The 2011 Accord manual says the exact same thing as the Civic manual Pilsner Man posted except the recommended engine oil is 0W20 and not 5W20.

The dealership is lying to you if they told you it is required. It is recommended - by all Honda dealers BUT not using synthetic will not void your warranty.

$50 for a synthetic oil change at a dealership is normal. My local Honda dealer charges $53.99 and they have a $10 off coupon on their website. So basically $44 IF you take the time to print out the coupon. If you just had a standard oil change, they would have charged you around the $30 you were expecting.

IF you decide on using synth. make sure to ask how long is it good for? IF you are told the same as regular oil BUT it will keep the engine cleaner , say no thanks. it is true that S.O. keeps the engine cleaner. but spending that much $ for the same oil change interval is ridiculous.

now

IF the S.O. last twice as much or time and 1/2 then consider this. you might be saving $ IF the S.O will outlast the regular engine oil to a point where you are actually be spending le$$ if you divide the cost by the miles of use.

i.e.

regular oil can last 7000 miles where as the Synth. Oil can last 12.000 to15,000+(depending on the brand). obviously S.O. last twice as much; so for another $20 you have full synthetic engine oil Vs 2 regular engine oil for 60. are you following this?

gl

That's funny, this is from my 2011 Civic owner's manual. The place you went, hopefully it isn't a Stealership, is flat out lying. This info should be in your manual. If you don't have one, join the owner's club and download it.

https://owners.honda.com/login?ReturnUrl...