oil change

[chiche]

93 Camry SE V6 92k. I just got it and am going to change oil. Shall I go to Toyota dealer or Wal-mart? (Wal-mart looks cheaper but what is the difference compared to the dealers?)

Another thing is my fuel comsumption looks not very good. The local mpg is only 17. I have changed air filter and tire pressure is ok. Any suggestions? Thanks a lot!

[Mike Gerber]

I would go to Wal-mart and save the extra $ and time. The dealers do use Toyota OEM filters, which are probably better filters, but most just use bulk motor oil, same as most other places. I think Wal-mart uses Penzoil (also in bulk 55 gallon drums) and a Fram filter. They may have changed both since the last time I checked. Fram isn't the greatest filter any more, but if you change your oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles it should be just fine. I think the more convienent changing the oil becomes, the more people who don't do it themselves will take the time to have it done. IMHO.

Your mileage seems about right to me for city driving in the Winter.

Mike

[4G63Attack]

try change your gasoline filter. went was the last time you change it ?

[Toysrme]

I only ever got 18mpg on this car if I was driving hard... This engine will run through fuel if you let it. It should be getting around 20mpg if you drive around liesurely.
Take it anywhere you want to have it changed. Pay the extra money for a synthetic (or bring your own) and watch them put it in.

A new fuel/air filter may help mileage if they are very dirty.
Maybe run some fuel system cleaner in a tank of gas (or two).
Stick with 87 octane most definitely!
Clean the carbon buildup out of your engine... (Search "seafoam", clean ACIS, and the like)

Have a tune-up done... Install some new plugs, and have the timing checked. The number 1 spark plug should fire (at idle, and the ECU in diagnostic mode) at 10 degrees before top dead center.

[PRG]

You might want to steer clear of the "solvent" type cleaner such as Seafoam and the other $5 bottles of stuff from the autopart stores. Yes, they'll get crud out of your engine, but they can work too effectively. If a big hunk of sludge is dislodged from your engine it can quickly clog up a pathway or stick to something moving: NOT GOOD. Also, the harsh chemicals can damage the gaskets/seals in your engines.
I'm using AutoRX right now in my Camry, as it's supposed to safely dissolve engine crud into the oil over 1500 miles and condition the seals.

For quality oil and filter, skip the $30 Toyota dealership rip off (our local one didn't even vaccum the carpet or refill the EMPTY washer fluid on 2 seperate occasions. Go pick up a Quart of Mobil1 synthetic and a Mobil1, K&N, or Amsoil filter and a new oil drain plug. All total a little over $30 and you engine will run nice and smooth and the syn will give you some extra protection and last longer than conventional dino oil.

[Edmond]

Last I checked, our local Toyota dealer wanted $21 for a change. I guess that isn't bad, but I still do it myself. But if you live in a cold place where you can't get the car inside a garage to work on it, spending that $21 may not be too bad.

[amerikim]

Chiche -> My 93 V6 calculated out at 16.8 mpg last night, 95% city driving.

Walmart isn't killer bad, I just prefer Mobil 1 and getting dirty.

[Toysrme]

Damn amerikim. You're really on the gas man!!! Time for a new pair of o2 sensors:lol

Most people here buy OEM Toyota filters. They're as good (if not better) than anything else and cost $3-$5, depending on if you buy the small, or large filter.

PRG what you say is 100% unbased, and self-contriodictory:

1. There has never been a modern car engine that died from a clogged oil filter
2. "Don't buy solvent cleaners, use Auto-RX. It has "special" ingrediants in it so it doesn't work as well, and will be safer."
   God forbid you find out that Auto-RX is Lanolin Esters...

[karthik]

Try changing you air filter. I changed air filter and switched to BP_Amoco fuels and I get 22mpg on my v6 camry (city/county roads mix)

[Eye8Pussies]

I wouldn't go to walmart just because I know the kind of people they hire...they may forget to tighten your oil pan plug or forget to tighten the filter or something stupid like that...

I'd stick with toyota if you don't do it yourself, or go to your mechanic

[whocares04]

Stick with 87 octane most definitely!

the manual for the V6 recommends 91 or higher for best results ...(not trying to argue Toysrme)

i would look into getting some new o2 sensors b/c w/mpg like that its likely that an o2 sensor is going bad and about to die...and if your that concerned check everyting, sparks, wires, and defineately run seafoam or the like thru everything in ur car