synthetic or regular motor oil?

[RTexasF]

We have two RAV4 V-6's, 2008 models bought new. The extended warranty calls for the same regimen as under OEM warranty which is 6 months or 5K whichever comes first. We drive little since we are old retired farts. Due to age, creaks and groans, and medical conditions I have the dealer change the oil. They use a synth blend which is fine by me.

Here's the ridiculous part........... Mine (bought Jan. '09) now has just under 17K miles okay? Due to Toyota's stringent requirement (back then) I have had ELEVEN OIL & FILTER CHANGES!!!!!!!! Talk about wasting perfectly good oil. Her's was purchased in Dec. of '07 so it has had even more and is due for one now with less than 13K on the clock. Total waste but if you want your extended warranty intact you must obey.

 

[Nizmo]

Nothing but Rotella T6 5w40 synthetic in the VW. They call for VW502 spec, but it runs about $9 a quart for Castrol 5w40 502 spec around here. Rotella runs about $4 when I buy it in bulk on sale. IMO it's better than what's "spec'd". Equinox gets Rotella T5 10w30 syn blend and the Expedition get's Motorcraft 5w20 syn blend.

I have been running full Syn for awhile now. The VW requires a "special" blend that is only Syn around here.

If your VW isn't in warranty anymore I highly recommend the T6 for summertime. It's a synthetic just like the 502/505 spec. In the winter if you want Walmart carries 5.3Q jugs of 0w40 for about $25.99.

 

[ORANGERT]

I've been using Amsoil since it came out in the cardboard can with 10w/40 back in the 70's. My father-in-law was a mechanic all his life and he got me started using it. At that time it was the only synthetic available for sale to the public. Over the years I have used Mobil one from time to time, but I always go back to the Amsoil. I figure who knows more than the original company to launch the product? I have never had an internal engine issue using synthetic oil. I was amazed how clean the inside of the engine was when he helped me put a cam in my 1971 Camaro in the early 80's. There was absolutely no sludge! IMHO synthetics are the way to go for every fluid in your pride and joy.

 

[ORANGERT]

Full synthetic on all my cars:

10 Shelby GT500: Castrol Edge 5w50
13 Durango RT: Pennzoil Ultra 5w20
13 Charger RT: Pennzoil Ultra 5w20
K&N Filters on all 3

Btw the Hemi's are much quieter with the Penn Ultra then the dino oil.

Same here with the synthetic Amsoil. The "hemi tick" is a lot more subdued!

 

[dc52nv]

I use full synthetic on mine.

 

[mojo122]

My new Lexus GS came with synthetic so I'll continue with that. I'm also considering moving to synthetic in my 10 year-old Acura that doesn't get driven as much as it used to.