07 Camry: Synthetic Oil or Regular Oil

[CamryRoadsterSE]

When I got my first Oil change I was told I HAD to use the more expensive synthetic oil. Then when I got my 2nd oil change, I was told that was NOT the case. It wasn't required in the 07 Camry. Since then I have been using nothing but regular oil. Then when I took my car in for servicing today, I had a coupon for a dealership that had an oil special that came with other freebies. I was told everything would cost $32. When they were finished servicing my car, the bill came up to $45. I asked them what the deal was. They told me they had to use synthetic oil which wasn't covered with the coupon. When I told them I use regular oil, they said "they had to use the oil REQUIRED for the 07 Camry", which is synthetic.

So am I crazy or did this dealership pull as stunt on me??

[fdexclpl]

Synthetic oil is not required for your car. You can use it if you wish.

[CamryRoadsterSE]

Originally Posted by fdexclpl

Synthetic oil is not required for your car. You can use it if you wish.

Thank You. I knew this dealership was bullshittin me. Now to find out how to get a refund on the difference between the synthetic oil and regular oil.

[angelzhope720]

Synthetic oil is great for your car but I wouldn't recommend it until you hit around 10k or so on the clock. The only car I've owned that uses synthetic oil from the factory are BMW's. BMW's are crazy, my first oil change since purchasing the car was something like 12,000 miles.

[njerald]

The oil needs to be either 0W20 or 5W20, ILSAC GF–4 spec.

If you tell them you want 0W20, it will probably have to be synthetic.

5W20 can be either.

Are they in charge or are you???????????

[CamryRoadsterSE]

Originally Posted by njerald

The oil needs to be either 0W20 or 5W20, ILSAC GF–4 spec.

If you tell them you want 0W20, it will probably have to be synthetic.

5W20 can be either.

Are they in charge or are you???????????

I don't know anything about that. I am not a car technician or a mechanic. All I know is I've had my car serviced at this dealership before and I've been getting regular oil. No one has ever asked me did I want different types of oil.

[njerald]

Answers my question!!!!!!!!!

[desentrix]

You got screwed.

You do not need to switch to synthetic.
I'm sure if you complain about being lied to under false pretenses, you will get some sort of refund back.
If you choose to switch, then I suggest you buy a box of Mobil1.

[07goldcamry]

I experience something similar at my dealer. The service advisor told me that from the factory they had switch to a synthetic oil. Is that true? I have 47k on my 07 CE and have always use regular oil. I also needed to replace my tires and went with v rated. H rated tire would have been cheaper but I figured the v rated tires would have a stronger design. The more miles I put on this thing the more I like it. The only thing is that I should of bought the SE 5sp rather than the CE 5sp.

[CamryRoadsterSE]

Originally Posted by desentrix

You got screwed.

You do not need to switch to synthetic.
I'm sure if you complain about being lied to under false pretenses, you will get some sort of refund back.
If you choose to switch, then I suggest you buy a box of Mobil1.

Thank you for the info. I will definitely be on the phone first thing tomorrow or I will drive to the dealership to act a fool in person .

[gdanaher]

Just walk in and tell them you need a little help. You've been studying your owners manual (holding it there in your hand), and you can't find the paragraph which spells out the specific need for a synthetic lubricant. Ask them to show you. When they can't, proceed to the prior issue.

[danorthface]

it's probably not really worth your time to argue the money. $13 more for synthetic vs conventional is an ok deal.

I want to add that $32 for an oil change with a coupon seems expensive

[thoots]

I've put Mobil 1 synthetic in all of my new cars at the first oil change, at around 1,000 miles. And I'll continue to do it -- synthetic oil just breaks down less than conventional oil does. I just want less gunk in my oil, so synthetic is the way to go for me. 0W-20 synthetic, all the way!

[ebumdude]

I would get my 13 bucks back.

13 bucks can get you 13 double cheese burgers....

or

13 soft tacos.......

or

a 12 pack of brew.....

or

.....................................

j/k. Seriously though, it is YOUR car. They shouldn't tell you that you have to use synthetic unless you have a turbo or a car with an ass load of miles on it.

Regular oil is fine.

[Camry5genrocks]

Choose your battles with the dealership. Don't worry about 13 dollars. If I was you I won't sweat it, just learn how to do your own oil changes. The synthetic oil usually pays for itself by an improved fuel efficiency and a cleaner engine for your beloved camry.