[boostedegos]

Does the xB come with synthetic oil from the factory? I'm not due for an oil change yet, but I like to do them myself. I've noticed 0-20 only comes in synthetic, so I'm thinking they come that way from the factory? Haven't been able to find a clear answer to this yet.

Thanks!!

 

[Goldtouch]

According to my dealer they are NOT using synthetic. I asked the question when they said it was 5k between oil changes. Kinda surprised me. Once I get done with my free services (2 more) I'll be switching.

 

[boostedegos]

I've heard different stories from different dealers...

 

[biomed]

My dealership just switchec to Castrol synthetic blend oil.

 

[callmemrbill]

I am going to use the synthetic oil when I get my oil changes and just pay the difference. I was going to use Castrol but I found out that Toyota authorizes 2 oils, Valvoline, Mobil 1 and Havoline. So I am going to use the Valvoline since they authorize it. I don't want to have them give me some song and dance if something happens and I didn't use an oil they authorize. And of course the info about what they authorize came from the dealer and I heard it from 2 different dealers so maybe it is true.

 

[yanges]

I am going to use the synthetic oil when I get my oil changes and just pay the difference. I was going to use Castrol but I found out that Toyota authorizes 2 oils, Valvoline, Mobil 1 and Havoline. So I am going to use the Valvoline since they authorize it. I don't want to have them give me some song and dance if something happens and I didn't use an oil they authorize. And of course the info about what they authorize came from the dealer and I heard it from 2 different dealers so maybe it is true.

my dealer offers Mobil 1 if you want a synthetic, but they say if you change your oil regularly that you really do not need synthetic

 

[callmemrbill]

Yeah they told me the same thing. I think I mainly want to use it for the simple fact it will keep thing lubed in the engine. You know the whole slick 50 mentality.

 

[yanges]

Yeah they told me the same thing. I think I mainly want to use it for the simple fact it will keep thing lubed in the engine. You know the whole slick 50 mentality.

that is why i like to use the Toyota OEM filter - it has a vacuum seal that keeps all of the oil from draining into pan so engine is lubed on a cold start :yes:

 

[gwins12345]

I read somewhere that it's better to use conventional motor oil for the first couple thousand miles. That way the engine parts can wear in. After that, switching to synthetic will reduce friction and wear and ncrease engine life.

 

[TartanJack]

FYI:

Among regular oils (non-synthetic), Pennzoil and Valvoline are generally seen as the "best" brands with the best consistency and quality between bottles and a very high reputation on quality.
Castrol regular (GTX) varies greatly in consistency and I've been told (not proven to me) that they don't always make what they sell as GTX. They DO make their Syntec, synthetic and it is highly reputable.
Mobil 1 is a high reputation synthetic.

In comparison charts, such as that used by Amsoil, they compare themselves to Mobil 1 Synthetic and Pennzoil regular, as the "best of the others." Their intent is to show how they beat everyone else, but what I noticed was that Pennzoil regulre (non-synthetic) was right up there in quality with the synthetics. As my main car at the time (a 90 Miata, which I still own) "preferred" natural motor oil (internal engine seal lubrication), I decided that Pennzoil would be a good option to look at. When I was advised by a Miata specialist that the consistency of Pennzoil was a good match for the Miata, it sealed the deal.

I'm not sure what the preferred oil type (natural/synthetic) or which brand's consistency best matches the xB, I can't make any recommendations.
(I asked the same question in the thread about changing one's own oil in the "Car Care" section/subforum.)

So, does anyone know what TOYOTA uses in the factory in the original oil fill in Japan?
Or is it shipped empty and filled at port or the original dealer of delivery? (which I would find unlikely)

 

[rosconey]

pennzoil foams quite a bit-my buddy who builds motors had a oil pan made with a side window and did some testing for how much they foam-he has been a valvoline guy ever since-but recommends mobil1 if you want synthetic

i like mobil 1 myself after brakin of the motor-it gets real real cold in the winter and ive noticed cars with mobil 1 when cold started,they make a lot less noise-

 

[TartanJack]

Mechanics I've talked to seem to favor either Pennzoil or Valvoline and dislike the other for some reason or another.

That reminds me, I was talking to a friend that works on Japanese cars, presently employed by Honda, but formerly with Toyota and an independent shop.
He said that the 2.4 Camry engine, which powers our xBs, is filled with natural oil at the factory. He also suggested changing the oil at 3,000 miles as the engine has a tendency to "sludge" a bit if the oil is left in for over 5,000 miles. He also recommended Pennzoil and isn't a fan of Valvoline.
(He is also the one that pushed me to look at the xB OVER the Honda Element, saying that the xB, 2nd generation was a much better vehicle.)

My thought: If you use regular oil, use a good reputable one. The engine doesn't "need" synthetic, but if you use one, get a good quality one (like Mobil 1).
It doesn't look like it COMES with synthetic from the factory in Japan.
(Anyone want to argue that it does?)

 

[scion]

I don't think that we will ever find out what oil Toyota of Japan put in the cars sent to us, but it should be ok to use the maintenance monitor built into the xB since they should know more than I do about this. My dealer used Mobile semi-synthetic oil in their service department.

I have an appointment tomorrow morning to have the oil changed for the second time in 10 months of owning the xB. The maintenance light starts to flash when starting the car at about 4600 miles or so. I believe that the sludging problem was addressed by larger oil passages somewhere in the engine. I will be taking my xB to the dealer for oil changes when the xB maintenance system says so and if there is a problem with sludging, it will be Toyota's problem.

 

[dirty]

THEY USE A SYNTHETIC BLEND.