fuel economy vs. oil changes

[billklug]

Hi all,

I'm approaching the time for my first oil change on my Gen 3. When I learned of the added cost of an oil change I was concerned, at first.

I drive about 1000 per week which means, if I follow the Toyota schedule, I need to change oil every 5 weeks (50/5=10 times per year) at about $90 bucks a pop ($900 per year). With my Gen 1 I used to change oil every 3000 miles (50/3 = 16.3 times a year) at $35 a pop ($584 per year). Delta = $316 more per year in oil changes with my Gen 3 (900-584 = 316).

However, with fuel savings factored in (50 MPG vs. 42 MPG at $2.50 per gallon) I save $476 for a total savings (oil cost - fuel savings) of $160 per year with the Gen 3. I'm actually getting 53 MPG, so the difference is even greater.

So in spite of the additional cost of oil changes, when offset by the fuel savings, I'm still money ahead.

When you consider the amenities of the Gen 3 (vs. the Gen 1), priceless -

Just another point of view - Enjoy in Joy!

[stream]

My dealer charges $35 for an oil/filter service, and had a special for $29, plus the upcharge for 0W-20 was $16 ($6.66 for 0W-20, vs. $3.38 for conventional oil), so I paid $45 + tax.

There's no way it should cost $90--find another dealer.

[wvgasguy]

Originally Posted by billklug

Hi all,

I'm approaching the time for my first oil change on my Gen 3. When I learned of the added cost of an oil change I was concerned, at first.

I drive about 1000 per week which means, if I follow the Toyota schedule, I need to change oil every 5 weeks (50/5=10 times per year) at about $90 bucks a pop ($900 per year). With my Gen 1 I used to change oil every 3000 miles (50/3 = 16.3 times a year) at $35 a pop ($584 per year). Delta = $316 more per year in oil changes with my Gen 3 (900-584 = 316).

However, with fuel savings factored in (50 MPG vs. 42 MPG at $2.50 per gallon) I save $476 for a total savings (oil cost - fuel savings) of $160 per year with the Gen 3. I'm actually getting 53 MPG, so the difference is even greater.

So in spite of the additional cost of oil changes, when offset by the fuel savings, I'm still money ahead.

When you consider the amenities of the Gen 3 (vs. the Gen 1), priceless -

Just another point of view - Enjoy in Joy!

Wow, if I drove 50K+ miles per year in one car then as soon as it went off warranty I'd stop using the 5000 mile interval. I can't see the synthetic oil breaking down or getting that dirty in a month from long distance highway driving (I'm assuming you are not putting 1000 miles a week in the city, that would be difficult). You should be good for a 10K or 15K interval for changes.

[CAR4TWO]

Originally Posted by wvgasguy

Wow, if I drove 50K+ miles per year in one car then as soon as it went off warranty I'd stop using the 5000 mile interval. I can't see the synthetic oil breaking down or getting that dirty in a month from long distance highway driving (I'm assuming you are not putting 1000 miles a week in the city, that would be difficult). You should be good for a 10K or 15K interval for changes.

I agree 100%! Most upscale cars have sensors that tell you, based on your driving, when to change the oil. Toyota just pulled a conservative number out of the air. I have not changed my oil yet but I am anxious to see just how dirty my oil is at 5,000 miles. I have not made it past the 2,500 first change yet. Just because oil is black does not mean it is not working. But my guess is that we are changing our oil before it gets a chance to change color.

[ALS]

Using the synthetic oil will also extend the life of your motor.

[bullet875]

My dealer charges $35 with no upcharge.....seriously, look for another dealer. Sounds like you are being gouged.

[alfon]

Originally Posted by bullet875

My dealer charges $35 with no upcharge.....seriously, look for another dealer. Sounds like you are being gouged.

Are you sure the oil is 0 X 20 100% synthetic oil?

alfon

[Blizzy]

Originally Posted by alfon

Are you sure the oil is 0 X 20 100% synthetic oil?

alfon

I was at Wal-Mart and saw Mobil 1 0/20 W. fully synthetic for $22. It's in a 5 quart container so its a little more oil than we need since I think the 2010 Prius takes 4.7 quarts. I'm thinking of changing my own oil because I simply don't trust the dealerships always getting the right weight oil in my engine.

[morpheusx]

Its always best to change it yourself, why pay a premium at a dealership. And the oil change and tire places are usually ran by idiots that want nothing more then to upsell you and still do it wrong.
I never have to worry about problems like overfills, underfills, forgot to put the oil plug back on, stripped the oil plug with air tools, put the filter on too tight not tight enough, wrong weight or type of oil, etc..
I do my own oil because its easy, cheaper especially since I prefer premium oil, and it only takes about 30 minutes including cleanup. I also enjoy the piece of mind knowing it was done right.

[cpatch]

I just asked the service department at the dealer where I bought my car (Toyota of Escondido) how much they charged for the 5K service and was told $191, including a $40 upcharge for the synthetic! Talk about gouging (this is the same dealer that charged me $268 for the USB kit instead of $240 MSRP). I called another dealer and was quoted $110...$90 for the oil change and $20 for the tire rotation. Looks like I have a few more calls to make.

EDIT: Made some more calls, and got quotes ranging from $85 to $191. Called back on the $191 and found out (only after mentioning that other dealers were significantly less) that it is for a "premium" service including a fuel additive, brake cleaning, and idle adjustment. Are they serious? Guess which dealer just lost all my future business.