Quick - Somebody reccomend some oil!

Get some Mobil 1 5W-30. You can get it at most discount stores or auto parts stores. It costs around $20 for a 5 quart container at Wal Mart for example. The engine takes less than 4 quarts.

Make sure you tell them NOT to over fill it, tell them to leave it a bit below the full mark on the dip stick. Then check it yourself to make sure it's right.

 

On Bob's oil website I read Havoline was good at it was cheapest of the namebrands at my local Walmart. Plus it had a NASCAR picture on it ,
I have no doubts.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kdmorse @ Aug 15 2006, 02:37 PM) [snapback]303744[/snapback]</div>

If you could stretch out the oil change interval there might be. But it's a warranty issue, you need to change oil and filter every 5K miles. You might also argue that since we change our oil every 5K miles anyway there is no advantage to using synthetic of any kind except maybe in very cold climates. I don't think I could find a good argument against that logic. But I use Mobile 1 because I want to be nice to my car and if I still own it after the warranty runs out I'll go to a longer interval.

 

Considering the possible costs of major engine damage, it doesn't make sense to me to skimp on either the quality of motor oil or stretch the oil change interval.

As for me, I changed to Mobil-1 5W30 at 10,000 miles instructing my dealer every 5,000 miles to use the oil I furnish, exactly 3½ qts which, with the oil filter change, brings the level to ~¼" below the dipstick "full" mark. I'm only at 20,000 miles and the oil on the dipstick always looks new.

 

Consumer Reports has done several studies on oil brand, weight and use - including using New York taxis as the test vehicle. While not the ultimate authority, it is a place to start. There have been previous discussions on oil on Priuschat - do a search.

I use Mobil 1 and change my own oil and filter. The dealer never understands the Prius.

 

Any oil of the correct viscosity ("weight") and which meets the minimum service grade given in your owner's manual (SG, or SH, or whateverinhell it is) is fine. "Extended service" oil is pointless because you're going to change the oil every 5,000 miles or six months whichever comes first, because that's what Toyota's warranty requires.

Give three quart bottles to the guy and tell him to put in all of that and nothing else. Then check the level yourself the next day, and if you feel like it add more from a fourth bottle. (I have them add exactly three bottles of Mobil 1 and never add any more myself; three quarts leaves the level halfway between the dipstick marks, and that's perfect.)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(skruse @ Aug 15 2006, 04:04 PM) [snapback]303787[/snapback]</div>

Exactly.