Help on oil change for my corolla.

[photo_wed]

I need to change my oil at 3000 miles, so far my 1999 corolla is at 119,000 miles. What is the best type of oil I should use? synthetic vs conventional? I heard conventional is good enough because corolla's don't need the expensive stuff...is it true? And if conventional what type should I use? I keep hearing people say 10w-30, 5w-30, 15w-30, 20w-40....what does all these numbers mean?? thanks, any advice is appreciated.

more info if this helps, i live in NYC where summer is around...85-100 winter can go below 20 degrees and average 50-70 degrees most of the time in spring or fall. Don't do any towing just regular weekend use not even commuting to work with my car. automatic transmission...2wd...

[Transformer]

Conventional 5W-30 will be fine, try use purelator or OEM oil filter.

[mr1114]

I also use 5w-30 conventional. On other, older higher mileage cars I've owned, its been 10w-30.

Keep doing regular oil changes and there wont be a need for synthetic. I would much rather use it inside an automatic transmission (have done it before with good results).