Look, I think we can all agree on the following points.

1. Oil change intervals varies based on driving style, weather factors, type of oil, and from car to car.
2. *some* cars can make it to 10,000 miles between changes
3. *some* cars need it more often
4. Yes, it costs more to change your oil more often than it absolutely needs to be changed.
5. There is no negative impact, beyond the cost of the change, for changing your oil too often.
6. There is a great deal of negative impact for not changing it often enough.
7. OP made a mistake by not changing his oil often enough.

TL;DR sometimes you gamble and win, sometimes you gamble and lose. The most conservative choice is not to gamble at all.

Can we agree on that and go back to helping OP find a solution rather than rehashing the ways he messed up?

Cheers,
Anthony

 

Just curious if conventional or synthetic oil was used for your 10k changes? Maybe it's best to claim it on your insurance and eat the deductible? Not even sure if that's possible. Or do like others say check out Craigslist, salvage yards, and ebay for used motors.

 

FYI. Found a 18k 3.7L for $1.5k in Los Angeles CL. Look for a good local shop to swap and you're golden again.

 

Op ... Do not buy a new engine yet . Flush the old stuff out and buy a new sensor . Put the oil of your choice in and monitor it . Might not be as bad as you think ..

 

In addition, pick up a bottle of Seafoam and maybe it can help break down the sludge.

 

I'm curious as to what solution the OP ended up going with...