I know this topic has been beaten over the head 1,000 times and trust me I've read every forum, many being from yeeeaaarrrrs ago. I currently have 196,XXX miles on my '99 GS300 and have used Mobil 1 High Mileage Full Synthetic 5W-30 for about 2 years now. It's great, but I still go through about 1 quart every 5,000 miles. I've been thinking about switching over to 10W-30 in a few months, since I live in San Diego, and summer weather will be here before I know it. When I make the switch, I was wondering opinions on Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage 10W-30 and Mobil 1 10W-30 High Mileage Full Synthetic. I want to know from other Lexus owners, say money is no object when choosing between the two, which one would you guys recommend? I've recently read claims that Pennzoil is better and keeps the engine cleaner, and just helps maintain better than Mobil 1, but it's impossible to get non-sponsored opinions in 2018.

 

I switched to Pennzoil Platinum 10W-30 about 10 years in my GS400, but honestly it was just what the local Jiffy Lube used. I had no idea on the brand at the time. I just knew I wanted a high mileage synthetic and that's what the service rep recommended. I'm sure whatever high mileage synthetic you want to use in your area is fine.

Keep in mind you may not always get the brand advertised. Recently I went to have an oil change done on our SC430 at Jiffy Lube and they had a sign that read something about a shortage from their supplier and they would use an "equivalent synthetic" in certain cases. So even though I asked for Pennzoil Platinum I have no idea what synthetic they actually used! That's fine by me.

 

For sure, thanks for the reply. I change my own oil so I know I will be getting the right brand, haha.

Also, before I changed my own oil, I always brought my own oil and filter to Valvoline that I bought at Walmart for dirt cheap (no more than $45 for 6 quarts of Mobil 1 and a Mobil 1 filter) and then just pay the recycling fee and labor which is $30 total.

 

I totally forgot about changing your own oil lol. But yes, Pennzoil Platinum has served me well. I did notice they made a slight change in the name to Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage but I think it's the same? Dunno. Coming up on 230,000 miles so I can't complain!

 

I've always taken my 98 GS400 to the Toyota dealership for the regular oil changes every 5k miles. Should I switch to something else? I'm at ~150k miles I believe. Haven't had any problems **knock on wood** but if switching to a different type of oil is better for something, I'm all for it.

 

I've been using Amsoil the last 4yrs & have no problem with it. I remember using Mobil synthetic one time and my car had sat for a while & when I went to start it my car the valves would tap for a few seconds then go away idling very smooth and ultra quiet. Now since using amsoil, my car can sit forever how long, when I turn the key she fires up & no tapping