Synthetic Oil

[07runner]

I will agree that synthetic oil is superior to conventional oil, however it is much more expensive. What is the point of using this oil? Toyota does not specify it, to me seems like a waste of money. If your keeping the vehicle for over 150,000 miles maybe it would be worthwhile. But by then the 4Runner would be so improved, your old vehicle would seem like a obselete scrap heap. At more than 5 times the cost of conventional oil, the money will add up fast. So if this is the last car you ever plan on owning, and need it to last as long as possible, I don't see the point of this extra expence.

 

[Zachary]

Okay....then stick with conventional oil. Sounds like you are very firm in your decision.

As for me, I'll stick with synthetic, and I won't try and convince you otherwise.:

 

[07runner]

Okay....then stick with conventional oil. Sounds like you are very firm in your decision.

As for me, I'll stick with synthetic, and I won't try and convince you otherwise.:

Your answer to the thread contributed what facts to the use of synthetic oils???????

 

[peter78]

I will agree that synthetic oil is superior to conventional oil, however it is much more expensive. What is the point of using this oil? Toyota does not specify it, to me seems like a waste of money. If your keeping the vehicle for over 150,000 miles maybe it would be worthwhile. But by then the 4Runner would be so improved, your old vehicle would seem like a obselete scrap heap. At more than 5 times the cost of conventional oil, the money will add up fast. So if this is the last car you ever plan on owning, and need it to last as long as possible, I don't see the point of this extra expence.

1.) Having a car over 150,000 miles is not considered old these days. People still drive cars on a daily basis with that kind of mileage. I would consider 250,000 miles old.

2.) I don't see synthetic being 5 times expenisve. My last purchase at Costco was 6 quarts of Mobil 1 for $23 and Castrol GTX for $1.99. That breaks down to $4 for Mobil 1 and $2 for regular Castrol. So for me it is twice as expensive not 5 times as much. I do extend the use of synthetic oil to 5,000 miles and use regualr oil at 3,000. Yes it is more expensive, but it is not overly expensive.

3.) As far as a old 4Runner being a obselete scrap heap. I would argue what is better a 1st or 2nd generation 4Runner on the trails or a 4th generation 4Runner. Newer is not always better.

For me, the 4Runner is the first time I use synthetic oil, to me the engine runs better, the oil at the end of 5,000 miles looks better than using regular oil at 3,000 miles. When I change the synthetic oil it pours out much faster, I can tell the differnce when I change the oil. I also get about 1/3 mile a gallon better mileage, not exactly a grand sum, but the engine is better protected and runs better. I also feel better when I tow.

 

[Good Times]

Syn oil was made so ppl can go between oil changes for a longer duration (generalizing...).

If you plan to change your oil every 3k miles then I don't see the point in using syn oil. But if you plan to change your oil every 7.5k then I'd say syn oil is a good idea.

Btw this is almost similiar to the thought of using premium gas vs regular gas. Both works but some just prefer to use the best for their vehicles. It just comes down to personal preference on how much you want to baby your vehicle. Some owners are happy w/ the bare minimum to keep it running while others like to spend a few more. Nothing wrong with either end as it'll still be running for ALONG time

Good luck

 

[Zachary]

Your answer to the thread contributed what facts to the use of synthetic oils???????

Re-read your question. You did not ask for anyone to contribute any facts to the use of synthetic oils. The point that I was trying to make was that you firmly made up you mind about not using synthetics.

 

[EDGE]

conventional oil or synthetic, even with synthetic being twice the price I don't think it's gonna break the bank, I could name tons of things that my friends waste money on and then when they gotta get the oil changed they bitch.

They also smoke, drink and eat like crap but you don't see me screaming in their face that they are helping to keep the doctors and insurance companies making billions each year:

In the end the only way you can really ever save any money is not owning a car, it's that simple and eating healthy:arrow:

 

[SWUtah]

The Toyota V8 is one of the lowest wearing engines made and one of the easiest on motor oil, based on used oil analysis done on www.bobistheoilguy.com . If you use a good conventional dino oil like Castrol GTX and do oil/filter changes every 5K miles your engine will last just as long as one using synthetic oil. The synthetic will provide additional protection if you do extended intervals, up to 10K miles maybe longer if you do UOA and filter changes. I would recommend using synthetic if you are using your 4runner in extreme conditions, like sub zero short trips and running around death valley in the middle of the summer. Your 4runner engine will last as long as you want to own your 4runner if you follow Toyota's maintance schle. and use a quality dino oil and quality oil filter. Some of us just like to spend a little more for the best protection, for most of use this is over kill but it gives us a warm fuzzy feeling that is worth the price.

If you want to learn more about oil and other fluids that are used in your vehicle go to the above site and do some reading.

 

[Larry]

You can reduce the cost of synthetic by buying in bulk and changing oil yourself. The person that does that and drives 'em 'till they drop is probably not going to do it any other way. Those that treat their vehicles as a short term purchase should not bother. That's what quick lube places and dealers are for. I know that in extreme weather there may not be much choice but the two groups are probably not going to change, so who cares about if synthetic oil costs more or performs better. I tried to let others do the service for my vehicles, but have gone back to doing everything I can, myself. Oil changes are too important to leave them to the lot boy.

 

[jharris2]

Re: Re: Synthetic Oil

For me, the 4Runner is the first time I use synthetic oil, to me the engine runs better, the oil at the end of 5,000 miles looks better than using regular oil at 3,000 miles. When I change the synthetic oil it pours out much faster, I can tell the differnce when I change the oil. I also get about 1/3 mile a gallon better mileage, not exactly a grand sum, but the engine is better protected and runs better. I also feel better when I tow.

Peter, the other thing I would add is that when using Mobil-1, both the Camry and the 4Runner temperature gauges are noticeably lower than with dino oil. Instead of the gauge being halfway between H and C, it's just below halfway (maybe 7/16 instead of 1/2). With the way the 4Runner gauges are marked, you can see the difference.

 

[peter78]

You can reduce the cost of synthetic by buying in bulk and changing oil yourself.

When I first decided to use synthetic I figured it would cost me a extra $50 over 100,000 miles. Since we are talking about cost, with todays prices it cost $80 more over 100,000 miles. In the overall cost of owning a automobile, the cost is not much. If you don't change your own oil, I am sure the cost would be higher.

 

[no1sportz]

I will agree that synthetic oil is superior to conventional oil, however it is much more expensive. What is the point of using this oil? Toyota does not specify it, to me seems like a waste of money. If your keeping the vehicle for over 150,000 miles maybe it would be worthwhile. But by then the 4Runner would be so improved, your old vehicle would seem like a obselete scrap heap. At more than 5 times the cost of conventional oil, the money will add up fast. So if this is the last car you ever plan on owning, and need it to last as long as possible, I don't see the point of this extra expence.

You don't get it do you? The "point" is that it gives warm fuzzy feelings. Who wouldn't want that?!

 

[SWUtah]

Re: Re: Re: Synthetic Oil

Peter, the other thing I would add is that when using Mobil-1, both the Camry and the 4Runner temperature gauges are noticeably lower than with dino oil. Instead of the gauge being halfway between H and C, it's just below halfway (maybe 7/16 instead of 1/2). With the way the 4Runner gauges are marked, you can see the difference.

That's where mine runs with dino Castrol GTX 5w30. I'm now at 32K miles and next oil change I'm switching to Mobil 1 5w30 since that is what I'm running in the LC and I'm affraid my 4runner will get pissed off and quit running. I also thiink the motor runs smoother with the Mobil 1, but that is probably just my imagination.

 

[peter78]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Synthetic Oil

That's where mine runs with dino Castrol GTX 5w30. I'm now at 32K miles and next oil change I'm switching to Mobil 1 5w30 since that is what I'm running in the LC and I'm affraid my 4runner will get pissed off and quit running. I also thiink the motor runs smoother with the Mobil 1, but that is probably just my imagination.

Switching to Mobil 1 with 32,000 miles should be fine. I have 2 older cars, one with 143,000 miles and one with 194,000 miles and I am sticking with the regualr Castrol GTX. I think I might cause more problems if I change with that amount of miles. If you are keeping the 4Runner, I would say go for it.

Also, I feel the engine runs better. Maybe it is just that "warm fuzzy" feeling 'no1sportz' was talking about.

 

[SWUtah]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Synthetic Oil

Switching to Mobil 1 with 32,000 miles should be fine. I have 2 older cars, one with 143,000 miles and one with 194,000 miles and I am sticking with the regualr Castrol GTX. I think I might cause more problems if I change with that amount of miles. If you are keeping the 4Runner, I would say go for it.

Also, I feel the engine runs better. Maybe it is just that "warm fuzzy" feeling 'no1sportz' was talking about.

I switched my 1995 FZJ80 to Mobil 1 at 75K miles, no problems and at 100K miles when I checked the valve clearence it was so clean it looked new and the clearence was right where it should be. I sold it with 135K miles on it and it didn't use more the 1 quart of oil in a 7500 mile oil change interval.

 

[Koz]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=8962&highlight=synthetic

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=75

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=11497&highlight=synthetic

Koz

 

[SWUtah]

Check this one out on synthetic and our 4.7 V8

http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=001892

 

[Fro-Runner]

I believe it is just a matter of opinion combine with the effort of getting the oil changed at the correct intervals. I have an 1984 GM 4 cyclinder vehicle that I bought brand new and still use it as a daily commuter to work here in so. California.

I've used Pennzoil 10w30 about 97% of the time. I tried Castrol oil when they started to get popular back in the mid-late 80's but quickly switched back. This vehicle has either 292+,000 miles or 392+,000 miles on it. I can remember the odometer turning over twice but it could have done it for a third time also.

The only major engine work I've done on this vehicle is having a head gasket replaced about 4-5 years ago. Many of you know that California has strick smog laws so the vehicle has to measure up. I can only hope that my Toyota will last this long.

I would like to mention something since many in this forum seem to worry about the loud noises coming from the all aluminum V-6 4th gen engine. This 1.8 four cyl engine is also all-aluminum with an overhead cam matted to a (here's the key ingredient) a 5 spd MANUAL transmission. It was the last year GM imported this engine from overseas---they exclusively used the USA made 2.0L engine from that point forward. You could feel the American made quality of this engine as one will find most of them in your local salvage yards because they s*k'd.

My point is.......if you change the darn oil at intervals of 3k-5k miles and then your beloved Toyota engine will LAST and LASt and LAst and Last and last!!!!!

Toyota-------> "moving forward" :driving:

 

[SWUtah]

I believe it is just a matter of opinion combine with the effort of getting the oil changed at the correct intervals. I have an 1984 GM 4 cyclinder vehicle that I bought brand new and still use it as a daily commuter to work here in so. California.

I've used Pennzoil 10w30 about 97% of the time. I tried Castrol oil when they started to get popular back in the mid-late 80's but quickly switched back. This vehicle has either 292+,000 miles or 392+,000 miles on it. I can remember the odometer turning over twice but it could have done it for a third time also.

The only major engine work I've done on this vehicle is having a head gasket replaced about 4-5 years ago. Many of you know that California has strick smog laws so the vehicle has to measure up. I can only hope that my Toyota will last this long.

I would like to mention something since many in this forum seem to worry about the loud noises coming from the all aluminum V-6 4th gen engine. This 1.8 four cyl engine is also all-aluminum with an overhead cam matted to a (here's the key ingredient) a 5 spd MANUAL transmission. It was the last year GM imported this engine from overseas---they exclusively used the USA made 2.0L engine from that point forward. You could feel the American made quality of this engine as one will find most of them in your local salvage yards because they s*k'd.

My point is.......if you change the darn oil at intervals of 3k-5k miles and then your beloved Toyota engine will LAST and LASt and LAst and Last and last!!!!!

Toyota-------> "moving forward" :driving:

Your analysis is totally correct. Change the oil at required intervals and use a good quality oil filter and you won't have a oil related problem because of the oil. Use synthetic if you like or live in area's that see extreme conditions. I would reather use synthetic because I'm a maintance nut case and want my LC to last a long, long time and it only gets used around 6-8K per year so it will only get the oil changed around once per year and synthetic will stand-up to the longer time period (12 months) between OCI. Now my 4runner has been getting Castrol GTX since it is driven more and changed more often. But I might start using Mobil 1 in it just because I have the money and I like Mobil 1. But since the 4runner is under warranty it will still get changed every 5K miles per the warranty requirements. I think engine oil is argued more on websites then anything else. Most of the people that are concerned enough to argue are taking care of their vehicles. It's the ones that don't care that are doing the 10K mile OCI with dino oil that are having the problems, later in the vehicles life (normally its the 2nd owner that ends up with the problem). JMHO

 

[EDGE]

Mobil Synthetic is the shit, case in point:

Cayenne goes 19k on factory fill

Boxster goes 5 years on same oil