3,000 or 5,000 miles opinions please

I’m new to Tacoma’s AND Toyota so I’m not feeling this whole “you don’t have to change the oil till 5,000 miles” thing so I would be very grateful to everyone for their opinion on the subject. My 2005 GMC Sierra that I traded in for my new Tacoma had that engine oil life function on the odometer, and I would always change it at 3,000 miles. You can say “It’s hard to train an old dog new tricks” I won’t be offended. If anyone wants to weigh in on regular vs synthetic oil can feel free to do so as I haven’t hit my first oil change yet. The second thing Id like to mention even though I believe most would think “is this guy serious”? Just wanted to mention I really like the seat belt buckle holders in the rear seat are pretty cool in my opinion, gives it a nice neat look. Thank you guys in advance for your help, as you’ve already answered my questions giving me peace of mind. Be well, Jake.

 

5k is just fine, and the recommended interval. Relax.

 

Oh, and most are running full synthetic. The 2.7 engines come with synthetic from the assembly line, and 4.0 owners seem to switch over themselves sooner than later. I can't think of anyone offhand who is running dino, but I'm sure there are many. Majority don't, though AFAIK.

Mobil 1 is the popular brand here.

 

Relax op. Even GM now goes 5-6k on oil changes. My 2014 Silverado came with maintainence and you were allowed 2 oil changes a year recommended at 5-6k. Don't own it anymore thank god.

 

5k is the new 3k. It's no big deal really.

Mobil One is definitely the way to go.

 

OP - I am both anal-retentive and Obsessive Compulsive regarding oil and oil changes. For so many years, I did the 3-month, 3,000 mile thing. About 15 years ago, I finally got the nerve up to move to 5,000 mile changes. I always use synthetic (Mobil 1 or Amsoil). So, for the past 13 years, I was doing 5,000 mile changes. Incidentally, over those years, I had Used Oil Analysis performed. After literally close to a hundred of analyses over the years, I have NEVER had an analysis result after 5,000 miles that indicated the oil was exhausted or excessively contaminated. In all cases, the oil could have gone much further.

Now that I am older, and both my kids are driving, we have more cars in the family fleet. Even at 5,000 mile intervals, I was getting tired of doing so many oil changes, and quite frankly, at this stage of my life I really don't want to spend so much time maintaining the vehicles if it isn't necessary. So, I have started one year, or 10,000 mile intervals. I have done about 5 or 6 of these intervals across my family's fleet. I still have yet to see an abnormal analysis result, although a couple of times, there were indications the oil was just beginning to show signs of heavy use (still not close to abnormal).

I can understand you wanting to go no further than 5,000 miles, since Tacomas list that as the recommended interval. Trust me, any modern oil, even non-synthetic, can do 5,000 mile intervals with ease, unless you have some REALLY UNUSUAL operating condition.

 

Great post.

 

You will never taste freedom.

 

I change mine at 7.5K

 

Wow, a thread about oil changes. Who wudda thunk? Maybe next we will see one on floor mats

 

I go 6-8k on my oil changes. Rotella 5w-40 1 big 1 little blue container from walmart with OEM dealer filter.
Floor mats are dumb.

 

What does your owners manual say?? Probably says 5K.......

Things change over the years and not all manufacturers or vehicles are the same. My 96 1st gen was 3K.

 

Thats because in 1995 when your truck was rolling off the line the norm was dino oil at 3k for warranty sake.
5k-8k on synthetic is totally normal in a pinch, 5-6k should be the new 3k of days past.
Clean oil is the key, the harder you drive the dirtier it gets and requires changing at a lower interval.

 

my sienna minivan has 10k oci's I love it, Although they still want me to take it to the dealer every 5k miles to rotate the tires.

 

Also, I run dino oil at 5k intervals in my tacoma. synthetic to me is a bit of a waste of money.

 

I pay around:
$27 for all the oil needed for my oil change.
$5 for filter or so from Toyota
Equals $32 for self service synthetic.

How much does that dino oil change cost you?

 

Change every 5K or every 6 months.

I change every 6 months - just so happens I drive about 3K every 6 months.

Older driver.

 

Nothing wrong with that.... I used to change it about twice a year due to mileage (around 10k). A year ago, I took on a different job that was much closer to home (and no weekend work). I changed the oil in November not thinking about it. Well...it's already in July and I haven't reached 5K yet since November. Life got busy...and I suddenly realized....Is my 'Maintenance Required Light' broken or something?? Looked at my Maint App (where I keep track of everything) and I've only put on 3K since November. Geez......

 

Since my engines are all old 2000 and older I am in the 3months or between 3ooo to 4000 miles.

Now my driving for the most is brutal maybe 5 or 6 stops and starts in a 20 mile trip.

At this time I use Napa oil

 

3 for regular 5 for syn