I just bought a new 2011 Manual Camry SE and it is sweet. Does anyone know the benefits of using synthetic 0w-20 oil versus non syn 5w20 or can anyone make a recommendation? Is it just the time between oil changes...5000 versus 10000 or are there some other benefits.

Also does anyone know if there are any real benefits to using the midgrade gas versus low grade on new cars like this?

Does it really make much of a difference for the lifetime of the car...i really want it to last forever.

 

Suggest you read the owners manual.

Toyota is now very specific about which weight of oil to use. One reason is the engine clearances are now tighter. Thought the 0W-20 was only available in synthetic, but?

What oil change interval does the manual state?

Toyota is going to 10K now with some models, they claim this is OK. There was another post at this website on the 10K oil change interval, do a site search. If asking about this everyone has there own opinion.

Synthetic will outperform mineral oil. Better lubrication and ability to maintain it over a longer period of time. If you want the car to last forever and can afford it use a synthetic.

Mobil 1 is a top rated synthetic but there are others. But some owners use Wal-Mart SuperTech.

Suggest you use the lowest grade of fuel that does not result in engine pinging. The owners manual should state this. There is no benefit in using a higher grade fuel then recommended.

If going using a synthetic make sure the oil is fully synthetic and not a blend of mineral and synthetic.

 

I have a 2002 SE and use 5W-30 synthetic and do changes around 10K with Castrol.
A friend of mine has a 2007 version and uses 0W-20. Around 7K miles, he has only 2 quarts left. I was shocked, but the dealer said that may be OK. Keep in mind that the thinner the oil (less viscous), the more the chances for the oil to burn. A lot of people like Mobile, but I use Castrol. I used to own a motorcycle and it is less prone to burning. Where do you live? If you are in a colder region, use the less viscous version.

 

Thanks for the advice. According to the owners manual you have to use 0w20 synthetic...apparently all the new camry's "require" synthetic. They say, "only use 5w30 if 0w20 is not available" and on the next oil change you should be back to 0w20. They also say 10000 miles between oil changes is okay...craziness.

I live in northern VA so i think the viscosity should be fine either way...I mean i want the car to last so I'll spend the extra bucks for synthetic.

Toyota has their own "special" brand now. I think it is just rebranded Nippon oil which I've used in the past.

 

You can't go wrong with Mobil 1 or any other decent brand of synthetic.

Part of using 0w-20 is a little higher MPG and maybe lower emissions.

Some famous maker oil company was making oil for Toyota thought Mobil.

Loosing 2 quarts is not normal. Toyota has had complaints with oil burning on the new 4 cylinder but they will claim 1 quart per 1000 miles is normal.

Might split the oil change interval difference at 7500.