Are OEM parts, fluids etc worth it?

Valvoline, Amsoil, and a few others make WS compatible fluid. Even the Amsoil is cheaper than Toyota.

As for OEM filters, don't buy directly from the dealer. A number of online retailers, including Amazon, sell bulk packs of the

$55 90915-YZZD3 Oil Filter 1 Case (QTY 10)

90915-YZZD3 filters for cheap.

 

Anybody use the Mobil 1 Extended performance oil filter? I get them for $7 when they're normally $12 because I buy my oil at the same time? Why would I want to use OEM rather then the Mobil 1 Extended Performance? Just wondering cause i never use OEM oil filters

 

There's a thread on here somewhere that shows just about every brand of filter available, INCLUDING the OEM Toyota filter. They're cut open, examined and rated. The Toyota oil filters are about the best available. It's one of those things Toyota does VERY well. I was a NAPA Gold filter fan prior to seeing that thread. Now I'm back to using OEM Toyota. But....IMHO, just about every name brand filter is adequate in normal service.

 

No need to continue using the Toyota brand products. Your is a 2007 and out of warranty. But a warranty is kept intact with aftermarket parts and fluids, if they meet the minimum requirements and receipts/logs are kept, that is my understanding. Point is that high-quality aftermarket products are just as good as the OEM stuff, most of the time.
I use the Toyota brand T-IV transmission fluid and the Toyota brand pink SLLC coolant. Otherwise I use any high quality parts and chemicals that are on sale. I think the manual has a minimum specification, check it out.

The Toyota filters are very good and can be had for cheap:

Amazon:

$31 Toyota Genuine Parts 90915-YZZD1 Oil Filter 1/2 Case (QTY 5)

http://www.amazon.com/Toyota-Genuine-Parts-90915-YZZD1-Filter/dp/B00A1XDD7I

$54 Toyota Genuine Parts 90915-YZZD1 Oil Filter 1 Case (QTY 10)

http://www.amazon.com/Toyota-Genuine-Parts-90915-YZZD1-Filter/dp/B00A1XDT40

At Rock Auto, the Denso filters are $3.09 each when you buy a case https://www.rockauto.com/

 

The fluids used by the dealer are standard, you can do better and you can do worse. The most important part is regular maintenance using compatible parts/fluids.

 

I only use Toyota oil filters and any of the drain plug gaskets (engine, diff, transfer or tranny). My local dealer sells all oil filters for $5. D3, A1, A6, doesn't matter and throws in the oil drain plug gasket for no extra charge. Can't beat that anywhere else!
Anything else lube/fluid/filter wise for me is best quality on sale.

 

I wouldn't use the cheaper Fram filters, but they do make the Fram Ultra (aka Xtended Guard) synthetic oil filter XG3614 for the V6 but also heard the XG3600 works as well, its just longer. Here is one cut open: http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/3308540/FRAM_ULTA_XG3614_cut_open

XG3614: http://www.walmart.com/ip/FRAM-Xtended-Guard-XG3614-Oil-Filter/16878928
XG3600:

$10 FRAM Ultra Synthetic Automotive Replacement Oil Filter, Designed for Synthetic Oil Changes Lasting up to 20k Miles, XG3600 with SureGrip (Pack of 1)

http://www.amazon.com/FRAM-XG3600-ULTRA-Spin-On-Filter/dp/B000C2ZKJM

I always try to balance price with quality. I was surprised at the build quality in a sub-$10 filter. It says 15k miles but I would only do that with Amsoil signature with normal driving, even if Amsoil says its good for 25k! I'm changing at 3k miles but almost at 3k miles and it still looks good. Might go to 5k. Next time though I will drop in the longer XG3600.

 

Usually there is no need to. I get my oil changed at Toyota for $13. There is no auto store that beats that price.

 

Yeah when you can get an OEM filter from the dealer for ~$7 and even cheaper online, and being that it's the best filter for my 2tr, that's what I go with.

 

I'm always interested in the individuals who claim OEM parts are superior to "aftermarket". Toyota doesn't make the majority of their products, so that means they are seeking parts from outside their facilities. As long as you buy a quality aftermarket part, you will be fine. Bosch, Wix, Denso, NGK, etc. are all trustworthy brands that will meets the needs you are looking for. The majority of big name manufactures have quality control, so you don't have to worry about defects as much anymore. I used to be the same way about OEM, but now I realize the cheaper/auto store brand will perform the job. Sometimes at half the cost.

 

Im glad somebody finally mentioned this. There are only a dozen or so manufactures out there. Its been a long time since I worked the auto industry but I remember store brands being made by major manufactures. The only shi+ products I was taught to avoid were store brand lubricants.

 

Yeah when it comes to oil I go with a synthetic brand I like and stick with it. No other options but synthetic if Toyota says you need

$60 0w-20 oil Toyota/ exxon mobil Case of 6 Quarts Full Synthetic TGMO SN 0W-20 Oil

0w-20 oil... I like Mobil 1 but that's just because I can find it redily

 

Is the oil change that cheap or similar in cost at every Toyota dealer? I haven't been to my local Toyota dealer since the purchase of this truck.

 

Only thing I religiously replace with OEM is oil filter and engine air filter. Fluids, such as oil and differential lubrication I buy whatever I can that is on sale (that is a reputable brand).

 

No... An oil change at my local dealerships runs $40+....

 

No. They want 69.00 for a synthetic change in Knoxville. You can get the regular for 49.00 on "special" sometimes.

 

Oil Change at Toyota here in CA is about 75 for oil and a rotation. I also comes with the complementary sales pitch about having to replace my engine and cabin air filter. I do it all myself now with top notch oil for 30 bucks.

 

I really appreciate the advice. I grew up doing my own service so I think I will get my filters from Toyota and just use quality fluids when needed.

 

Thanks!

 

My truck has the OEM pink coolant the reservoir is a little low can I mix the green or orange with it?