Oil for a new to me Matrix

[matrixmulitia]

Hello All,

Well i just purchased a 2003 Matrix xrs, 100k KM. I will be doing most of the servicing myself and i was wondering what engine oil have you all found that works best in the motor. I know it a toyota engine and probably it would run great on sand and milk but i plan to keep it till she dies so i want the best.

Please let me know what all you experts are using.

THX

[Smar969905]

I was asking about oil myself over at www.matrixowners.com (go sign up there, because they have a ton of help and DIY projects).

The best oil for the 2ZZ motor is going to be a 5W30 full synthetic. Many people i asked use either Mobil 1 or German Castrol (must say European formula on it).

There are 5 tiers of oil. Tier 1 doesnt even make it into cars. Tiers 2 and 3 are often referred to as Dino oil, which is your traditional oil that comes from the middle east and is pulled and refined from the ground. Tier 4 is going to be your best bang for the buck. Tier 4 is going to be most of the synthetic oil you come across. Mobil1's and Castrol's synthetic oils are in this category. These are made completely in a laboratory and don't have stuff the comes from nature. Tier 5 oils are for your hardcore motors that you are going to beat the crap out of. These are ethers. An example of tier 5 oil is Redline. As well as being the "best" there is currently, it is also the most expensive.

I have a 2003 XRS as well, with 81,000 miles (~130,000 km). I have one more free oil change from the dealer i got my car at, then i am going to use German Castrol. You can usually pick up German Castrol at Auto Zone.

2 other things to consider in changing your own oil are the oil filter, and the weight of the oil. Many people use a slightly lighter oil to get better performance from the motor. Depending on how far north you are in canada, you may want to use the 5W30 rather than go lighter. i have heard of people using 0W30 in their XRS. If you are close to the US border, i would suggest using the 0W30 if you want better performance. if you are further north where it gets colder in the winter, then stick with the 5W30. As for the filter to use, i havent figured out the "best" one yet, but many people at matrixowners.com think the stock XRS oil filter seems to do decently.

[matrixmulitia]

Thanks very much. I was considering using the german castrol...i have actually tried it in my old jeep cherokee...with very good results - lots quieter and actually ran a little bit cooler. (shhhhhhhh...dont tell too many people...LOL).

[mistamatrix]

Given its age and your location, I'd stick w/ the regular stuff vs synthetic.

[02zx9r]

Originally Posted by Smar969905

. Depending on how far north you are in canada, you may want to use the 5W30 rather than go lighter. i have heard of people using 0W30 in their XRS. If you are close to the US border, i would suggest using the 0W30 if you want better performance. if you are further north where it gets colder in the winter, then stick with the 5W30.

Shouldnt that be the other way around????

The 0W30 wont be as thick upon start-up as the 5W30 will be and will flow quicker, both are 30 weights so when they get up to operating temps and thin out they will both be 30 weights, no difference!

[Corolla_reps]

Originally Posted by mistamatrix

Given its age and your location, I'd stick w/ the regular stuff vs synthetic.

yes i truly agree on this one...just stick with regular.....synthetic does make a diff but is not like you go to the track and you race your car....well in my opnion