Yet another oil brand recommendation question

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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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I think that Amsoil and Red Line are probably what you're looking for. Everything except the XL line for Amsoil that is, which they fully admit uses a group III base.
 
I stopped using Syntec a few years back in my 04 Tundra because of the Mobil 1 vs. Castrol issue and switched to Mobil 1. Currently, I have Syntec Blend in my 89 4Runner because it was the best option available and I know Castrol makes quality products. I'm not convinced one way or the other on the Mobil 1 Group III vs IV/V thing and considered not running their oil, but the performance of the product speaks for itself. Rant: Keep in mind that ALL oil companies are crooked with a singular goal of stealing our money. I also have a difficult time with Pennzoil products, but I have run a Pennzoil labeled filter a couple of times as part of my therapy, maybe in the future...

Group IV/V synthetics include Royal Purple, Amsoil, Redline and German Castrol 0w-30. I don't know which is the easiest to get online and that may be the best way to choose. Just keep enough around for an extra change or two and it availability isn't an issue.
 
You typed a million words in your post - but never included saying why you need group IV over Group III.

The Pennzoil of today is now owned by Shell. No relation to the Pennzoil formulations of yesteryear. No reason to include any sludge talk for reasons of brand boycott.
 
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You typed a million words in your post - but never included saying why you need group IV over Group III.

The Pennzoil of today is now owned by Shell. No relation to the Pennzoil formulations of yesteryear. No reason to include any sludge talk for reasons of brand boycott.




I didn't say I "needed" Group IV, I just said that I preferred it, I also said that in my opinion Group III isn't really truly synthetic, and of course I also pointed out that there are those who would disagree.

As for my aversion to Penzoil, Penzoil may now be owned by Shell, which might be a good thing. I absolutely know that the PP you can buy today has nothing whatsoever in common with the Penzoil of the 1980s, except the Penzoil brand. My aversion to Penzoil is based 100% on predjudices I've had for decades. If the good people at Penzoil/Shell wanted the business of people like me they would ditch the baggage-laden brand altogether. Maybe some day I'll come around when it comes to Penzoil, heck I used to swear I'd never drive a station wagon and now I do so with pride so anything is possible.
 
You really should try modern Pennzoil, especially the 5W-20, which would be a good fit for your Mazda. I've heard several times on this board that among 5W-20's, Pennzoil is one of the best. You won't be disappointed.
 
I am currently running Pennzoil Platnium 5W-20 in my 06 Sebring. The engine is a 2.7L chain driven DOHC. This engine can be rough on oil, and the PP has perfomed well. Available at most parts stores, and Advance Auto will probably have on BOGO again soon. Grp III oils are good products whether "fully synthetic" is typed on the label or not. Everyone will have opinions concerning honesty in marketing, but then it is "marketing". Millions are spent to find the best way to get you to hand your dollar to them. I stocked up on PP during the BOGO because it was a good price for a darn good oil. That is the marketing that appeals to me. You have come to a wonderful site to soak up information about motor oil, the best by far. Just consider there are as many passionate opinions what's the best oil to use as there are brand names. I had the same question as you...and you can see where I have settled for now. Take the opinions and find what glove best fits you.
 
I just get the best I can get at $/qt. at the correct weights which are extreme; 20w50 (~$1 dino or synth) & 5w20 ($1-2 blend or synth); and run short OCI's (3-6K dino/synth).

My personal opinions are subject to engineering interpetation!!....unfortunately new data all the time and new deals all the time.
 
I won't use Penzoil or Mobil 1 for the same reasons you have posted. As for a new brand of oil, Amsoil, Red Line and Royal Purple are very good brands that have the weights you need. For a good group III oil the Amsoil XL line looks very good. I use the XL 10W40 in my E350 Ford van and the PAO 10W40 and 5W30 in the rest of the cars around the house.
 
I'll second Valvoline, i've always liked using that in my car. But i'm always willing to try something new, I have just about every other brand in my stash
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Maxlife when bought in 5qt jugs is *very* hard to beat for the performance/price. I'd run ML in all of those probably. Notice that the new bottles allude to the fact that its a syn blend with 12-22% PAO.
 
In Mazda3 Hatch, the car barely makes a sound using PP 5W-20. Smoothest oil I've ever used. So smooth it has even smoothed out my driving thus helping fuel economy also.
Overall awesome oil esp. @ it's numerous sale price points.
Why go for a blend when you can get a synth @ same price point.

& since it has been taken over by Shell, I have a lot more faith in their management of the Pennzoil technology esp. with their F1 background & good fuel performance testimony from Terry.
 
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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.




I could not agree with you more, and absolutely love the way you have summed this up.

I feel almost guilty every time I buy oil, because every oil brand on the shelves, is deceiving. Like calling an oil "truck and SUV" or "minivan" oil or "synthetic blend" and not mentioning what the ratio is, or not admitting that the base stocks aren't "true" synthetics, etc etc. Every bottle of convention claims the best performance, while the same brand offers a synthetic and claims that it's the best performing. So which is it? One of them HAS to be not as good, they can't go claim that both are the best?!?! lol....

I'm going to try to get my hands on some chevron 0w30 HDEO synthetic, I'm sure there are probably reasons to feel guilty about that stuff too... In time, I'll probably find myself using something like red-line, or Schaeffers, just on principal. I find it hard to even give amsoil credit in the "honorable" department because I haven't seen much evidence suggesting that it can actually hold up for the mileage they have been claiming for years.
 
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