Synthetic Oil

When I picked up my 2012 Tacoma the dealer recommended synthetic oil, yet Toyota put conventional oil in the engine. According to the dealer I can switch over to synthetic anytime, won't void the warranty, but I would have to 'pay the different' for my oil changes as Toyota covers them for the first 25K or 2 years. If Toyota is recommending synthetic why do I have to pay for the 'difference?'

Also - found out that Toyota is phasing in or has phased in a more environmentally friendly oil filer. Basically the housing is modular and the only part that changes is the filter itself. Curious of any of you 2012 folks have the new filter system? Mine is uses the traditional filter system and I've been told by the dealer some of the newest Tacomas have the new modular ones.

12Tac

 

Replaceable filter element...........Hmmmm...........Sounds like what was used in the 30's,40's ,50's etc.....Caterpillar used them 'til about 1975. Just like your grandfathers clothes, everything is coming back into style!

 

X2

 

I use a full synthetic and change it every 10k, but to maintain your factory warranty I would just do whatever is cheapest that continues to qualify.

 

Toyota wanted me to pay the difference as well. I usually buy Mobil 1(or whatever decent full synth) when its on sale and just supply them with the oil and have them do it since i got the 2 year plan as well. After this year Ill just do it myself

 

Maybe just a clever way of upcharging you. I'm a huge synthetic fan, but suspicious about dealers (or oil change places) and the bulk oil they use...Is it really the same quality as something like a Mobil1? Is it a blend?

 

Try BMW, Mercedes, Porsche or Audi.
I loved how my prior BMWs had the oil filter in a housing on the top front of the engine. My wife's Merc has the same thing so I was excited to see that my new Tacoma has its filter right out front of the motor too (albeit not a drop-in style).

http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2007/audi/a4/engine_mechanical/oil_filter.html

 

I got a '12 recently too, but the oil filter on mine is just like the previous year models