2012 Toyota Avalon

[Doog]

Just bought one last week. I get Toyota care free oil changes & tire rotations for the first 25,000 miles (5k oci).

Should I dump the FF at 1000 then let them do the 5k services?

OR should I revert to my normal level of paranoia and DIY???

 

[artificialist]

I would say accept the included services, but carefully watch the lube techs. They may end up using the wrong stuff, and that could be a big problem if your car takes synthetic only, and I hear many new Toyota cars need 0w20 synthetic.

However, draining the factory fill early is a good idea, but it isn't necessary for long engine life.

 

[mareakin]

Can you tell us how you arrived at your decision to purchase the Avalon vs. the alternatives, vs. the new Avalon coming out in 2013, etc?

 

[simple_gifts]

I"d let them look it over for the first 20K.

Congrats on the new ride, I was wondering who bought it. 8)

 

[Doog]

Originally Posted By: mareakin
Can you tell us how you arrived at your decision to purchase the Avalon vs. the alternatives, vs. the new Avalon coming out in 2013, etc?


As Don Corleone once said..."I made him an offer he can't refuse." First off...I have wanted one for years...second..the deal was better than I ever imagined.

 

[Doog]

Originally Posted By: artificialist
I would say accept the included services, but carefully watch the lube techs. They may end up using the wrong stuff, and that could be a big problem if your car takes synthetic only, and I hear many new Toyota cars need 0w20 synthetic.

However, draining the factory fill early is a good idea, but it isn't necessary for long engine life.


This V6 calls for 5w30 every 5000 miles. Easy peasey.

 

[CBR.worm]

I rent those frequently. Very nice cars.

I don't know if it is standard or not, but I really like having the rearview camera display in the rearview mirror.

The interior feel of all the toyotas seems to have come up in this last generation.

As for the original question, it probably doesn't matter, but I would be inclined to change out the FF early, then let the dealer do the free services.

 

[Eddie]

Leave the FF in for at least 2,500 miles and let the factory oil do its' intended job of breaking in while protecting the engine. The FF has the anti-scuff additives and or assembly lubes in it to do the break-in. The very early 500 or 1,000 dump is not needed and is sometimes counter productive with our modern oil and engines. Old habits die hard here.

 

[Tones]

Eddie's advice is what I followed (and have followed for all my vehicles). Changed the factory fill at 2.5k, then dealer changed at 5k, then I did another at 7.5k before change at 10k. Its a very refined car. We love ours.

 

[Doog]

Originally Posted By: Eddie
Leave the FF in for at least 2,500 miles and let the factory oil do its' intended job of breaking in while protecting the engine. The FF has the anti-scuff additives and or assembly lubes in it to do the break-in. The very early 500 or 1,000 dump is not needed and is sometimes counter productive with our modern oil and engines. Old habits die hard here.


The break in period for this engine is 1000 miles according to the manual.

 

[moto94536]

I saw one in the parking lot. beautiful car.. engine is same as camry v6. oil change is every 5k.

 

[Doog]

Well I made it to the 1100 mark and since it was such a nice day...dumped the FF and refilled with QTP 5w30 from a rebate buy. The FF was jet black and the filter element had a lot of crud.

This is the 4th Toyota V6 I have broken in. All got the FF dumped at 1000 and none ever use any oil even past 150,000 miles.