76 brand oil?

[jaebird82]

So I just bought my '03 4runner with only 22k miles on it and wanted to get the oil changed. I found a shop (looking for a new mechanic) and he said he'd do it for $25. Good deal. The shop had decent reviews.

I forgot to ask what kind of oil he was using and noticed him pouring oil from this yellow pitcher type can. The oil looked clean and clear while going in. When i asked him what type of oil he uses he said "76, been using it for 20 years". Should I be concerned? Should i flush it out and get something like mobil1? Im new to Toyota and not sure what the best brand for our trucks is..

 

[drforton]

I don't think you have anything to worry about. 76 is not a bad brand. From what I have heard, switching from non-synthetic oil to full synthetic, like Mobile1, the synthetic oil will start eating away at the seals and gaskets (unless the motor has used synthetic since new). I'm not completely positive about that, but it's just what I heard.

 

[dougiefreshmx]

All I heard was blah blah blah...I just bought a 2003 with 22,000 miles!!! hahaha... But seriously, oil is a personal preference in my opinion. Theres argruments both ways for brand, viscosity, etc. I personaly use mobile 1 full synthetic every 5,000 miles. For the price of paying for someone else to do an oil change, I can do a synthetic one myself. Up to you! Btw, congrats on the new ride!!

 

[jimithing]

To give you peace of mind you're fine as long as he replaced the filter too. Congrats on finding a low mileage 4Runner. Hope she's in good shape and wasn't neglected given the low mileage.

Personally I like doing my own oil changes so I know that everything is done properly. There is no best oil for any car/truck. If you want to do some reading:

- Bob is the Oil Guy

Quite a few people on this site use full synthetics (me included) because we plan on keeping our trucks for a while and want to get the most out of them. Lots of people use Mobil 1 because it's consistently good in oil tests after use. Amsoil is also popular but a bit harder to find. Somewhat less popular on these boards but still a very good oil is the German made Castrol Syntec or as it's now called Castrol Edge.

For filters there are tons of options. Most people here will recommend you use the stock Toyota filter. They're pretty good for the money. The key is to change them on schedule. Don't change the oil without changing the filter.

 

[Dawg4Runner]

You should be fine as long as its the right level, viscosity and ILSAC graded for gas engines. No need to drain it and redo it. Just run it to 5k and change it out to what ever you prefer. I run Mobil 1 in all my vehicles, its also the factory fill for my 97 Dodge Viper.

 

[jaebird82]

You guys are awesome, thanks.

I got lucky finding such a low mileage one. Family owned, rarely driven. I took it to Toyota and they said it looked good, except the tires are rotted (original tires), needs a new drive belt and wiper inserts.

The engine feels and sounds good. Just feels like im towing something with those rotted tires that don't want to roll. Swapping them out for Firestone Destinations!