07 Prius, Toyota 0w-20

[oggb]

So, here we go:
-2007 Prius
-40,070 miles
-Six days per week: trips < 4 miles @ 30 mph avg, totalling < 60 miles/week
-One day per week: 250+ miles 80/20 highway/city driving.
-Have been using Quaker State Ultimate Durability 5w30 beginning @ 30,000 miles (two oil changes since I bought the car)
-Every tank when the temperature is > 50F has had a computer-displayed and hand-calculated (they are the same for me!) MPG of 48.5

I decided that if 0w-20 is good enough for the 1.5L in the Toyota Yaris and Scion X-whatever, it's good enough for my Prius.

I'll be interested to see if I notice any difference in fuel economy. I think 48.5 mpg is pretty stellar considering how I use this vehicle, and I don't drive it any easier than I would any other vehicle.

Thoughts?

 

[friendly_jacek]

You didn't say what speeds you do on hwy. If speeds are moderate and not fully loaded, 0W20 should be probably OK. You can also go from 5000 OCI to 10000 OCI.

 

[oggb]

Highway: 70-75 mph

Never fully loaded (or even close). In typical Prius fashion it essentially idles its way down downgrades and does about 3000-3500 RPM on steeper uphill sections.

Plan on extending this interval out to at least 7500 miles. The Quaker State Ultimate Durability had been coming out looking like new oil. I suppose that can be good or bad, though.

 

[JOD]

thoughts?

my thoughts are that you chose a great oil for your car, both in terms of protection and fuel economy (regardless of the original spec).

I also think that the oil will save you fuel over the course of your OCI, enough to at a minimum pay for the difference in cost between the oils, and it may pay for the oil change entirely. That said, I also think that trying to tease out a difference that small by measuring miles per tank is like trying to weigh a dollar bill on a truck scale.

 

[oggb]

Originally Posted By: JOD

I also think that the oil will save you fuel over the course of your OCI, enough to at a minimum pay for the difference in cost between the oils, and it may pay for the oil change entirely.


The Toyota 0w-20 was $6.45 per quart. The cheapest I can find Quaker State Ultimate Durability around here is $7.50 per quart, so it's already a cheaper oil change. Sort of unbelievable, really, as the Toyota 0w-20 is a fantastic oil on paper.

 

[friendly_jacek]

Originally Posted By: JOD

I also think that the oil will save you fuel over the course of your OCI, enough to at a minimum pay for the difference in cost between the oils, and it may pay for the oil change entirely. That said, I also think that trying to tease out a difference that small by measuring miles per tank is like trying to weigh a dollar bill on a truck scale.


I think he may notice due to his short trips (under 4 miles). I wouldn't expect much difference on hwy. Prius is very good about showing minimal MPG differences on same trips.

 

[The Critic]

I'm a little wary about using thin oils on that engine since you occasionally read about oil consumption problems on these engines once they get into the 150k mile range.

 

[buster]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
I'm a little wary about using thin oils on that engine since you occasionally read about oil consumption problems on these engines once they get into the 150k mile range.



What about Hondas with 150k miles using TGMO 0w20?

 

[Cooker]

Originally Posted By: JRed
The cheapest I can findQuaker State Ultimate Durability around here is $7.50 per quart,


Wow. In my area there are two places right now where it can be bought for $4/qt. I will say I'm surprised how reasonable it is in my area.

Critic is correct. Personally I would stick with the Quaker State Ultimate Durability. The fuel economy gain fromQuaker State Ultimate Durability would be negligible IMO becasue the Quaker State Ultimate Durability is on the low end of a 30wt.

 

[oggb]

Just wanted to update this thread.

MPG with 0w-20 may have improved perhaps (From 50 to 50.5) 1%. After having read a few reports of high-mileage Prius (Prii?) burning oil as The Critic said, I changed the oil back to 5w30 (went with Castrol EDGE 5w30).

I have averaged 51+ mpg since the weather has been in the 80's-90's here.