who is changing the oil??? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

asimms21 · 08-20-2010, 04:43 PM

Bought our 08 highlander limited about two half weeks ago, and starting to think about getting the oil changed and haven't decided on getting done at the dealership or a local oil place... don't have the means to do it on my own for the time being. What do you guys think??

***summerwind*** · 08-20-2010, 06:55 PM

Only my opinion only....

The HL does not have a spin on oil filter. It uses a cartridge contained in a housing that spins off.
There is a O-ring seal that has to be installed right.

If you have a reputable mechanic that is familiar with this system having them change the oil is probably ok

I personally would stay away from the likes of Jiffy Lube.

It doesn't cost that much to have the dealer do it and as all 3.5L V6's use the same type of system and the dealer Quik Lube guys at the dealership are used to changing this type of system and they use factory cartridges.

I get special offers all the time from the dealer and they change it while you wait in most cases.

I change my own oil but if I didn't I would have the dealer do it.

Again this is just my personal opinion.

Thunderchief · 08-21-2010, 09:34 AM

Well, at least for the first 2 years I am going to the dealer as I am in on the free-bee maintenance offer. After reading above and the special filter, I would only trust the dealership.

***TrailDust*** · 08-21-2010, 01:39 PM

I've got a fantastic, competent private mechanic who does my Highlander. I trust him implicitly. If anyone living in the Orange County area needs a mechanic just shoot me a PM and I'd be glad to provide you with his business info.

asimms21 · 08-21-2010, 05:03 PM

I watched a video on here that showed how to change the oil and I saw how the filter was different. It worried me about going to a jiffy lube like place and not be careful about the O-ring. What are places charging you guys? I still have 3k miles left till I need to get it changed so I haven't made any calls yet...

stklee · 08-21-2010, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by summerwind

Only my opinion only....

The HL does not have a spin on oil filter. It uses a cartridge contained in a housing that spins off.
There is a O-ring seal that has to be installed right.

If you have a reputable mechanic that is familiar with this system having them change the oil is probably ok

I personally would stay away from the likes of Jiffy Lube.

It doesn't cost that much to have the dealer do it and as all 3.5L V6's use the same type of system and the dealer Quik Lube guys at the dealership are used to changing this type of system and they use factory cartridges.

I get special offers all the time from the dealer and they change it while you wait in most cases.

I change my own oil but if I didn't I would have the dealer do it.

Again this is just my personal opinion.

My 2010 HiHy Limited has the traditional spin on filter. No messy cartridge. Just done my 2nd oil change myself. Very straight forward.

Sam

Camread · 08-22-2010, 06:49 AM

anyone know they're going back to the spin-on filter with next new V6?

***summerwind*** · 08-22-2010, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stklee

My 2010 HiHy Limited has the traditional spin on filter. No messy cartridge. Just done my 2nd oil change myself. Very straight forward.

Sam

You have a Hybrid HL and it does not use the 3.5L V6.

The Hybrid uses an older 3.3L V6 and not the latest 3.5L V6

TierOneSupplier · 08-22-2010, 07:46 AM

asimms21--congrats on the purchase! Since you just bought it, I think I would take it to a dealership for the oil change, at least for this one. You'll then have a Toyota-qualified mechanic looking at it. Tell the person at the service desk that you just bought it and ask that the mechanic be alert for anything unusual, which they can then let you know about. You shouldn't have to pay for this extra attention, and it'll give you some peace of mind that you wouldn't get from a quick lube place.

Traildust had a good suggestion, too. Ask other Toyota owners who they trust their vehicles to. You may find someone in your area with a good reputation who can help you immensely over the years.

But shun the quick lube places. I took our '98 Sienna to a Jiffy Lube while on vacation once (years ago), and returned to the condo to find it was a quart low. Of course I took it back and they took care of it, but this shouldn't have happened.

jgayman · 08-22-2010, 01:59 PM

I agree. In your dealer is pleasant to work with you are probably better off with the dealer. Years ago when the Jiffy Lube places were first appearing I started taking my Ford Explorer there as I found them to be priced right, fast, courteous and very attentive to what they were doing. Fast forward 10-years and most of those same places I used to frequent are now staffed with careless, inept workers who have no pride in their work. You are lucky to get the dip stick put back in. I've been taking my '01 HL to the dealer from day one. They open at 7am, are fast, priced right and do the job right every time.

naturoses · 08-22-2010, 02:30 PM

I am going to Boch Toyota dealer (Norwood, MA) this coming Saturday for oil change.

I have 1970 miles only. My HL is 6 months old.

What oil to use? Synthetic ($59.95/-) or conventional oil ($27.95/-)?

I have these coupons from them.

http://www.boch.com/bochhtml/bochtoy...ceCoupons.aspx

Please advice..

asimms21 · 08-22-2010, 04:09 PM

Always synthetic!! When you can. I believe in the manual it says to use full synthetic oil. And you get way more miles out of your car with synthetic oil. Worth the money for sure.

outsider60 · 08-22-2010, 04:31 PM

Does yor dealer offer lifetime oil changes for free? Ask about it.
Some dealers are giving (build in the price of vehicle)oil changes for the life, original owner.
At least you getting a original filter and the right oil everytime. Just my 2 cents..............

naturoses · 08-22-2010, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by outsider60

Does yor dealer offer lifetime oil changes for free? Ask about it.
Some dealers are giving (build in the price of vehicle)oil changes for the life, original owner.
At least you getting a original filter and the right oil everytime. Just my 2 cents..............

Outsider: No, they do not offer even the 2 year free maintenance to me which Toyota offered during that time

asimms21: Can I give my own synthetic oil to get the cost down? If Yes, which brand and what is the catalogue number?

I just found a link which is much cheaper than Boch Toyota, Norwood, MA. This new link is from Prime Toyota, MA. They say that they add Mobil Oil 5w30. Is this a synthetic version?

http://www.primetoyotacars.com/specials/service.htm

Copied from Prime Toyota, MA site:

Toyota oil change special $19.95

INCLUDES:
Change Oil with Mobil Oil 5w30(up to 5 quarts)
Install genuine Toyota oil filter
Inspect fluids
Check tire pressure

Thanks all.

asimms21 · 08-22-2010, 06:14 PM

Hey Naturoses,
I wish you could give your own oil to them! But how are they going to make money off of you?!?! And I'm sure they would throw in some legal bs about using their own stuff in case something happens.
On the second part, the oil change for 19.95, it would say synthetic if it was. I'm about 99.9% sure that's It's normal oil. Doesn't hurt to call and double check. I'm going to call my local dealer to see what they charge. I'm in Oregon but it will give you a good guess on the norm...