We'll I did my first oil change this weekend. I used a castrol synthetic blend. What a difference in smoothness and power. It seems like I don't have to press the gas as hard to keed a consistant speed. I highly recommend it, especially when oil changes are called for every 5,000. Just my opinion.

 

.....If it were me, i'd be changing oil ever 3k. But, thats just me ;)

 

^^^^agreed. i hope you did it at the dealership since your first 3 oil changes are free. just to make you aware.

 

I totally agree. If the manual said to change the oil every 3000 I would just use standard motor oil, but I usually use synthetics in anything that doesn't need as frequent changes. i.e. transmision and differential oils. So I figured I would go with a synthetic blend for 5,000. I'll have to see what the oil looks like at 5,000 to really determine if it's worth it. But for four dollars more than standard oil (blend costs about a dollar more a quart). It's one of the cheapest mods you can do.

 

I did it myself. It gives me pride to know I did it and I know exactly whats going into it. I just like doing things on my own.

 

I recently got my first oil change at the dealership for my tC and they used Quaker State synthetic with the next change 5,000 miles away.

Is there any noticable difference in performance depending on the different brands of synthetics?

What is considered "the best oil" or is it strictly just the opinion of the mechanic that decides that?

 

I personally don't think there's a major difference in performance between the brands, but I do suggest sticking with a good name brand. There is a good write up in here for more info, just do a search.

 

The difference is most likely from the weight of oil used. Thinner oils will free up movement within the engine, but at the same time are not recomended for lower temperatures. So if SVT_TO_XB went with a lighter weight oil than what was previously in his engine, that would explain the notice in performance.

I myself belive only in Mobile 1 synthetics. If Porsche, and Mercedes use them from the factory then it is darn well good enough for my toaster. *two cents*

 

I never deviate from the factory recommended oil weight. I used a 5w30 synthetic blend. The notice of performance is probably more from changing to clean oil and using synthetic.

 

i still don't see why you didn't use the free oil changes anyway, synthetic is good, but hey free oil is free oil. besides i know my dealer for example uses Mobil1 so i know what goes in is good.

 

If you have a dealer you trust thats great. I just like doing things myself. I have access to a garage. It's just one of them things. Most dealers wont use synthetics. Or they will charge you the difference. I just like doing it.

 

I normally do my own oil changes, but with the 3 free I just got my 1st done at 1,000 miles just to start

I will use the other 2 free, than switch to full synthetic 3k after that.

I dont think 5k miles between is bad either, but my philosophy is if thats anywhere near the "limits" id rather do it earlier and just always have nice clean oil in my car in hopes it lasts longer.

My dealership I believe uses Valvoline..though I dont know which one. (Keith Pierson Toyota/Scion)

 

Just as an oh, by the way.

We put 208000 miles on a Previa with oil and filter changes at 5000 miles. No lubrication problems over the life of the car.

One of the Toyota V6 engines was having a problem with sludging, and I would go for a 3000 mile interval (on petroleum based motor oil) or 5000 on synthetic.

On the other hand, if you do the oil change yourself, the cost of going to a 3000 mile oil change interval is not going to be very much over the life of the vehicle (esp. compared with the fuel cost!)

 

Scionspouse - good points!!

 

Just another data point. In my Maxima, I change the oil and filter myself at 5000, with synthetics. Higher performance engine than the Previa, and I drive it a little harder. Absent an accident, I've got to keep that car a long time!

We haven't decided what to do with the xB after we use the dealer changes. I've got a garage, and the xB oil change looks very easy (no ramps required, it appears), but the dealer only charges $30 for oil, filter and tire rotation. Don't know yet what oil they use (Mrs. Scion hasn't reached even 1000 miles yet)

 

Typically

First 500 miles , Then 1000 Miles then 2000, in the beginning. I live in a Cold state so this may not apply to the more warm climate states.

Also in Colder states (like Michigan) I use Mobil 1 its easy starts during the winter and the parts get oil faster then convential oil.

And I figure if you plan to shell out extra cash why bother with Blends. Just go synthetics all the way.

 

(snipped a bit to address this)

I'm pretty sure that it is the higher weight (viscosity) oils that are not recommended for low temps.

Back in the day when cars had drum brakes on all four wheels, we'd run 10W-20 in the winter, and 10W-40 in the summer.

 

Wow, I never thought this thread would get this big.LOL.

It looks to me that overall theres alot of personal preferences. I think the main concern is making sure you change the oil on or before the recommended oil change time. Use what you like. And love the car you have.

 

I'll never use my free oilchanges because I don't want to have some kid touching my baby. I also changed to Mobil 1 synthetic after the first oil change at 1,000 miles. They would have to charge extra to add the Mobil 1 instead of whatever they have on tap. Besides, why take a chance on having something damaged or missing just to get a "Free" oil change? I always do all my own service and would never trust them. I also go 5K miles between oil changes with no problems. I've gotten 500,000.0 miles plus out of my last work van by changing the oil every 5K with Castrol GTX. Motor was never opened up and is still running strong without even burning any oil between changes.

 

ya know letting someone else tinker with my box is kinda creepy lol

moving next month and will finally have a driveway and garage...so may just do all my own from this point forward lol