I just purchased a 2010 Camry LE with the new 2.5L I4 engine. The owners manual says to use 0W-20 oil. It also says if you cannot get 0W-20 oil, you can use 5W-20 oil, but change back to 0W-20 on the next change. The manual makes no mention of synthetic vs conventional oil. I cannot find conventional oil in 0W-20 weight. I spoke with Toyota customer support and was told 0W-20 oil only comes in synthetic. They do not want to use the term "Synthetic" because it costs too much, so they just say "Use 0W-20 oil", forcing the use of synthetic. The dealer seems to think 5W-20 would be ok to use. I just want to use what is right for the engine. Has anyone run into this situation?
By the way, I am well pleased with the car. The I4 2.5L engine has plenty of power. Thanks for any comments or experiences with this car.

 

My understanding is the 0w-20 weight, aside from being synthetic, makes it possible to achieve the stated epa gas mileage ratings...I could be wrong

 

I have been a toyota tech for 4 years. For a few years most of our engines have called for 0-20 or 5-20. After going through thousands of individual quarts we had new oil guns installed for 5-20. We just started getting the new 2010 camry's in a few months ago and we do not stock 0-20 oil. Our field rep said that 5-20 is perfectly fine even though the oil cap only lists 0-20. I can only tell you that this is his personal opinion as a disclaimer, but I intend to use 5-20. I highly recommend maintaining 3000 mile intervals for changes even though Toyota is ok with 5000, especially if you are using thicker oil than recommended

 

Jamn440,
Thanks for your response. Do you see anything negative about using synthetic 0W-20 except for the cost? My Toyota dealer does sell the Toyota Branded fully synthetic 0W-20 oil in their parts department. I have seen Mobil 1 0W-20 at Walmart for at least $1.00 less per quart. I called Toyota Customer Support to ask why the owner's manual does not mention coventional oil vs synthetic. She said it is a Toyota policy not to suggest synthetic oil because of the cost. It was a competive decision. She also said they are aware 0W-20 only comes in synthetic, that is why they recommend using it. Also, the assistant Toyota parts manager called the Toyota factory to ask what oil should be used in my car. They said use only synthetic 0W-20 in the new 2.5L I4 engine. It is beginning to appear to me the synthetic oil is the oil of choice by the manufacturer. I just wanted to pass on to you what additional information I received. If what the factory told the parts manager is true, I will probably go with the synthetic oil, and pay the extra cost.

 

i did a little more research and Toyota's official statement is that 0-20 synthetic is the only oil that should be used and that anything else will void the warranty. my service manager told us 5-20 is ok but apparently that is not the case. synthetic oil should be ok for 5000 mile intervals

 

jamn440
Thanks for the update. Is there any way I can get a document from Toyota stating using 0W-20 synthetic oil in the new 2.5L engine is manditory? I do not have access to anyone in Toyota engineering who has the definate answer to this simple question. There have been many Toyota people in the path to engineering who gave me their interpretation of the owners manual. Needless to say, have been different. Based on what the parts department told me, and what you stated in your update, it certainly sounds like the 0W-20 synthetic is the only way to go. I am just trying to confirm the information right "from the horses mouth" if that is possible.
Again, I appreciate your time getting what sounds like the final answer.

 

0W20 is mandatory for the first oil change only. Straight from the owners manual.

 

I would not be concerned using the 0w-20. Mobil 1 is great oil and Mobil stands by it. I would also stick to the oil change interval in the owners manual. If you have concerns then do a used oil analysis to prove out the oil's capacity to protect the engine.
http://www.blackstone-labs.com/

I have switched my own Camry from 10w-30 to 0w-30 and another vehicle to 0w-40, both oils, through oil analysis, give me great wear numbers.

 

wow new toyota's are coming out with lnline engines!?!?!? thats awesome!!!!

 

I have been using Mobil 1 5w20 for years in both my 87 Camry and my 99 Avalon. I sold the Camry at 187,00 miles and it still ran like new, getting over 30 mpg routinely with the 4 cylinder engine. The Avalon currently has 115,000 miles and also has zero problems. I change oil every 12,000 miles. There is no reason, unless you are driving in very bad conditions, to do otherwise after your warranty period has passed.