No need to run synthetics right now. You're getting plenty of protection at 5K OCI's with Motorcraft or a Group II+ like Pennzoil yellow bottle. I've run both in my 2007 4.0 Tacoma and just turned 85K with no problems at all. You can get a 5qt. jug of the MC 5w20 for $11 or the Pennzoil for $12. Grab a MC filter for $3.50 and you're good. I'm running Yellow Bottle 5w20 right now during the Winter months and will switch out when I start towing my boat to 5w30 in the Summer. No worries running a SM rated conventional right now.
Originally Posted By: Catera
M1 Synthetic runs 22$/5Qts. MC is 15$/5Qts.
So at 5000mi, thats 0.004$/mi vs 0.003$/mi, I think I would use Synthetics any day, especially at such minimal cost difference.