Right on, Wagonmaster.
Thoughts to consider...
1. Why skimp with $20 or $30 on a $20,000-$30,000 car? [B)] Do not be penny-wise and dollar-dumb. Then there's sentimental value...
2. Why change just the filter and not the oil and filter? [:I] If you are going to do it, do it right, or don't do it at all; why go through all the trouble to do a half-a$$ job? [:I] Also, it would take MORE time to NOT change the oil than to change it with the filter--How do you know how much oil you need to replace after changing the filter?
3. You are also inspecting your oil, not just changing it. [8]
4. The manual says every 3,000 miles and probably has a good reason for it. I know some cars say 7,500 miles, but to me that is insane. [:0] It does not seem physically feasible and I would hate to find antifreeze in my oil and wonder if it started 7,000 miles ago. There is no reason to blow off the most important maintenance you need to do to your car. Result: [xx(]
5. Mountains and mole hills: $30 and 30 minutes every 3,000 miles (or something in trade with a neighbour). This is not a big job here. Take a nice drive to warm it up...ramps...chocks...pop hood...pop fill cap...cardboard/oil drain pan...pop drain plug...pop filter...look at oil...grab a soda [^] (or coffee if it is morning)...get car wash stuff out...kindly thank neighbour/passer-by for nice compliments to the PT and how pretty it is...get back under car and inspect every nook and cranny...clean some of it...clean oil cooler assy...lube new filter...pop it on...pop plug back in...pour oil in...close hood...wash car (yes, still on ramps--makes it a little easier actually!)...dry it...detail it...curse the black window pillars [}
]...pack up cleaning stuff...take shower/change...start it up...watch guages for two minutes...drive off/stow ramps...take it for a nice clean, fresh cruise! [8)]
Just add that to your car wash routine on a non detailing day; it's no big deal. I do mine between 2K and 3K miles...whenever I feel like it.
Also, the more routinely you do it, the quicker it goes as you get more efficient at it.
Any thoughts on Castrol Syntec vs. Mobil 1? I like Castrol's regular oil (that is what is in the Rolocoaster now) and I was going to put Mobil 1 in it, but a few people have been talking up the Syntec to me lately.