I enjoy this site because everyone needs a hobby, but most SL oils are plenty good to do 4000 miles. Don't worry-- cars seldom die from engine problems if decent (any SL) oil is used and oil levels or coolant levels are in range. It's usually a combination of other non-engine related hoo hah that makes the car too expensive to maintain. Im my car buying career, only about 4 cars out of almost 30 have died from engine related problems. One was a Corvair, one a Caravan with the infamous Mitsu valve guides and the transmission went out at the same time, and one was a Plymouth Arrow that I let over heat. The last was a Festiva that probably hadn't had its oil changed more than once or twice when I bought it at 28K. It lasted until 115 and I was able to get a used engine and clutch replacement with labor for about $600. The car was still going strong at 160K when I donated it because it needed a complete brake job and the synchros were starting to catch. As far as I know the car stayed in service as a errand car for a non-profit for well over a year.
[ July 17, 2003, 10:01 PM: Message edited by: csandste ]