I recently did my first oil change (I let the dealer do the first two, since they were free...) and discovered that the recommended 0W-20 oil is not widely available, and is fairly expensive. The only type I've seen locally, at least, is Mobil1, which was almost $7/qt when I did my change. Even Walmart was >$6. So I've kept my eyes open...
And today, my open eyes found a reasonable deal. Still not cheap, but the best I've seen yet...
Advance Auto Parts ad
If you have an Advance Auto Parts nearby (sorry, west coasters...), they have a deal right now where you get 5 qts of Mobil1 synthetic oil, and a Mobil1 filter, for $30. Granted they don't have the cartridge filters (that I'm aware of), but I got a filter for my 03 Vibe. Even if you give away the filter (or sell it on eBay?) the oil alone is the cheapest I've seen it.

Also, I'm aware that 5W-20 (much easier to find/cheaper) is effectively the same as 0W-20 in most temperature conditions, but since we might very well approach -10 or below, I feel better running 0W-20 through the winter.

HTH,
Andy
(No affiliations, etc...)

 

sounds good, the walmart over here only has 5 w30 mobil 1

 

i was wondering if i was reading that leter about the free oil changes right... did they use synthetic for those?

 

Dunno, but I have to say I'd be surprised if they did... Anyone know for sure either way?

 

No its standard mineral oil. Im going to see if i can just pay the difference for synthetic for the free changes

 

I have heard that if you bring in your own oil, they'll use it. But at that point, I'd rather do the rest myself - especially with synthetic, the oil itself is the biggest part of the cost. If I weren't saving money, I'd much rather drive up on ramps and get my clothes a little dirty than make an appointment, drive out of my way to the dealership, sit and wait in their waiting room, and wonder if they're draining the oil all the way or overtightening the plug. Probably quicker overall to do it at home. Just my thoughts...

 

I feel the same way, but also gotta remember the free filter catridge which is hard to come by other then a visit to toyota anyways Dealer mechanics are more trustworthy over private/street mechanics as theres much more at stake when screwing someone over.

 

Both good points...

Re. the cartridge filters, I naively bought one at the dealership at the last oil change, and they charged me $8.50 or something ridiculous. I've read about people getting them from their dealers for $4-5, IIRC... So I shopped around a bit, and ordered a box of 10 from trdsparks for $45 shipped. Much more reasonable. Also available for only slightly more from autopartspeople.com (you might need to send them an email request, but they quoted me $3.70 each + $12 shipping for 10 filters).
HTH,
Andy

 

Does anyone know if the oil that Toyota is using is a synthetic blend? I'm thinking it must be since they are changing it at 5k and 10k?