5w20 oil in 02 toyota echo

[tdutzi]

I have a 2002 toyota echo with 145,000 miles on it. I was wondering if I could safely use 5w-20 oil in the motor? I think they are now using 5w-20 on the new yaris which does have the same 1nzfe engine as the echo. Is 5w-20 safe to use in my car or only on the newer 1nzfe motors?

[caveatipse]

Knowing a bit about engine oil, I would say that no, it will not hurt the engine per se. However, it might not run as efficiently, or it might run more efficiently. A change in oil viscosity will likely not hurt your engine unles you did something drastic, like for example, if you switched it to straight weight 50 or something.

[EchoThat]

I've asked around about switching the weight of the oil that I use in my Echo. The most often answer that I get is a quick "no," but for different reasons. Basically, I get this - The book says go with 5w30. Do that. If you want to try a high mileage oil for a car with some age on it that is burning oil, do it. If your car is leaking oil, spend pennies on the oil until you get your car fixed, because you are just renting the oil anyway. Thicker oils may slow the burning and leaking, but they may not lubricate the engine in all the places that it needs to be done since the oil is thicker.

Personally, I have tinkered around with some 5w30 weights and have had results from some that did not match expectations. How and where I drive determines what works best. The advertising propaganda has been just ink on the bottle.

[PhatRoyale]

You'll be fine. Just find a high mileage formula oil and you're good to go.