It has nothing to do with what car he is driving.  A german oil-change from the dealer is easily $100-120 with OEM filter and factory-OEM synthetic oil

cost is actually a red-herring.  If someone could tell you your oil was good for another 5,000km with zero risk of engine damage, would you go out and change your oil, "just to be safe?"

The science shows that with a synthetic oil, oil changes can be done in a range of 12,000-20,000km.  Conventional oils sludge up in approx one-half the mileage driven.  The biggest risk to an engine failing over time isn't lack of oil changes, but low oil level condition between oil changes.