Prius 2010 Oil Change Interval Revised? Not yet... (closed)

I think you guys are reading way too much into this. Looks to me like they are trying to accomodate an emergency or supply situation.

Toyota has given you a solution to a problem that may arise by telling you that the 5w-20 oil will work. But they strongly suggest that it only be temporary, as in until your next oil change.

You seem to be looking to pick a fight with Toyota by drawing lines in the sand.

Sorry but it does not seem confusing to me.

 

I think your right.
We like to think in black and white.

But if there was no solution for no availability of 0W-20W at the dealers, we would complain that Toyota put a car on the market without the available oil at hand at every dealer.

Or if we find ourselves in a situation that requires oil right now..... Toyota wants us to know it will not harm the car because you temporarily put 5W-20.

As long as oil changes go, I would just wait until I get the right specified oil if it was hard to get. Only a few days for mail order if all else fails.

If I found my oil level was low for some reason on a long trip and 5W-20W was all I could find, I'd use it... or 5W-30W for that matter.

But since we drive anywhere from 5000 to 10000 miles between changes, I'd put the right stuff in, otherwise be willing to drain it soon and put the right stuff in when possible...

I think thats basically the rational and latitude Toyota is trying to say.

 

Yeah, what Tom said! I knew I was confused about something.

 

I think the European "synthetic" oil is "better" (contents are more regulated), and possibly all real synthetic, rather than the class III that can be labeled something like "fully synthetic" here in the USA.

So, with the REAL synthetic in the EU, maybe TOYOTA feels more confident in using that oil.

 

Although this question wasn't intended as part of your original post, I think it symbolizes much of the concern expressed through this thread.

I'll offer my answer: My dealer isn't the one providing the warranty. Because Toyota gives the warranty, I'll follow Toyota's instructions and directions. Yes, my dealer is the authorized seller and servicer, and I'll trust my dealer to a certain extent. BUT, I am not going to disregard the owner's manual's statements on OCI just because my dealer said there was a change.

This is a very valuable thread. Don't beat yourself up for the wording of your original post -- you reported just what happened, and your reporting of it brought out some valuable (and some vacuous) discussion!

 

I tend to follow Toyota's service reccos. Seems to me dealers always exceed Toyota's service advice, all to their financial gain. Same w/oil changes, especially when dealer has thrown in oil changes as a condition of new car sale: financial advantage to the dealer. Just mho.

 

Where does the dealer throw in oil changes as a condition of new car sale?

I would like to see that in writing.

Thanks!

 

Some Dealers do, but its of their own choice, they are not bound by Toyota to do so.

 

My dealer (Jones in Bel Air) gives free oil changes, even with synthetic oil, for the life of the car. So if they want to change it every 5K miles, so be it.

Rich N.

 

I got two or three oil changes free from my dealer on the last Toyota Tacoma I bought, but I have never heard of one throwing in all oil changes. Which is why I asked.

 

Ive heard of "Check the oil, wash the windows, check the air in the tires, and filler up with Ethyl", but its very nice that they change the oil without charging. I"m sure when you need something done, they will be first in your consideration instead of last "like normal".

Do you have to beat em off with a stick and "just say no" to keep them from trying to hit you up with things you dont need or are they professional about it?

 

Has there been no more rumors or updates regarding the 10,000 mile OCI?

 

Lots of rumors and updates.

No change.

 

The latest Consumer Reports (which also has a review of the 2010 Prius) says that most new cars can go for 7,500 miles between oil changes -- and they weren't referring to synthetic oil.

 

It's not a condition, it's a gift to the buyer.

Every new and used Toyota sold here gets oil and oil filters included free of charge for life...no hooks. $18 surcharge if synthetic oil is required. VA state inspections are also free for life.

Ditto: Chevy, Acura, Honda and Hyundai stores in our group.

It's on every Buyer's Order, on every TV and radio station and in every local newspaper.

Actually it's becoming pretty commonplace in the highly competitive Mid Atlantic region.

 

I was a little disappointed not to get a year of free services with my 2010. I had it with my 2005. Same dealer (the big Toyota dealer in Fairfax City, VA, which I generally like).

They now offer a lifetime drivetrain warranty--as long as I get all my services done there (at full price, presumably). I'd rather have a year or two of free scheduled maintenance. (Or more than that, even, would be very nice.)

 

fwiw ... i swapped out factory oil at 1k miles, and do annual oil changes (approx 10k miles) using amsoil 5w30

 

The Amsoil SSO 0W-30 is better, however its also about $2 a qt more too

 

yes ...

indeed, that is in fact what i used

thanks