When I purchased my 2010 Camry, nothing was said about using synthetic oil. I read 0W-20 on the oil cap when I got the car home and found that it only comes in synthetic. I called the salesman and he didn't know that the Camry had changed. The sales mgr. called me and asked if I was satisfied. I told him that the car is great but I don't like being blind sided by being required to use synthetic oil. He said that at least I would be able to go longer between oil changes. That shows he has not read the manual or ignorant of Toyota requirements because it states that the oil must be changed at the same interval whether conventional or synthetic is being used.

I believe Toyota has pulled something that is illegal on their customers. It should be stated right on the window sticker that Toyota is mandating that its customers use synthetic in this particular car. I believe Toyota is making its customers use the better oil for CAFE standards. I have used petroleum based oil in my other Camrys and got over 225,000 miles. I am really bummed out about this and I don't think that I am going to let Toyota get away with these underhanded tactics.

 

I'm looking to maybe purchase a 2010 Toyota Camry. I saw questions about the proper oil to use and googled Toyota Camry forums and found you guys. After reading the threads I was still unsure. I called two local dealer Service Departments and got different answers. One tech said they had a meeting last week that included this topic and to use 0W-20. I am hearing 0W-20 synthetic oil and 5W-20 oil and not sure if the 5W-20 is synthetic or conventional. So, I then went to Toyota's website and figured I could call them and clear it up. http://www.toyota.com/help/contactus.html 1-800-331-4331.
Even the representative at Toyota was unsure. He first said to use the 0W-20 synthetic. When I mentioned that the manual says if you cannot get 0W-20 oil, you can use 5W-20 oil, but change back to 0W-20 on the next change. He went and talked to 2 ''specialist'' to clear it up. He then said that the manual has a misprint but you can use 5W-20 all the time and it would not void the warranty. I mentioned that there was confusion with owners, possible owners (as myself) and dealers. I told him about this Camry Forum and suggested that they post something here to clear it up. He agreed that it was confusing and would post the correct information on this forum asap but that was 2 days ago. I also read that the Camry has a new type filter that requires a special wrench. Does the wrench come with the car?

 

That is good information. This is basically what I have been told. The synthetic oil is used to get better mileage. Toyota does this to get the CAFE standards up. I questioned Toyota online about this and he stated that I needed to use 0W-20 synthetic. I called my dealer where I bought the car and the service department is not equipped to use synthetic. I then talked to their parts department. They had 6 quarts in stock. They only buy it one case at a time.

These are the emails from Valvoline. First my email.
My 2010 Camry 2.5 L requires 0W20 oil. Does Valvoline make this in a conventional oil? Your site recommended that I use 5W-20. Will this void my warranty.

Thank you for your question. The viscosity 0W20 can only be produced in synthetic. Toyota recommends this viscosity to achieve the best fuel economy from the engine. You may use a 5w20, which Valvoline does offer in conventional. You might see a slight decrease in fuel economy by using 5w20 vs. 0w20 synthetic.

It is a good car and I have had great luck with Camrys. Over 225,000 on the first, and I sold my second one with 120,000 miles. It was still very good but with the cash for clunkers and 60 months at 0%, I couldn't refuse a new car.

Two other cars you might consider are the Honda Accord and the Hyundai Sonata. Both are very good and the Sonata has really good incentives right now.

 

Thanks for the info! Your not going to believe this but I have been a Honda owner since 1980. I bought a 2009 Accord LX-P last week. I had test drove it but not until the drive home did I notice how uncomfortable the seat was, road noise and bumpy. But most of all and some will think this is a petty issue, but I hate the new steering wheel design. See images. Anyway, when I test drove the Accord I was driving carefully with both hands on the wheel. I have a neck injury and if I drive all the time with my hand/hands on top of the steering wheel all the time I get neck pain. After I bought the car i was driving a variety of roads during my 50 mile trip home and really noticed the road noise (and I have bad hearing) uncomfortable seat and bumpy ride. But the kicker was when I went to place my hand at the lower part of steering wheel. I drive like this at times when on safe open stretches and to relieve pain mentioned above. With the new design I can only get 3 fingers crammed into the lower part of the wheel. What a huge disappointment. I called the dealer and even if I upgraded I would be stuck with the same steering wheel. And of course even with only 150 miles on the car (50 by me) the car is now used and Honda would knock off around $2,000 on trade. I called corporate and asked if I could pay for a different steering wheel or could they put it on at a different angle (I would not care if it looked weird) but they said they do not modify their cars. They suggested I go to a custom shop but also said it void warranty. I have looked at Camry pix and noticed they some of their steering wheels are blocked at the bottom also but it appears that the 2010 Camry has a nice wide space at bottom of the steering wheel. Will try to attach Camry steering wheel photo. Toyota says they will give me a great deal on trade in but I have to look at the $numbers$ I'm kind of stuck in that rock and hard place. Anybody have any suggestions please feel free to give input.

 

Called Toyota corporate one more time to let them know that they never posted on this forum to clear it all up as they said they would last time I called. This time I got a female rep. and once again the rep did not know the answer. She put me on hold and gave me a different answer then last time I called. She went back to what manual says- Use the 0W-20 synthetic. you can use 5W-20 oil one time, but change back to 0W-20 on the next change. I asked hr to post the info for all to see and she said they don't do that. I'm as confused as I was in the beginning. I test drove another camry yesterday and asked salesman and he did not know, so I went to service dept and this dealer uses 5w30 conventional oil in all vehicle oil changes unless specified from owner.

 

The Camry is definitely a quiet car and is fairly comfortable. The seats are not quite long enough to give proper thigh support. I like the car, but I liked my 2003 just as well and possibly a little better. There were no surprises when I bought that car. I just think it is a kick in the groin to surprise customers to something that they weren't expecting. I would not have a complaint if I could get some straight answers from my dealer and Toyota. Even though Valvoline says that I can use 5W-20 conventional oil, I will most likely use synthetic in 5W-20. 0W-20 is too hard to find and I keep my car garaged so temperature is not an issue. As for getting rid of your Honda, I would think long and hard about that. The Camry will not give you that much greater satisfaction. I would look for an after market steering wheel. I have gotten rid of cars too early before and lost my a$$. Good luck in whatever you do.

 

The enjoyed the Camry test drive yesterday. I made it a point to take the interstate but then do some back roads and neighborhoods. I could be imagining it but I think the Camry is quieter and it takes the bumps much better. It is not as fancy and my Honda came with more features but I like the Camry ride better. Never thought I would pick another vehicle over Honda but I cannot imagine taking a long trip in the Accord. To be fair though, Honda put Dunlops on the LX-P and Toyota put Michelins on the Camrys. You have to get a Accord EX to get Michelins. Dumb cost cutting move on Honda's part. I forgot to mention that Honda had also put 36 psi in my tires which made every bump much worse. Today I called Dunlap and they said to change pressure to what it says in the door no matter that Honda assured me to keep them at 36 psi. Doorplate says 30 psi. I lowered the pressure today and was determined to love the car and took it for another drive while trying to not be as critical. The bumps were not as bad but it still seemed to be more bumpy then the Camry. I keep thinking that a window is slightly opened because of the road noise. I'm not kidding.
I tried to pretend that it was comfortable drive with just 3 fingers in the little gap at the bottom of the steering wheel but it's not going to happen. I did call Honda again and asked if there is anything they can do for someone that has a certified disability, but Honda again said they do not modify their cars. But they gave me a number for anyone with disabilities that might be able to get help. The cost for disability repairs is refundable for up to $1,000.00 but you must provide doctor's letter and other paperwork. Well worth it for someone that needs help. (wheelchair victims etc...) I found out that I cannot get the steering wheel changed but one place in town says for around $100.00 they can add a piece on the bottom (not the old ball looking thing from the old days) but from what he described it did not sound what I am looking for. I will check it out since it is next door to the Toyota dealer. According to Honda any after market steering wheel will void warranty. Airbag issue. Will double check that.

I guess it all comes down to how well I can wheel and deal with Toyota salesperson. I hate going through this again with more dealers. I got lucky when I bought the Honda but maybe that is why there are lots of 2009 Accords left and no 2009 Camrys in my area. The website says there are Camrys in the Southeast but the dealers say they cannot get any.

Best price I have been offered from dealer for a 2010 Camry is $21,184 +tag,tag,title,dealer fee. On Edmunds the MSRP is $21,900-Invoice is $19,800 and True Market Value (What others are paying) is $20,310. Can a buyer expect for a dealer to come down to near Invoice price or at least the TMV?

 

The sticker price on my 2010 Camry was approximately $23,300. The dealer came down to $21,200. I had a clunker and also Toyota had 0% for 60 months. It was an offer I couldn't refuse!! I thought the deal was fair and did not try very hard to get the dealer down any more than they already had it discounted. My wife really loves the Camry. It just seems to me that Toyota is turning into the next GM. They are living on their laurels rather than being innovative and making a better product. I guess I have to say that I really like the Camry also, but it is just the fact that it required synthetic oil without my knowledge. Since I bought the car, I have been doing some research on synthetic oil. I am now more content with the fact of using synthetic in my Camry. I really like to take care of my vehicles. I also have a 2008 Ford F150 that takes 5W-20 conventional oil. I am now switching it to synthetic next oil change. I am just an old codger who hates change, but I see the advantages a little better now. I just came home from the auto store with two 5 quart containers of synthetic oil.

Good luck with your plight on Honda vs. Toyota vs. ?.

 

3Camrys- Was yours a Base Camry or LE?
Any options?
They claim that the Toyoguard helps to make the car quiet. Curious if it really does help. That is the only reason i would want to add that option since it is so pricey.
Do you know what the Camry price was with tag title and all that other stuff (not including state tax)before they included your Clunker? It might be hard to figure if they have the financing numbers included.

 

I got the LE Model in Barcelona Red with gray interior. The sticker was $23,431 with body side moldings, rear spoiler, rear bumper applique, and carpet/trunk mat set. I think the toyoguard is a dealer add on. I have never heard of it and my car doesn't have it. I got about a $2100 discount then after tax, title, etc., the cost was back up to about sticker. With my clunker, I got the car for about $19,300.

I hope you get a great deal but car dealers are very well trained to get your money. If the toyoguard is undercoating, I wouldn't pay for it. The car is very quiet without that. They probably charge $700+ to apply about $50 with of material.