Hi guys. Has anyone on here tried out the amazonbasics full synthetic engine oil? I have always used mobil one synthetic. Since ive started seeing the amazon oil on youtube, and considering to give it a try on my ls but not sure if it will be a good investment on my ls460. Any advice?

 

I haven't tried it. It is reviewed well but considered to be lesser than leading brands. It was a hit when it was introduced with great price. With it's current price ($25), more than Pennzoil Platinum, it makes no sense to buy it.
My personal favorite is Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic. Really cleans the engine.

 

Risk/reward:
risk is premature engine wear with a repair cost of, guessing here, $4k
reward is saving $30 per oil change
um, no, I think I’ll avoid the Amazon Basics oil in my LS.

 

If it’s dexos licensed (which it is) it has to meet license requirements...which makes the oil “good”. Low Noack, etc, for direct injection engines. It has tested out well compared to major leading brands.

I think if price is an issue - or you’re looking for a low price - which I wouldn’t blame you...Super Tech from Walmart is actually cheaper and it too is dexos licensed.

But you can actually get named brand oil for even less right now. Pennzoil runs a rebate usually in the first half of the year. Shell Rotella gas truck synthetic is running a rebate for the entire year...you now can have this oil for $2 dollars a quart. Don’t be scared by the “Gas Truck” name...it’s a marketing strategy aimed at the enormous truck and suv segment. Mobil1 has since jumped in as well (as they have developed their suv and truck oil). These are for the same engines that go in cars. Very robust oil. I am currently using it and it is fantastic. Very highly rated in comparison tests and highly recommended on oil websites. Moly content of 160.

Other than that, I would have no worries using Amazon Basics or Super Tech, however you really can find name brand synthetics at, or near the same price. A jug of Quaker State Ultimate Durability is the same price as Amazon Basics, on the shelves at Walmart. And it’s made/mixed, by the same company that makes Pennzoil/Rotella.

 

I wouldn't worry about Amazon oil. Use it if you want to. Personally I've been using Walmart super tech for over a year in all my cars. They all run exactly the same as when I used mobile 1 or Pennzoil. Go with whatever is the cheaper option. I doubt anyone in here is redlining or pushing these cars to the max which would probably justify any kind of exotic oil with outrageous prices.

 

Personally, the savings isn't worth buying something other than a name brand oil IMHO.

 

On the subject of Rebates, Pennzoil is currently running a rebate. You get a $22 shell gas card.
https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/promo...-400-2020.html
You can do it online and valid with Amazon purchase. Limit 1.

 

Wow, that’s a great deal!

 

It sure is. It is like free oil.Here are the direct links for our cars. Note: Ultra is actually cheaper therefore make it a better deal if you are ok with 5w-20.

Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-20 Motor Oil

Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oil SAE, SN 0W-20

I have enough stock of 5w-20 therefore i got 5w-30 for Ls430 instead.

 

If you’re trying to save money, use Mobil 1 and run it longer than 7500. They make an annual oil that will go 20k miles. I’d be more comfortable running Mobil 1 for 10k or their Annual oil for 20k mikes than Amazon Basics for 7.5k. Just because some folks are running Walmart or Amazon oil and have not had a problem does not mean anything. The oils would need to be rigorously tested to determine the breakdown and it’s impact on the car. Heck, if you’re only keeping your car a short time, run Dollar General non-syn oil. The engine will be fine, for a while. I tend to run my cars forever so putting good oil in it from a trusted source is cheap insurance. People on this forum have talked about LS engines burning oil. If you want to run Amazon Basics oil, roll the dice and save a few dollars.

 

And the oil companies marketing team has done their job again without even breaking a sweat. This could turn into another one of those oil threads but I hope not. I ran Mobile 1 in my 400 for over 100k miles and did 3k oil changes but when I removed my Camshafts to change out the seals there was still plenty of varnish on the valve covers and on top of the pistons. That was at 180k and no driveability issues at all. I have nothing against Mobile 1 or Pennzoil and If I can remember to get the rebates I'll pick it up with no problem but I can walk in Walmart and just grab the Supertech for $14 without having to wait for the check in the mail. It's just as good for daily use and no one can prove anything to the contrary. I buy my cars and keep them till the end without worrying about trade in value so I stay on top of maintenance. I maintain the 400, 350 and 460 around the clock. Oil, brakes, rotations, filters and whatever else needs to be taken care of at any given time. It's not about being cheap but not just giving ANY money away that is not necessary. Everyone can have an opinion but let ppl make their decisions without fear mongering and trying to make them feel like they are being cheap because they don't use the oil that YOU use.

 

From what I gathered, Amazon Basic oil is manufactured by the same company that manufactures Walmart Supertech and Costco Kirkland oil.

10 qts for $30. I’d go with Kirkland oil.

https://www.costco.com/kirkland-sign...100518855.html

I actually bought 2 jugs of 5W-20 Pennzoil Ultra Platinum for $33 from Walmart. I’ve heard good things about Ultra Platinum oil.

I normally used Mobil 1 0W-20. When Mobil runs promotion, you can buy 10 quarts for $25 after MIR.

 

Not fear mongering, I'm sure the Amazon or Walmart or Kirklands oil is just fine, but to me I like to buy good products. I don't buy generic anything, I'd rather pay for for a product from a brand that I trust and like. Saving $20 an oil change just isn't attractive enough for me to use an oil from a generic source.

Mobil 1 isnt great oil, unless you're talking about the Mobil 1 Extended Performance. Again though, its going to be fine. I just enjoy using good quality products in everything I do.

 

That was not directed at you since you've been around long enough that I know your stance on many things. Some I might disagree with but I respect and understand your position. When I start reading posts about "oil not being tested" and "we don't know the long term effects" it just reminds me of all the oil debates on the web. Sure some have better additive packages but most of the time those really don't come into play when your changing oil every 3k-5k which most ppl do. I would never run the oil to 10k because of my driving style but some ppl do.

 

I agree with all of that...