2003 Toyota Echo and Synthetic Motor Oil

[EmeraldIsle]

I will be switching from factory recommended conventional 5W-30 motor oil to 5W-30 synthetic motor oil at my next oil change interval (OCI).

I would like to know how much the dealership will charge for an oil and filter service when I bring my own motor oil and engine oil filter (5W-30 Mobil 1 Synthetic Motor Oil + K&N Oil Filter HP-1003 or Mobil Extended Performance Oil Filter M1-103). Current mileage is 117,200 km (73,250 miles).

Oil and Filter Service ($38.95 + HST):
Replace Toyota Genuine Oil and Filter (will bring my own)
Remove and inspect air filter element
Lubricate locks, latches and hinges
Confirm lights, horn and wipers function properly
Check coolant, brake and washer fluid levels
Check tires and adjust pressure as required

Thanks.

[jambo101]

Usually my dealer charged me $80 to put synthetic oil and filter in my new Yaris, now that its off warranty my local garage does it for $50.
Not sure what your particular dealer will charge for a Synthetic oil and filter change and i wouldnt be surprised if he balks at using your oil instead of his ultra high quality factory recommended oil that he will probably insist on using.

[vic benson]

I am not certian if changing to a synthetic oil is a good idea. There are schools of thought that suggest that making this change will cause your engine to start burning oil. I have been told that the seals in the engine will react to the synthetic oil and cause them to leak for a while. I have heard many differing opinions. I have used synthetic oil from new in my landrover. And I want to change the oil in the echo to synthetic but have been afraid to try.

Vic

[JNEG]

I believe that the thought that using synthetic oil would cause issues was more prevelant in older cars. Newer cars are build to much tighter tolerances, so they are able to use synthetic oil without worry about leakage, and seal problems. In fact, many cars are delivered new with synthetic oil from the factory. Personally, I would wait until the break-in period (probably not an issue with yours) was over to do a switchover if my new wheels didn't already come with it. Sorry if this doesn't answer your question, but this is the info that I have heard over more than a few years!

[tstclr]

All 2010 Toyota's have 0W20 synthetic oil. It is safe to convert an earlier model to synthetic. I don't know if you really need to. We have a customer who has a 2001 Echo with over 700000kms. Another was in last week (a 2004) with 464000kms. Both use conventional oil.
However if you want to provide your own oil and filter, we charge $17.12 labour plus $3.00 disposal of the old oil.
Todd

[EmeraldIsle]

Thank you for the pricing, Todd and thanks, everyone, for participating in this discussion.

I'm moving specifically to synthetic as this will help me deal with the extreme hot and cold weather conditions that we have in New Brunswick where winter temperatures can fall as low as -40°C. A block heater is not an option as my car has no access to an electrical outlet.

As per JD Power (see link below):

http://www.jdpower.com/autos/article...ic-Motor-Oils/

"Synthetic oil performs admirably in heat, but also offers many benefits in extreme cold. Petroleum-based motor oil thickens in cold temperatures, requiring the starter and battery to work much harder to start a cold engine. Synthetic oil is not as affected by low temperatures, and it will flow much easier at engine start-up. As an added benefit, the cold temperature properties allow it to be quickly pumped throughout the engine, offering much improved start-up protection against friction.

Custom-designed synthetic oils contain many additives. These keep the inside of the engine clean, and add additional engine protection for extended periods."

I would have preferred using Amsoil 5W-30 100% Synthetic High Performance Motor Oil which has a Pour Point of -51°C (-60°F). However, it is very pricey. A 946ml bottle sells for $13.99 + tax at Canadian Tire and never goes on sale.

I'm therefore going to use Mobil 1 Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-30 which has a Pour Point of -45°C (-49°F). Regular price for a 4.4L jug at Canadian Tire is $43.99 + tax ($10 + tax per litre). It went on sale in mid-Nov 2010 for $30.79 + tax ($7 + tax per litre). Will buy this when it comes on sale again.

http://www.canadapost.ca/shopper/ite...il-224w0289424

I will be maintaining the same oil change intervals as recommended by Toyota.

[vic benson]

I used Amsoil in my landrover and it worked great, but as you say very spendy. Maybe I will reconsider and try the Mobil in the Echo. The last time I had the oild changed at the dealer, they had a bottle of Mobil in the display case. So what is good for Toyota should be good for me!!!!!!!!!

[thetut]

Check out your local Walmart. At mine, they sell Mobil1 in 5L bottles for a little less than the 4.4L bottle at Canadian Tire.

[vic benson]

I have always been concerned that the products that are sold at Walmart and Canadian Tire are not the same quality as from an automotive jobber. NAPA and the such. A friend of mine worked at Canadian Tire some time ago and he took two oil filters both were with a FRAM label the one from Canadian Tire was lighter than the one from an automotive jobber!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vic

[EmeraldIsle]

Originally Posted by thetut

Check out your local Walmart. At mine, they sell Mobil1 in 5L bottles for a little less than the 4.4L bottle at Canadian Tire.

The regular price for the Mobil 1 Synthetic 5L bottle at Walmart is $42.97 + tax ($8.59 per litre + tax).

This 5L jug went on sale at Walmart in Oct 2010 for $29.88 + tax ($5.98 per litre + tax) as per:

http://www.canadapost.ca/shopper/ite...5L-234w1034732

Regular price for the 1L bottle is $9.97. This went on sale at Walmart in Oct 2010 for $6.88 + tax as per:

http://www.canadapost.ca/shopper/ite...1L-234w1034662

[thetut]

I always pick up 3 5L jugs when they go on sale. I've called the manufacturer and they have advised me that the jugs have a 5 year shelf life.