Purolator oil filters -- can anyone give the 30-second scoop on the brand

I'll take a shot at this but I don't have personal data to verify any of it.

I do some lurking at Bob is the Oil Guy. The oil retentives over there used to be in love with Purolator but in the last couple of years there have been many reports of torn media. How do they know this? Well, they like to cut filters open and inspect them, both new and used. Purolator is now referred to as Tearolator and they're generally out of favor. So I don't know anything about Purolator's new look, but personally, I'd stay away due to the bad rap.

The NAPA Gold in particular, is said to be manufactured by Wix and is held in high regard. If you have a toyota dealer nearby, the Denso's are also well liked and cheap. You can run the F1 instead of the F2 and the longer length will allow a little more filtering media and the ability to dump an even 4 quarts in the car on refill.

But in the end, we're talking Prius here. It's likely that any oil filter with a brand name is up to the task. Stay out of the corn likker til you've completed the oil change!

 

Internet search this "oil filter test comparison," produced some good links.

Read this link: Oil Filters Revealed - MiniMopar Resources
Especially go to their opinion & recommendation: Opinions and Recommendations - Oil Filters Revealed - MiniMopar Resources

This doesn't apply to our Gen2 Prius, as G2s use the metal can oil filter, but still a good read.
Oil Filter Comparison - Tundra OEM Filter vs Fram vs Wix

Why not just stock-up on the parts you'll be using? Spend $150+ at Camelback, and get free shipping (on most items) & NO TAX!
2007 Toyota Prius Parts - Camelback Toyota Parts - Genuine OEM Parts - Free Shipping
#25) oil drain plug gasket = $.94
#26) oil filter = $3.89
Ten oil filters and drain plug gaskets will run $48.30; get more if you want. I'm sure the oil filter fits many other smaller engine Toyotas (Corolla, Matrix, Yaris, etc). The engine oil drain plug gasket probably fits all Toyotas.
Spark plugs are $7.46; very competitive w/ Amazon.
Engine water pump. Water Pump belt. Tensioner bearing.
SLLC (00272-SLLC2) $15.46
ATF-WS (sorry don't know the part number)
drain/fill plug washers for the transaxle.
Inverter water pump; I had to call 3 different local dealers, before finding a 4th dealer that had it in stock. The first 3 said that part never fails! Yeah right, let them talk to me or Luscious Garage.

Many maintenance parts you can get to easily hit $150. If you have a friend who has a Prius or another Toyota, have them get some maintenance parts, to offset the $150 requirement.

 

Certainly no good reason to go on the wagon in the days or months leading to your oil change. I was just worrying about the day of!

Pennzoil yellow bottle, or "PYB," is revered as one of the kings of conventional oils. Combined with a Wix or Denso filter, you've got yourself a Bob is the Oil Guy, stamp approved oil change. They'd love it!! No Prius love over there though...

 

Hi Kris.

My dear next time in town buy some OEM filters at the dealer. They have the correct bypass valve, work great and are cheap and no guessing.
$4.25 each. Buy 3. Be optimistic.