Oil Changes - What Is Bad?

**Raven Logics** · 12-18-2012 10:57 AM

I am currently looking at a 2011 WRX with 22,000 miles on it. The owner might only have changed the oil once in that time, and I don't know when that would have been. It will have had no other servicing during this time. Is this a car I should be avoiding or could it be okay?

**xFalleNx** · 12-18-2012 10:58 AM

I would avoid any car that's being sold by a negligent owner.

**Raven Logics** · 12-18-2012 11:13 AM

That's my first instinct, but if the price is appropriate and the chance of damage is low is it worth considering? What is the worst that can happen?

**xFalleNx** · 12-18-2012 11:23 AM

Originally Posted by Raven Logics

That's my first instinct, but if the price is appropriate and the chance of damage is low is it worth considering?

Not in my opinion.

Originally Posted by Raven Logics

What is the worst that can happen?

you would pay a decent price for your new car and then have to put 8k into a new motor.

**Rambo** · 12-18-2012 11:44 AM

Originally Posted by Raven Logics

What is the worst that can happen?

Famous last words.

**mangostick** · 12-18-2012 11:53 AM

find another one. You dont want that car. If they didn't change the oil.. what else did or didn't they do? let em sell it to someone who wants a headache.

**starkall** · 12-18-2012 11:53 AM

Could have changed it himself. I do my own oil changes and don't let the dealer rape me.

**Rambo** · 12-18-2012 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by starkall

Could have changed it himself.

Key phrase right there. I also change my own oil, but I document each one (along with all services/repairs/mods/fuel fills) in the car's logbook. Without any documentation, you have no clue what was (or wasn't) done to car.

**Mikie13** · 12-18-2012 12:35 PM

Yeah how do you know it was only changed once?

**Raven Logics** · 12-18-2012 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by Mikie13

Yeah how do you know it was only changed once?

The owner presented the information that he had the oil changed once (he appeared to think that was a good thing). I doubt there was much else he would have needed to do on an 2011 with low mileage for regular maintenance.

I am guessing by the replies that no Subaru inspection would tell me if there is any damage? Hmph.

**SD_GR** · 12-18-2012 01:26 PM

The odo is in miles? Is the car imported? Changing the oil once in 22,000 km is not unreasonable actually, though the car would need an oil change now. Changing the oil once in 22,000 mi is not reasonable since the car is under warranty and the manufacturer specifies much shorter intervals.

Buy a car with a full service history.

I do my own oil changes too but I have dated receipts for all oil changes (In fact I have the old oil filters too, but that's due to mental illness). A conscientious owner will be able to document regular service even if the owner does it herself.

**Mikie13** · 12-18-2012 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by SD_GR

The odo is in miles? Is the car imported? Changing the oil once in 22,000 km is not unreasonable actually, though the car would need an oil change now. Changing the oil once in 22,000 mi is not reasonable since the car is under warranty and the manufacturer specifies much shorter intervals.

Buy a car with a full service history.

I do my own oil changes too but I have dated receipts for all oil changes (In fact I have the old oil filters too, but that's due to mental illness). A conscientious owner will be able to document regular service even if the owner does it herself.

Agreed...its possible there's some wear and tear on that that you may never know until it's too late.

**Raven Logics** · 12-18-2012 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by SD_GR

The odo is in miles? Is the car imported?

Yes, it's a US car brought new into Canada. I have no problem with a guy showing me a logbook with receipts, but he doesn't have that.

My basic problem is that the budget I agreed with my wife only gets me a high km 2009. This one has the potential to go for a reasonable price which is why it appeals to me. Given that no one has suggested that it might be okay it sounds like I should just let it go. Thanks for your help guys, it really is appreciated.