Sister just got new car...need oil advice...

[drewjp]

Hey guys,

My little sister just got her first car, a 2001 Chevy Prizm (Toyota Corolla twin), and it has 78k on it....

I was thinking of doing the AutoRx treatment on it first.

Which oil should I use for it after that? Are high-mileage oils a bunch of empty hype? She kind of drives hard, so I was thinking a 4k OCI should be okay...I'm not interested in using synth really, unless it would help that much with this car that's seen a life of dino oil, I'm presuming...although maybe Supertech synth would be good...

Any thoughts here? Conv/HM/Synth? Brands?

Thanks,
Drew

 

[Mr Nice]

78K miles is considered low miles for a Corolla.

I would use the cheapest API oil you can find, its not like she has 150K miles. Any SL or SM rated 5w30 oil will do just fine.

 

[pscholte]

If you can find a good deal on Castrol GTX, use that. Second in line is Formula Shell or Pennzoil. Lastly Chevron. If you cannot find ANY of those at a good price: Havoline.

 

[02StangGT4Foam]

Pepboys and Kragen almost always have Castrol GTX 12qt case for $1.19/qt after rebate. Get your local Sunday or possibly Saturday paper for the coupons. You can get one case a month per address per store so it will be easy to stock up quickly and cheaply.

But to get to the question, definitely do an ARX, and also make sure you use a good filter. PureONEs are my fav.

Hope this helps.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

If she drives hard like you say, then I suggest M1 5w-30 for 6K changes. M1 and Toyota engines match quite well.

 

[Ken2]

Do the Auto-Rx cleaning, then use any good brand of oil for 5000 mile ODI.

So-called "oil for high mileage engines" is good if the engine needs it...worn clearances or burning oil. Your Toyota engine will need it in another 100,000 miles.


Ken

 

[drewjp]

Alright, I guess I'll go with M1 and 6k OCI...That's pretty much what I've done for years now...

Or we'll see how the PP holds up in my car and then it may be the Pennzoil!!

And Pureone is always my choice, too!

Thanks!