Does she at least add oil? I would guess so. Too busy for 4 years, it only takes 30 minutes to get an oil change. That is a bit odd the engine has not gone out. Don't mention it anymore, she is an adult, and when the car breaks down she can get a new one or take the bus, or walk.

Are you serious? Oil never ever changed in her 62,000 miles of use? I guess stranger things have happened.

From a shop standpoint, I'd be afraid to change that car's oil, if the engine tossed a rod soon after, she wouldn't blame the bad maintenance, she'd blame the last one that worked on it...

I went on a site on this topic but can't remember the name, If I'll remember I will let you know.

Just give it time... the oil viscosity will thin very bad and will start to aerate and then start pitting on the mechanical components of the engine and eventually car death. :)

My Mother has a 1997 Mercury Mystique. She got it at 110,000 miles. She never changed the oil ONCE and it now has 162,361 miles and it's still running. I've told her she needs to change it but she never gets around to it. How has the engine not seized yet? That's what I'm trying to wonder. Can a mechanic help me out?