Importance of timely oil changes

Asked by Guru9MCBV9 Jan 14, 2023 at 10:57 AM about the 2017 Dodge Durango GT RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

We are looking to buy a car that looks great outwardly, but we have concerns
about the previous owners (according to Carfax) not being diligent to change
oil, going 15, 000 to 20,000 miles before changes.  Is this a deal changer?  No
warranty

5 Answers

40,005

I've bought a few used cars that had black oil in them and that never created a major problem . One got dark oil a little too soon after a change due to sludge from someone not changing the oil but it was a total beater for dirt cheap . I guess weight it in with other factors and make a decision .

1 people found this helpful.
310,185

Just run away from this one. And it’s a Chrysler product to boot.

2,120

How many miles now? Not everything is reported to Carfax. Maybe the owner did the oil changes in their driveway between trips to the garage? How does the oil look now? How did it drive and sound? Have a mechanic look the car over before purchase.

1 people found this helpful.
157,555

If the engine sounds good, runs smoothly, and doesn't smoke at all, it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me. Look at the oil on the dipstick too. If it's really black and cruddy looking you'll want to change it right away and service the PCV system. Then after a month or so change the oil again. Change the oil filter at every oil change thereafter too. Vehicles that have synthetic oil in them and vehicles that have been driven mostly on the highway don't need oil changes as often either. Don't put any additives in the engine oil that claim to clean the engine or help the engine last longer, etc. Most times they're just bunk or can damage an older model. It's obviously your decision but my motto is "When in doubt, I can do without!" Hope that helps! Jim

Your Answer:

Durango

Looking for a Used Durango in your area?

CarGurus has 2,271 nationwide Durango listings starting at $5,500.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Sigurður Guðmundsson
    Reputation
    6,810
  • #2
    Breanskis
    Reputation
    3,690
  • #3
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    1,940
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Dodge Charger
36 Great Deals out of 630 listings starting at $4,888
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
135 Great Deals out of 3,222 listings starting at $4,995
Used Dodge Challenger
22 Great Deals out of 482 listings starting at $7,999
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
15 Great Deals out of 853 listings starting at $5,995
Used RAM 1500
545 Great Deals out of 15,575 listings starting at $5,000
Used Ford Explorer
72 Great Deals out of 2,080 listings starting at $2,999
Used Ford F-150
327 Great Deals out of 15,257 listings starting at $3,295
Used GMC Yukon
10 Great Deals out of 836 listings starting at $1,225
Used Chrysler 300
43 Great Deals out of 505 listings starting at $4,999
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
222 Great Deals out of 5,891 listings starting at $2,975
Used Cadillac Escalade
17 Great Deals out of 380 listings starting at $7,495
Used Chevrolet Camaro
22 Great Deals out of 321 listings starting at $10,500
Used Ford Mustang
46 Great Deals out of 1,263 listings starting at $4,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.