotten to find oil to take with me - which I will do next time.

Anyway - labor $10, Oil $50 (10x5 quarts - synthetic), $4.38 tax (8.75 here) so 64.38. Not sure where the filter charge is (I know they changed it) so it must be included in the oil charge. Plus I think we get dinged for some recycling charge here too.

The dealer has a disclaimer that they charge more for the CT but we go to the mechanic unless it's a warranty issue.

 

[chefmark]

According to the owner's manual, the Crosstour takes 0W-20 motor oil, and the manual specifies that synthetic oil may be used if desired. In other words, the Crosstour takes conventional motor oil.

I just checked Gwinnett Place Honda's pricing (where I purchased my vehicle), and they charge:

- $24.00 for a synthetic blend oil change
- $38.00 for a full synthetic oil change

That's far less than $70, so for anyone paying much more than that, I might suggest shopping around for your next oil change.

Did not want to pay 70 bucks for an oil change on 2 cars