Hey just purchased my ls 430 about close to month now, I'm wondering how many people on this forum use synthetic opposed to regular conventional oil. At the Lexus dealer there is a Hugh price difference. 160$ for full synthetic and 50$ for regular, price isnt a factor to me I just want the best for my car. Trying to make a descion soon so if u guys can get bak to me the sooner the better… thanks

 

Hi B43088,

You're opening a can of worms with this question.
Don't hesitate to search this forum, because a lot has already been written about this specific subject.

I asked the Lexus importer in my country specifically which grade oil I should use and which type.
They recommended me to use semi-synthetic or synthetic oil.
To oil most Lexus dealers over here use is semi-synthetic 10W40 (Toyota).

I do not know from which original brand oil company "Toyota" gets there oil.
Would be interested to know though!

Jac

 

My Lexus dealer was charging $12 quart for 6 quarts syn oil if I used their oil which is 2-2.5X retail.

Car is still CPO so I want to use Lexus for oil changes - but I am a major cheapskate - so my solution - Go to Wal-mart or the big box retailer of your choice - buy whatever 5-30 full synthetic oil is on sale. Buy the 5 quart container and 1 extra quart per oil change. I use Penzoil Platinum but any full syn oil is fine. Then go to local Toyota dealer, buy 3-4 oil filters from them for the 4.6 V8, cheaper at Toyota than Lexus..don't forget to get a crush washer with each filter.

Take the oil and the filter with you to Lexus dealer and ask them to use it when you do oil change. It takes about 5.4 quarts. Ask that they return the 1/2 quart they don't use so you can use it next time. They have no problem with it and you save significant money. Think my oil change cost went from 120 to 39.

 

What he said - I buy Mobil 1 at Autozone and order my filters from Irontoad, but do the same thing. I also buy Air / Cabin filters and brake pads from Irontoad. I am willing to pay the dealer for labor, as the service department has always treated me right.

 

If you want the "best" in protection, it's using synthetic. That's a fact. Whether someone thinks it's worth the extra money... that's up for opinion.

If you change your oil regularly (3000-4000k), then I don't really think you'll see much improvement from dyno to synthetic. Synthetic is more for extreme conditions and added protection. Like insurance, you just hope you never need it, but it's good to have.

 

I go to a local place that uses Mobil 1. $69

 

I use Mobil 1 5w30 ....I buy a case for 30$ when its on sale in Costco and I just get my filters from sewell . 20$ for my guy to change it and it comes out to about 55$ total. I drive my car hard sometimes.....that's just how you have to do it in nyc if you need to get places. I feel that synthetic will give me more protection with my lead foot condition.

 

This is smart thinking. I think frequent driving in congested cities, desert heat, and arctic cold is the type of extreme duty synthetic oil helps with. I believe you still need rather frequent oil changes in these environments because the additives break down sooner. I drive lazy highway miles in a moderate climate. By the time I hit 5K and change either dino or synthetic oil, it's probably just getting broken in, especially in a LS.

 

For those of you who aren't tracking Mobil 1 kind of slacked out on their additives. Well, they did last year and as an Evo owner I was told steer away from using it. Not sure if they reverted back to the old formula after everyone made a big deal about it or not. I know a few guys that blew their engines with Mobil 1 though, just FYI...my 2 cents, from my experience. Not meant to stir anything up.

 

if you have a Costco near by watch for their sale coupon on Mobil 1,, a case for $25,,

that is all my 05 has had in it except whatever they placed in at the factory,,

Derry

 

If you want to read all about Mobil1 and the other pros and cons of the various syn oils - lots of good info to the point of OCD trivia but still very informative.

http://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubb...Board=1&page=1

 

I go to a local independent garage run by a certified Honda/Acura/Lexus/Toyota mech. He uses Mobil 1 and a top quality filter for $50 on my LS430.

 

Thanks for the feedback guys. On my way to Costco to check out this mobil 1 oil

 

I use AMSOIL 0W-30 Signature Series and also use their extended life oil filter. I go about 10k and change the filter every 5k. But I think I'm going to go 15k and change the filter every 7500k on my next oil change. I'm also going to install their Oil By-Pass System which will certainly give me less oil changes down the line. BTW I have a 91 LS400 with over 234K and the engine is running strong and very clean with no sludge.

 

I buy my own Mobil 1 oil and take it to a local Toyota dealer. They provide the filter and it runs about $25 for oil change and tire rotation. I do this every 5000 miles. 2006 LS430 with 55,000 miles.