Conventional vs. Synthetic

[runnerC2]

What is the scoop? It seems like a lot of guys on here use synthetic, but I have always been a conventional guy myself. Is this just the natural divide or is there something special about toyotas that I am missing?

 

[Crawlin85]

alot of the newer model vehicles require synthetic, If toyota recommends to only use synthetic on your year and model then I would do so. If they say you use conventional then make sure its ok to run synthetic in it before switching over. It depends on the owners preference, synthetic can cost a little more but its better protection for your engine. I run convential since I have an 85 and the rebuilt motor I put in only cost $933 so I'm not worried about making my engine last forever, and its already going to last at least 200,000 miles since my previous one went to 274,000 before it started burning oil

 

[the_dingman]

Synthetic is more consistent, and less picky based on temperature and lasts longer.

It is however naturally thinner, and if you switch to synthetic on a high mileage engine, it's likely to leak. If I bought a new vehicle, I'd be using synthetic from the start. In my 4Runner, I will use nothing but 100% conventional.

I had a VW Jetta and switched to a synthetic high-mileage blend at 80k, and it leaked for a few weeks. I swore at that point to keep conventional in the 4Runner.

 

[kalihi-boy]

one quick note, I just had my 22re rebuilt. These old mechanics told me me that the conventional oil nowadays, are much much better than 20yrs ago.
He also said synthetic oil is for the lazy ppl. If you got a 22re or 22r, I rec. going conv. Thats my 2 cents


aloha from Hawaii,

Steve
86 toyota 4runner