Horror stories typically fall under the category of OWT (Old Wives Tales).

FWIW: I run Mobil 1 0W-20 in our recently purchased 2001 Accord EX-L V6; no leaks, low consumption (about a quart every six to seven thousand miles), and it runs great!

 

synthetic is the way to go, it breaks down so much slower so you can run 8k miles between changes (filter change at 4k) I will never use conventional oil ever again

 

You will get a lot of opinions about oil. The only way to verify is to send your oil to get tested.

I got my TSX with 97K miles on it. I tried Mobile 1 synthetic and noticed oil loss. I switched to the Castrol GTX and now have much less oil loss.

IMO, the synthetic vs the regular oil applies to how often you will need to change the oil. If you monitor the oil level and change the oil at the proper level, then you will give the engine the best chance at having a long life.

 

Sorry in advance... I am going to be completely unscientific and subsequently shame my chemistry professor - if she ever saw this - but here I go anyway.

Synthetic has smaller molecule strands and thus can get past rings and seals easier. However it is much more resilient to breaking down and can last much longer through wear and heat cycles.

Conventional oil molecule strands are larger and dont get by seals as easily however they break down and gather contaminantes much faster.

I have done much research on this for self education quite a while ago.... I know there is literature to suport what I have said but, quiet honestly, I dont want to go searching for it again. Sorry for the liemans explanation....

 

I have around 199,500 miles on my 2000 ex v6 engine. I have been using Mobil 1 High Mileage full synthetic oil and Mobil 1 EP oil filter. Mobil 1 high mileage full synthetic oil rocks. Autozone $35 for both oil and filter. I change my engine oil twice an year. Original engine, till today just runs like new car.

 

Supposedly (well according to oil manufactures anyway) there no issue switching to/from Synthetic.