Synthetic Oil

[Astroman]

I too noticed a big difference in MPG after switching to synthetic (5w-30, supertech full synthetic). Then again, I had the dealer do my 1st oil change (special was $8.99 for oil & filter) and they put in, for some reason, 10w-30 during winter.... no idea why as putting thicker oil in during winter would help ANYTHING. But after switching to the full synthetic I noticed a power increase, and about a 7-10% increase in MPG, which is close to what chino achieved. On my next oil change I will be using amsoil and changing that every 6 months along with a TRD oil filter. One prior post I read way back the user said he would go to wal-mart every 5,000 miles, pick up a filter and oil, copy the receipt, return the goods, and clip a copy of the receipt in the maintenance log, to keep toyota's warranty people happy, and it worked. I have been using only full synthetic in all my vehicles since 2001 (except my $80 '77 corolla wagon) and have been happy with the results ever since. No needed engine work, less fuel used. In my '87 Chevy Astro van I switched it to synthetic at 80k and only ran it that way until I sold it with about 140k on the odometer. Every mechanic who I took the van too said my engine was in the best condition they had seen for that mileage, and that I would easily get another 100k out of the motor before any real repairs would be needed. I also run full synthetic 2-stroke oil in my Yamaha Zuma scooter due to the performance (lol) parts installed and I should average at least an extra 1,000 miles out of the motor, which is quite a bit for that type of ride. There's my two cents. I know the internet is flooded with every argument imaginable. If I was leasing I would probably not have bothered with synthetic. But since I bought my yaris and never plan on selling, I want the motor to be in great shape for many years to come.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Originally Posted by Astroman

I too noticed a big difference in MPG after switching to synthetic (5w-30, supertech full synthetic). Then again, I had the dealer do my 1st oil change (special was $8.99 for oil & filter) and they put in, for some reason, 10w-30 during winter.... no idea why as putting thicker oil in during winter would help ANYTHING. But after switching to the full synthetic I noticed a power increase, and about a 7-10% increase in MPG, which is close to what chino achieved. On my next oil change I will be using amsoil and changing that every 6 months along with a TRD oil filter. One prior post I read way back the user said he would go to wal-mart every 5,000 miles, pick up a filter and oil, copy the receipt, return the goods, and clip a copy of the receipt in the maintenance log, to keep toyota's warranty people happy, and it worked. I have been using only full synthetic in all my vehicles since 2001 (except my $80 '77 corolla wagon) and have been happy with the results ever since. No needed engine work, less fuel used. In my '87 Chevy Astro van I switched it to synthetic at 80k and only ran it that way until I sold it with about 140k on the odometer. Every mechanic who I took the van too said my engine was in the best condition they had seen for that mileage, and that I would easily get another 100k out of the motor before any real repairs would be needed. I also run full synthetic 2-stroke oil in my Yamaha Zuma scooter due to the performance (lol) parts installed and I should average at least an extra 1,000 miles out of the motor, which is quite a bit for that type of ride. There's my two cents. I know the internet is flooded with every argument imaginable. If I was leasing I would probably not have bothered with synthetic. But since I bought my yaris and never plan on selling, I want the motor to be in great shape for many years to come.

i, too, am planning on keeping my Yaris for quite some time. since you mentioned that about your Astro Van, there's my second push for synthetic.