2004 type oil to use

[dfeola]

i have a 2004 4runner 4x4 sr5 v6 with 128000 miles, bought this car new in 04.
used to be wifes car but is now mine, serviced with oil change every 5000 miles, however since i took over driving it i only drive short distance to work, usually 2 to 3 miles, in all temps from 90 degrees to 0 .( i now change oil every 3 months or 3000 miles, sometimes at 3 months i change it with only 800 miles). asked service manager if it would be better to use synthetic or at least a synthetic blend, but they keep telling me to use the factory recommended oil. my concern is if i would switch to a synthetic blend that it might clean the engine to the point where my oil pump screen may get clogged or something start leaking... anyway can anyone tell me if the blend would be a good compromise with better oil protection or am i protected enough by changing with regular oil as frequent as i do?

 

[02SE]

I would say changing your oil as you have, is likely more than often enough. But, without seeing the oil or the inside of your engine, it's hard to know for sure.

My advice would be to take a sample of your oil, and send it off to be analyzed.

Here's a lab that seems to have a good reputation: Blackstone Labs

 

[NoWayOut]

As far as the blended oils, my opinion is it is better to do one or the other. So either go synthetic or dont. Up to you.