I know this topic has been done to death, I've read through lots and lots of threads and still haven't found the answer I'm looking for.
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In the before time I used Castrol GTX on my 1978 Toyota Pickup, my 1990 Ford Escort and my 1994 Geo Metro and it worked fine.
When I switched to Synthetic (for longer OCIs) I went to Mobil1, for a while I used 0w20 but recently I have been using 5w30 in the winter and 10w30 in the summer.
Now my supply of Mobil1 is mostly used up, I'm concerned by numerous reports that Mobil1 has changed their formula to do exactly what they had in the past complained to (the FTC?) about their competitors doing, using Group III or lower base stocks while still billing the oil as "fully synthetic".
It's my understanding that ExxonMobil's official stance is that Mobil1 is "fully synthetic" but that they refuse to confirm or deny that the oil they use is 100% Group IV/V which to me is pretty much an admission that there is at least some oil in there that's Group III or lower.
I'm well aware there are varying opinions as to whether Group III oil can legitimately be called "synthetic". I can tell you that I personally do not consider Group III oil to be synthetic.
I'm also well aware that there are a large number of people who maintain that it doesn't matter what the oil is made of and that all that matters is the performance of the oil. This is certainly a valid point.
Personally I at least have to consider the ethics of the company I am buying from, if Mobil1 is indeed doing what they criticized in the past from others, without even the courage to admit it I can't in good conscience buy their oil in the future. If they would just come out and say "We switched to a Group III/PAO blend in our base stocks because it provides similar protection at a lower price" I could accept that but to me every time I hear them repeating the carefully worded lawerific evasive company line they look more and more guilty and more and more slimy.
Soo, I'm looking for a new oil to switch to;
I'm looking for something that ideally is available in both 5w30 and 10w30, but would be OK with something that's only available in either of those. I'd also consider 0w30, 0w20 and 5w20.
I'd prefer a Group IV/V but would consider a Group III blend.
If a Group III blend I'd prefer that it not say "full synthetic" on the label.
Penzoil Platinum, I've heard lot of great things about it but honestly I can't see myself putting any sort of Penzoil in any of my cars anytime soon. Regardless of how good their oil may be today (for the price) in my "formative" auto maintenance years Penzoil was the sludge generating junk that Arnold Palmer shilled for, old predjudices die hard. I fully recognize that stubbornness and closed mindedness are a personal failing but that's not going to realistically change anything.
I'd also prefer something I could possibly buy within a 20 mile drive of my house (I live in Southern California), but would resort to mail order if I have to.
I already have a standby oil, failing finding something better I'll just use Motorcraft 5w20.
Of course this is for my own car (2004 Mazda3), for my wife it's a whole nother Oprah.
We just bought her a new Toyota Sienna, with their history of issues I won't consider something other than 5w30 or 10w30 and really really really want a Group IV/V oil and an API SM certification.
Thanks!!
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In the before time I used Castrol GTX on my 1978 Toyota Pickup, my 1990 Ford Escort and my 1994 Geo Metro and it worked fine.
When I switched to Synthetic (for longer OCIs) I went to Mobil1, for a while I used 0w20 but recently I have been using 5w30 in the winter and 10w30 in the summer.
Now my supply of Mobil1 is mostly used up, I'm concerned by numerous reports that Mobil1 has changed their formula to do exactly what they had in the past complained to (the FTC?) about their competitors doing, using Group III or lower base stocks while still billing the oil as "fully synthetic".
It's my understanding that ExxonMobil's official stance is that Mobil1 is "fully synthetic" but that they refuse to confirm or deny that the oil they use is 100% Group IV/V which to me is pretty much an admission that there is at least some oil in there that's Group III or lower.
I'm well aware there are varying opinions as to whether Group III oil can legitimately be called "synthetic". I can tell you that I personally do not consider Group III oil to be synthetic.
I'm also well aware that there are a large number of people who maintain that it doesn't matter what the oil is made of and that all that matters is the performance of the oil. This is certainly a valid point.
Personally I at least have to consider the ethics of the company I am buying from, if Mobil1 is indeed doing what they criticized in the past from others, without even the courage to admit it I can't in good conscience buy their oil in the future. If they would just come out and say "We switched to a Group III/PAO blend in our base stocks because it provides similar protection at a lower price" I could accept that but to me every time I hear them repeating the carefully worded lawerific evasive company line they look more and more guilty and more and more slimy.
Soo, I'm looking for a new oil to switch to;
I'm looking for something that ideally is available in both 5w30 and 10w30, but would be OK with something that's only available in either of those. I'd also consider 0w30, 0w20 and 5w20.
I'd prefer a Group IV/V but would consider a Group III blend.
If a Group III blend I'd prefer that it not say "full synthetic" on the label.
Penzoil Platinum, I've heard lot of great things about it but honestly I can't see myself putting any sort of Penzoil in any of my cars anytime soon. Regardless of how good their oil may be today (for the price) in my "formative" auto maintenance years Penzoil was the sludge generating junk that Arnold Palmer shilled for, old predjudices die hard. I fully recognize that stubbornness and closed mindedness are a personal failing but that's not going to realistically change anything.
I'd also prefer something I could possibly buy within a 20 mile drive of my house (I live in Southern California), but would resort to mail order if I have to.
I already have a standby oil, failing finding something better I'll just use Motorcraft 5w20.
Of course this is for my own car (2004 Mazda3), for my wife it's a whole nother Oprah.
We just bought her a new Toyota Sienna, with their history of issues I won't consider something other than 5w30 or 10w30 and really really really want a Group IV/V oil and an API SM certification.
Thanks!!
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