Jamespa

I bought my ES300 (with 61k miles on it) about 6 months ago and it is coming to time for first oil change? Do you think synthetic oil helps all that much - or is regular 5/30 oil fine? Appreciate your opinion.

draikonz

Give your car a treat... Use Royal Purple

http://www.royalpurple.com/techa/whyrpa.html

lexusk8

Putting in synthetic at any time during your car ownership is not a problem. Not only you will pay more for the oil, but also the oil change interval is lengthened (typically every 5K miles or 4 months, whichever comes first). The benefits behind synthetic are improved engine performance, fuel economy, and better engine lubrication. Most people tend to stick with dino oil (5W-30 or whatever is the stated spec in the manual or on the oil cap). You can switch back and forth between synthetic and conventional oil anytime.

Pheonix

Yup.
Mobil1 teh best, easyest for find, not the msot expencive.

X72

Jamespa, don't forget to treat the car like a system. It doesn't make sense to maintain the engine oil without making sure to change the transmission fluid (simple drain and refill) and the coolant when it is time to.

If you change the oil every 4 to 6 months or 5,000 miles, I don't think it matters much if you synthetic or not. If synthetic makes you feel better, then great. If you are forgetful or are more interested in running the oil up to 7.5k miles, then synthetic makes sense. If you want to run it beyond 7.5k miles, synthetic makes sense but only backed up with a used oil analysis to make sure everything is good.

The cost of used oil analysis matches what an oil change costs, so most people will just change the oil. A used oil analysis (search Blackstone Labs if you are interested) does give you information about your engine (like how your air filter is doing) which can be useful though.

smokesgtp

Mobil one Extended Performance my friend. Every 7.5k, it'll treat you good. Less friction=Less wear all i needed to know.

saifxnyc

Hey I have a Lexus 1998 ES 300 with 112K miles on it. If I wanted to make the switch from synthetic blend to a full synthetic oil should I go with the 5W-30 or 0W40. I have the full synthetic 0W-40 from Mobil 1 European car formula. If that is not advised do you recommend getting the Mobile one full synthetic high mileage oil or the regular one.

Brownd3max

I've always used Mobil1. Go with the 5w-30 and fageddaboudit. Arguably the best. $25 at wallyworld.

saifxnyc

Thanks what do you mean by "fageddaboudit", and I will get the Mobil 1 regular not extended high mileage for the car then. I always use Mobil 1 in all my vehicles never had a problem.

Brownd3max

Saifxnyc-"fageddaboudit"= loosely translated means: Just forget about it. No worries... Anyway, when I say Mobil1, I mean the appropriate Mobil1. In your case, definitely the "high mileage" variety. 5w-30 for warmer climates. JMHO.

ilkinandr

Might wanna watch this for best oil.