What Brand of OIL do you use? Please help

#1 02-21-2006, 04:26 PM

2.7L 2005 4x4 Taco access cab w/ 11k miles. I have been in 4 wheel drive twice for 10 minutes (I know, it's embarhassing, please save those comments) I will NOT spend big money on motor oil, I change the oil every 2,500 miles. What is the best name brand oil under $3/qt ? I like Castrol, but some know-it-all at a parts store said I should only use Ammsoil or Royal Purple....WTF?

What do you all use?

haireball · #2 02-22-2006, 10:27 AM

There is always going to be a big debate about dino vs synth. You may pickup a tiny bit in mpg if you get synth and go longer between oil changes. I use castrol 5W30 in my 3.4L. at 77k i cannot complain. My celica had 210k when i retired it for rust problems, and it alway ran castrol. You don't need to change the oil so frequently. Do what you want, but I do mine every 4k, the owners manual prolly says more.

You have to think why is this guy pushing sythn, are they getting a kick back or what? Amsoil is good stuff may here will tell you that.

Do what you like. That is what is best for you truck.

TNCowboyPRCA · #3 02-22-2006, 11:46 AM

for the most part, oil is the same. now some companies add detergents and additives that are better for your engine but they also charge you more. they also sell oil without detergent and additives but i have no clue what the price is on it. oil weight is important. since your engine sees high revs and its a smaller displacement and its much less mileage than mine, stick with the lighter oil. i would say no more than 10w-40 although id recommend 5w-30 for your truck. since its new id just keep the same wieght in there until you hit 100k miles. its just better for the engine not to switch it unless youve gotta pretty good reason. (see truck below) i run Chevron Delo 15w-40 and its really cheap, but its rated for large gas and diesel engines, and ive got high mileage on my truck. any brand that you see in nascar will be fine. weight is a more important issue.

TexasA&MOffRoad · #4 02-22-2006, 12:31 PM

I know you don't want expensive oil, but I run Amsoil in all my cars. Been doing so for a couple of years now, and I can't complain. I pay extra for it, but only have to change once a year. I'm probably going to install a remote filter setup on my wife's 4Runner so that I can move the filter (have to take off a skidplate to get to it) and have better filtration.

TNCowboyPRCA · #5 02-22-2006, 12:50 PM

hey tex, what kind of relocator do you plan on using, ive got a problem with my filter right now and amd trying to find a fix for it. thanks.

GTRider245 · #6 02-22-2006, 10:45 PM

My question is, why would you spend money on a brand new truck but be too tight to buy good oil to protect your investment?

I use Mobil1 Synthetic, K&N Gold Filter and Lucas Oil stabilizer. Roughly almost a 45 dollar oil change, but its all in the investment.

#7 02-23-2006, 01:48 PM

Mobil 1 Synthetic, still change at 5k miles. The oil may not break down, but I drive 20k plus a year and cannot bring myself to let it get that dirty. No matter how good your engine is, there is going to be junk build up despite the filter. I just cannot see not spending the money to change regularly and use some form of synthetic.

hupptoy · #8 02-23-2006, 02:41 PM

Castrol dino changed every 6K on my 99. It has never moved off of the full line and looks as good at 6K as it did when it went in. Synthetic is fine for those who *feel* they need it, but dino is fine for most people.

hupptoy

#9 02-23-2006, 05:05 PM

Tight? that's an awfully personal question, probably not the right one for this forum (blushes). I bought the truck brand new, took equity out (wife finally allowed the money) but we're on a budget and spending $40 on oil changes every 2 months when I'm spending $120/month on gas......well, I just change it more often and not spend a lot of money on the synthetic. I use Castrol 5W30 w/ the factory Toyota oil filter. Last question: Does a magnitized oil pan plug exist? (just picked one up at NAPA for $3.99 12mm x 1.25)My OCD is nagging me to somehow try and remove the little metal (however small it may be) from the oilpan. I will from now on buy Castrol Syntec, but I am not sure I want K&N filters since I keep reading they don't filter very well.

Question #2) What is the best oil filter in the $10 range?

oshjo · #10 01-19-2007, 03:22 PM

AMSOIL makes a remote by-pass filter system. I actually sell amsoil...check out my website BIRMINGHAM SYNTHETICS . You can purchase whatever you need from my website. Email me if you have any questions. josh@birminghamsynthetics.com