tentoys

Any quality oil is sufficient...just change it at recommended intervals.

VVTiBob

Synthetic is not required, but as tentoys says, "just change it at recommended intervals". If you're not diligent about your oil changes, then synthetic is probably the better choice.

iolmaster

iTrader: (1)

Synthetic is not "necessary" at all. The owners manual says nothing about using a synthetic.

irokdastar

For a few bucks more i think everyone here can agree its good insurance. Especially if you have a heavy foot and like to mash the throttle

iolmaster

iTrader: (1)

No way I would agree that it is cheap insurance. There is no unbiased data that shows there is any benefit other than a longer change interval to using synthetic oil. In fact the unbiased data shows that there is no advantage. If you change your oil at the specified interval, your engine will last just as long on conventional. When synthetic changes come down to a more reasonable cost, I will be the first to change only to take advantage of the longer change interval.

azkaty

Not necessary.. but if you going to go that far,why not go a little more, and put in the straight synthetic.
Katy

SSK0771

Synthetic or Not, I don't think its going to make much difference if you change your oil every 3k-5k miles and take care of your car. I have yet to hear SC430/GS430/LS430 having engine troubles due to using non-synthetic oil or have yet to hear these cars having engine trouble at all. Most problems are NON Engine related. I had 163K miles on my SC430 when I sold it and the engine still ran like it was new.
I personally used Redline or Amsoil. I always use them on all my cars.

mandyfig

I am a recent convert to synthetic (about 4 years ago). I was the religious 4~5k miles dino oil change or if the oil turned brown and smelled burnt, I change the oil.

Now all my oil are synthetics and change them 6~7K religiously. With synthetic I noticed that the "browning" of the oil happens towards the end of the 6~7k miles. Whereas the dino oil, happened towards the 4~5k miles.

JM2C and plain old observation.

The key is consistency in changing the oil. Dino or syn.

irokdastar

i just got 6 quarts of mobile 1 and mobile 1 oil filter. going to do it this week.

2007sc430

I like the K&N oil filter which is impregnated with resin, or Royal Purple filters which use synthetic filter media (smaller fibers trap more dirt). For oil, I like Pennzoil Ultra or Royal Purple.

CGONZ

Thanks for the feedback! So, basically, I can stick with my blend

bacardi

5.5 qts Amsoil Synthetic 5-30 with Amsoil filter. nothing elso will do.

deathstar

has anyone ever asked Lexus if 5W-20 synthetic is acceptable? I have a 5 gallon Jug of Castrol Edge in my basement that was going into my TL before I traded it. 5W-20 would save gas as well. Wifey's Prius uses 0W20 synthetic. That said, the Car Industry seems to be going with lighter weight oil. i have 49K on my 05.

jzwu

5w20 is too thin.

Oil color and appearance have no indication of oil effectiveness. Dino oil is just as good unless car is run in extreme climates and/or high rpm racing.

Synthetic oil has no additional bennefits for normal use. And the old school 3k mile oil change is completely outdated for modern advanced oil, Dino or synthetic.

deathstar

I am not sure about the SC since I just bought it, but My 2010 TL got 3 MORE MPG highway with penzoil platinum and 5 MORE MPG highway with Castrol EDGE over dino oil.

I'm also sold on synthetic oil with 6 month intervals.

My wifey's 2010 prius has 0w20 synthetic and only has once a year scheduled oil changes per toyota. that rocks!