The expense of purchasing and maintaining a vehicle has grown disproportional to most folks income so it would stand to reason not to risk that investment no more than letting your home fall into disrepair. Inquire about an engine or transmission replacement to put things in perspective. Electronically managed engines and transmissions are too sophisticated to leave anything to chance. This is where synthetics can play a role in protecting and extending the useful service life of a vehicles' drivetrain components. Exception: Those who abuse their equipment will pay the consequences no matter what kind of countermeasures are taken. If you trade vehicles every three or four years then synthetics probably aren't cost effective.

Conventional lubricants have come long way and get the job done however synthetics have the edge in my opinion if you plan on keeping the vehicle beyond 200K. There is psychological comfort with synthetics because of their molecular superiority and extended drain interval within reason.

Do your homework and make your own informed decision about what suits your specific needs. But if you're picky about your ride and know the value of a dollar then the added expense of synthetic is a small economic concession toward feeling secure and confident whether you're on the freeway, city street or a back woods trail.