First Oil Change (2007 Camry LE V6)

[wmutkelaw]

Greetings,

I just changed my oil for the first time and thought I would share my positive experience.

I had 3424 miles on the car. I debated taking it into the stealership for the servicing, due to hearing the sketchy comments on here about changing the oil. But, I have always done all of my own car care and a lot of the actual repairs (timing chains, water pumps, brakes, etc). So, I decided I would do the oil myself, despite having a free coupon from my dealer, who seems really reputable (the stealership comment is used jokingly). However, I enjoy getting under cars, and seeing what makes them unique. This is my first Toyota (I am from a Ford Family).

I used a Toyota brand filter. I ordered a Fram filter, but it did not come in yet. The only filter I could buy off the shelf at the local Autozone was a STP filter. STP is just a pack-a-label name...so I do not trust the unknown actual manufacturer of the filter. Toyota at least cannot try to claim that by using their own filter, I compromised the warranty, b/c I don't know who made their filter. I actually will be ordering a bunch of Wix Filters.

Onto the oil change... I thought the process was very easy and quite clean. I used Mobil 1 5W30. I contemplated using a regular oil such as Valvoline or Havoline. However, I have always wanted to try Synthetic, so I figured what better time to try it than on a brand new engine.

All in all, I was very impressed with the oil filter system. I was skeptical of the drop in filter, rather than the standard canister type. However, the system seems to be machined with a lot of precision, and I like the oil rings for a great seal.

I used a 65mm oil filter cap to remove the oil filter case. I found mine at Wally-World for 2 or 3 bucks, made by Valvoline.

I continue to love this car more and more...

[touringcamry]

Stay away from Frams, they're not that great. Wix filters are excellent though.

Toyota cannot void your warranty for using an after market filter unless they can prove it did the damage. Look up the Magnusson Moss Warranty Improvement Act if you want more information. If Toyota insists that you use Toyota filters or do oil changes at the dealer to maintain warranty, insist that they provide the parts or services free of charge as required by the Magnusson Moss act.

[TRD VVTi]

I have had great luck with Mobil 1 and am using it in my Camry as well.

Enjoy your new car. You will love it I'm sure.

[91MR2quickNA]

I thought the 2GR used 5W20. Most 2006+ Toyota engines are using factory fill 5W20 for improved efficiency. AFAIK, most (maybe all) 5W20s are synthetic, even Toyota's.

Here are the approved engines for use with 5W20 (official TSB):

[wmutkelaw]

I just used 5W30 b/c that is what the manual said. Also, in the engine compartment, where you add the oil says 5W30.

So, the fram is not that good? Good to know. I think I will be ordering 10 Wix Filters, just to have on hand.

[92ES5sp]

Originally Posted by wmutkelaw

Greetings,

I just changed my oil for the first time and thought I would share my positive experience.

I had 3424 miles on the car. I debated taking it into the stealership for the servicing, due to hearing the sketchy comments on here about changing the oil. But, I have always done all of my own car care and a lot of the actual repairs (timing chains, water pumps, brakes, etc). So, I decided I would do the oil myself, despite having a free coupon from my dealer, who seems really reputable (the stealership comment is used jokingly). However, I enjoy getting under cars, and seeing what makes them unique. This is my first Toyota (I am from a Ford Family).

I used a Toyota brand filter. I ordered a Fram filter, but it did not come in yet. The only filter I could buy off the shelf at the local Autozone was a STP filter. STP is just a pack-a-label name...so I do not trust the unknown actual manufacturer of the filter. Toyota at least cannot try to claim that by using their own filter, I compromised the warranty, b/c I don't know who made their filter. I actually will be ordering a bunch of Wix Filters.

Onto the oil change... I thought the process was very easy and quite clean. I used Mobil 1 5W30. I contemplated using a regular oil such as Valvoline or Havoline. However, I have always wanted to try Synthetic, so I figured what better time to try it than on a brand new engine.

All in all, I was very impressed with the oil filter system. I was skeptical of the drop in filter, rather than the standard canister type. However, the system seems to be machined with a lot of precision, and I like the oil rings for a great seal.

I used a 65mm oil filter cap to remove the oil filter case. I found mine at Wally-World for 2 or 3 bucks, made by Valvoline.

I continue to love this car more and more...

Congrats! How much oil did she take? Im guessing a lot.

[yeuemhoai]

Not much only 6.5 quarts Istoked up Toyota filters last May since they were on sale for 1.99 each and Mobil 1 at Walmart for 19.94 a jug of 5-quart.

[itzme]

Anyone have thoughts on using Michel Tire Plus? I just paid $18.05 for oil change, filter (I think it was Firestone or Goodyear brand filter) AND a tire rotation. They tell me it was Kendal 5w-30, but it came from a bulk barrel (hmmm). I watched them service. BTW, the roation they did seemed wierd. They kept L and R the same and just swapped tires from Front to Back.

[TRD VVTi]

Originally Posted by itzme

Anyone have thoughts on using Michel Tire Plus? I just paid $18.05 for oil change, filter (I think it was Firestone or Goodyear brand filter) AND a tire rotation. They tell me it was Kendal 5w-30, but it came from a bulk barrel (hmmm). I watched them service. BTW, the roation they did seemed wierd. They kept L and R the same and just swapped tires from Front to Back.

The rotation is normal.

I doubt their oil meets Toyota's specs. You'll probably be one of those people with a sludged engine and don't know why.

[91MR2quickNA]

Originally Posted by wmutkelaw

I just used 5W30 b/c that is what the manual said. Also, in the engine compartment, where you add the oil says 5W30.

So, the fram is not that good? Good to know. I think I will be ordering 10 Wix Filters, just to have on hand.

Well if you want improved gas mileage, the 2GR is approved for 5W20 (after the stickers and manuals went to print).

[OnePocket]

I just did the first oil change on my 2007 Camry LE V6. mi. was 3740. Like you, I have always done every oil change on all my cars. But now I have medical problems that make it difficult for me to do that. So I took it to a Toyota dealer and furnished my own oil. I used
(Mobil One-synthetic--5W-30 ) just like it calls for on the oil filler cap.I figure the engineers
who designed the engine know which oil is best for their engine. The owner's manual calls for 6 1/2 qts. I only had Toyota put in 6 qts., so I could add to it the next morning and bring it up to the mark on the dip stick.But I didn't have to add any. It was already a bit above the line and it's still there two weeks later. I check it at least once a week.

The dealer only charged me for a filter, drain plug washer, and labor. Total $22. I bought the oil at Wal-Mart. 5 qt. container for $20.I know that's a little high, but I'm at a time in life where I can't do it myself anymore. At least I know it was done right and there's a written record of it.----By the way, I get 31-32 mpg on gas.

[itzme]

According the Michel Tire Plus site, they use Kendall® GT-1® Synthetic Blend motor oil. Can that cause sludge?

[touringcamry]

It should be ok as long as the oil meets GF-4 requirements.

[Mike Murrell]

Would agree that Wix is far superior to Fram, although I took an '87 Accord past 300K using Fram Filters. My feeling is that if you change the oil every 3000 miles, anybody's filter is fine. Not trying to stir up a filter war, just stating a personal observation. I now use either Wix or a dealer filter, the former for older rides; the latter for cars still under warranty.

Regarding the first post in this thread. Good comments and a BEWARE I'd like to add.

A lot of dealerships(not just Toyota) offer free oil & filter changes for a period of time following the sale of a new car. Sounds good, especially to people who are not real big on do-it-yourself maintenance. There's always a limit...ie..."up to 5 quarts installed". The 5 in this case is an arbitrary value. I could be 4,6, whatever.

The point is, it could not necessarily be enough for your motor.

Before you buy into the "free oil and filter change", consult your owners manual and ensure they are providing what you REALLY need.

Also, when you drive out of the dealership, pull over as soon as possible and shut off the car. Let it sit a few mins. Then check your oil level. Yeah...you're right...this approach will not allow every single drop to go to the bottom, but it's good enough to get an idea if you're way under-filled or way over-filled. Shops that use automated fill systems have a tendency to over-fill engines. Over-filling is actually a bigger problem than under-filling and this problem does not occur ar just the Quik-Lube places. A co-worker pulled out of a local Toyota dealership some years ago with about 6 qts. too much oil in his engine. Jiffy-Lube is not the only place that can screw up an oil change. The dealers hire the same dumb ass lube techs that Jiffy Lube does.

I thank God I'm able to service my own cars. This is why all of them have gone well over 250K.

[touringcamry]

Originally Posted by Mike Murrell

Would agree that Wix is far superior to Fram, although I took an '87 Accord past 300K using Fram Filters. My feeling is that if you change the oil every 3000 miles, anybody's filter is fine. Not trying to stir up a filter war, just stating a personal observation. I now use either Wix or a dealer filter, the former for older rides; the latter for cars still under warranty.

You are not required to use Toyota filters to maintain your warranty. See my first reply, post #2. I prefer to use only Wix and Purolator filters because they are always available and more convenient to buy since the closest dealer is about 80 miles away.