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Dealer used 5w-30 syn

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by mtnbkr, Apr 28, 2011.

  1. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    Be careful with that source of information. Haas has a lot of good information mixed with some bad information.
     
  2. Gary in NY

    Gary in NY Member

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    That's very possible, since the author appears to be a medical doctor. That's always the problem with online forums, you never know if the advice you get is based on solid technical understanding, or not. It was the best source I was able to find (I'd prefer something from an automotive engineer). I do recall hearing, unfortunately I can't remember the source, that engines may be built for thinner oil by having tighter clearances and smaller oil passages, and if you put heavy oil in them, it may not flow as freely and result in reduced lubrication. But, since Toyota apparently approves 5W-30 for the same engine in some countries, I imagine no serious harm would be done of that's what the OP really got.
     
  3. jdimetal

    jdimetal New Member

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    The Toyota Corolla in US also calls for 0w-20 in the OM for the best mileage
     
  4. Zedknepplin

    Zedknepplin semper prius

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    :mad: OK, here's the bottom line fellas.

    0W-20 - about $11.49 /QT
    5W-30 - about $4.99 - $6.99 /QT

    I am sure someone will dispute these prices, but a quick search from the same source reveals a price difference that the 0W-30 costs more. ...They have a friend in the business, they know a cheaper source, their shop cut them a deal... It ALWAYS comes back to the money.

    They are saving $ at your expense. I bet they report to Toyota that they installed 0W-20 in your car for the free oil changes. :eek: (for the reimbursement for the parts & labor)? And what's this crap about 'Shop Supplies' I now see on the bill? More scam money for them? In addition to parts and labor, we have to pay for their overhead too? Wth!?

    I was afraid of this when I saw the 'free' oil change on the Toyo-guard crap they tried to stick me with, but it was listed as 5w-30 on the window sticker. (in addition to the other useless and redundant garbage attached) Thanks for the $89 bumper protector. You saved me from wasting just $22.

    I know to tell them when I take my car in to ensure they put the good stuff in in spite of what the book says about being able to use it until the next change.
    :cool:
     
  5. dinger_greg

    dinger_greg New Member

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    Take it back to the dealer and make them put the correct grade of oil in.
     
  6. stream

    stream Senior Member

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    Not sure where you're getting your prices, but on my last oil/filter service at the dealer, Toyota 0W-20 oil was $6.00/qt (discounted from $7.02 list).
     
  7. pakitt

    pakitt Senior Member

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    The Toyota dealer in German quoted me 20.93€/L + 19% VAT for the 0W-20.
    4L will therefore cost 87.91€+19%=104.61€ --> 155$/4L or 100$/gal.
    Welcome to the EU: where the gas today is about 8-9$/gal.

    (PS: on the internet, the 0W-20 is hard to find and it costs not that much less - the cheapest I have found is "Titan GT 1 0W-20" at 60.2€/4L - never heard of Titan, BTW...)
     
  8. mtnbkr

    mtnbkr Junior Member

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    hmm...so is the general consensus leave as is or take it back? Note, last fillup = best tank EVER...PERIOD. So might this indicate the correct oil was put in?
     
  9. Den49

    Den49 Member

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    Go back and reread all 27 posts. Collectively, they contain all the information, data and opinions you need to support any decision you care to make; unless however, you are not really after an answer, but rather an unending debate.