I gotta think there's a reason Lexus is still doing that. I'm not saying there aren't "better" oils out there, but I think people are putting way too much thought into a consumable fluid when Lexus itself doesn't even use some fancy synthetic.

 

There's basically no downside to using full synthetic oil other than its cost. Lots of RC F and IS F owners switch to full synthetic oil - in fact, the Pennzoil products are some of the most popular for our engine - and they don't seem to be having any problems.

 

There's basically no downside to sticking with whatever the dealership uses either.

 

Yes, there is. If you don't want to do research on how full synthetic oils are better at protecting your engine, I'm not going to educate you in this thread. I really hope you are trolling.

 

I don't care what lab studies show or what manufacturers claim. I want real world data. in this case, real world data that there is an objective difference on the engine when you use whatever oil you personally like compared with the oil that Lexus itself obviously thinks, based on its own research and expertise, is suitable for the engine it designed. I've done used oil analyses before. I'm pulling from my own experience doing the research and actually getting the data. "Better" in a laboratory test doesn't mean better in the real world.

 

OK let's return to the original topic for the thread, please. There are loads of similar useless debates on forums about oil, so we don't need to create another one.

 

Ok if I was OP, I'd just buy the OEM filter in bulk online since his dealership seems to be charging an arm and a leg for them.

 

Thanks for all the responses. Regarding my dealers charge, I called them yesterday to see if she was serious about the filter charge. She laughed and said I misunderstood her pun. She said the oil change is a breeze and the $70.00 service fee is what is crazy. By bringing my own oil she was saying I was basically paying 70.00 for a filter because the oil change is so darn easy the service should not have to be 70.00. She added the waiting area is very nice and you get free drinks and snacks so there is that. She told me that without looking it up, the oil filter was about $12.00 to $15.00 dollars. I laughed and told her fair enough, I told her I thought they were sticking it to me for bringing my own oil. She said absolutely not, and that I was not the only one bringing my own oil. I asked her if any of the others said why, besides cost. She said they were like me and wanted the synthetic oil.

About the synthetic oil. This is what I learned and please know this is sincere and for everyone's resources for future decisions. A couple of decades ago, mid 90's, I knew two recently retired lifelong mechanics. One from Mercedes and one from BMW. I loved hearing their stories of pride in their respective brands and the awesome training they consistently received, which sometimes included paid travel to Germany for learning and growth opportunities. They did not know each other and told me similar stories concerning oil choices. They said that most of their brand engines at that time required synthetic oil. Many customers balked at the price, much less the service charge and went with regular oil. Depending on maintenance care, engine use/abuse and time, the regular oil ruined the engines and voided warranty coverage. They said their are nylon and other synthetic parts, thin metal parts and other parts in the engines that are sensitive to oil. Regular oil is corrosive to these parts and overtime it is detrimental to the engine. The Mercedes mechanic said that cars that used regular oil, but still running fine were not going to re sold by the dealer as brand certified because of the use of regular oil. Fast forward a decade and I was assigned a new company vehicle that required synthetic oil. The company had stern policy in place for vehicles that required synthetic oil as they had obviously been burned on this. I personally seen vehicles adding the high miles quickly. I saw those vehicles that were not using the synthetic oil have problems, I told myself if I ever bought a vehicle that required synthetic oil that is what I would use.

Such is the case with my Lexus IS 500. I am very blessed to be able to buy such a car and I want to take care of it. I had to be very specific at the dealer about the oil. The service advisors were not confident of what oil I needed and I had to be politely firm I wanted 5w30 synthetic. Otherwise I do not know what I would have gotten. I have to trust the technician who changed my oil to know what they are doing. So now that I am past my two freebie oil changes, I am bringing my own Penzoil Ultra Platinum 5w 30 synthetic oil and will buy some bulk OEM filters. Thank you for the responses again.

 

Even if we accept that anecdotal, hearsay story, at face value, that was 30 years ago. Cars and oil aren't what they used to be. I have also heard stories that using synthetic on cars that weren't designed for it is bad and leads to oil leaks. I think those stories are BS, at least to the extent that they support a claim that synthetic oil is bad and causes oil leaks.
​
Lexus itself is the one recommending or at least using the oil that people seem to want to claim is so bad, you should bring your own oil for a dealership performed oil change. I suspect there is also substantial overlap between the people insisting on using synthetic and those that also insist on changing their oil at strict, low mileage intervals.

 

I agree with Amy. Also if you're changing the oil every 5k or 6 months religiously, synthetic vs conventional doesnt matter. Conventional oil does not go bad that fast.

When you start to push those recommendations (for example only driving 5k miles in 1 year and not changing the oil), that's when synthetic is a lot better.

 

Look chill out. It is not hear say. It is what I have seen so I am going by that. To each their own. It is my money so that is what I am going to do. I was not trying to anger any one. Mac, I never said the oil goes bad. I said the regular oil affects certain parts. If that is wrong, I do not know. I do know what parts and pieces are in the engine, so I am being careful. I was just making conversation, politely! Geesh. Again, Later!

 

I joined this forum to talk about this car we all love, promote it and hope to travel in my IS 500 to meet you guys in your IS 500. Maybe I am being naive. All I asked about was what oil filter you guys are using. Forgive me. I am not hear to argue with anyone. Maybe I will just resort to using the like button only. Chill out!

 

Oh and Merry Christmas! Sincerely

 

It's hearsay because it's not something you know, it's something you say another person said.

If you and others want to spend money on different oil or fancy oil filters, that's absolutely your choice. You're right, your money, your choice. Where I think the line gets crossed is when someone tries to rationalize his or her choice by posting things publicly that aren't true.

If you want to eat filet mignon every night, go nuts. Don't go claiming that filet mignon is the healthiest cut of meat that will increase your ***** size.

​​​​​​

 

all good bro, merry Christmas