[FoxNBox]

Today I called my Scion dealer to schedule my first oil change (at 3,000) and he told me that Scion/Toyota had changed their recommendations for the first oil change to 5,000 miles instead of 3,000 miles. What do you all think about this? Thanks!

[bB626]

it all depends how you feel. i did my at 2,500 miles. but changing at 5,000 cause no harm.

[TerribleTed]

New engines may have some debris in them from assembly, as well as assembly lubes etc. Most rebuilders recommend changing the oil on a rebuilt engine at 500 and then proceeding with a more normal oil change interval. I changed my Scion at 1500. I will change it again at 3,000 and then every3,000 thereafter. Prolly overkill but can't hurt. Many manufacturers recommend 5-7,000 interval for todays cars. They do burn somewhat cleaner than older cars did so maybe this is fine, but, oil and filters are cheap, engines wear less when they are clean. Clean oil means clean engine so I will spend the extra cash to change to oil a bit more often to ensure long engine life.

[AzCajita]

It also depends on were you live! I can only guess that extreme heat or cold breaks down oil quicker? I live in the desert in Arizona and feel more comfortable changing the oil every 3K miles.

[heathenbrewing]

Look what your owner manual has to say about "severe service". Most drivers fall under that catagory.

That said, you must also look at your driving habits, type of oil used (syn vs. dino), etc.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer.

[SLIMER]

I used to work for a dealership for many years, and I highly recomend you replace your oil and filter every 3,000 miles. Its relatively inexpensive and it cuts down on the friction in the crankcase, which prolongs engine life. If you have low mileage on your box you may consider synthetic oil, but if you choose this option it is best you stay with it for the life of the vehicle. (With this option you may prolong you service intervals to 5,000 miles with no re-percussions)

[Genesis_26317]

I use the same oil in my xB as I use in my Z06 Corvette (mobil one extended life 15k) and I was surprised that the xB says to change it every 5k while my Z06 says to change it every 15k.

It takes 500 miles to "break" the oil in anyway before it really is at its working at compacity. You shouldn't be out racing on overly fresh oil (like breaking in new brake pads, or rolling at least 50 miles on brand new tires).

I check the oil and at 15k the oil checks out just as well as when I go 5k on (the Z06) it comes out the same exact color, it is just as thick, smells the same etc. I don't really rape the engine though, I only go 80-70 mph (cross country military trips) in the Scion for ~8 hours straight and I almost never go over 150mph in the Z06...

Modern oil is really tough compared to cheap old school oil.

Though I still don't like to go 15k miles on it since it sits in the garage so much, I usually change every 5-7k. Though with the Scion I do what the manufacturer tells me to do.

[Skeeter]

I have never babied a new car, I have driven the hell out of, and have had no issues, my first oil change was at 5K miles.

[VivaLaTostador]

As long as you periodically check your oil level and use a quality lube, I see no problem going 5,000 miles between changes. I don't abuse my car and the oil is every bit as clean when i comes out as when it went in. As others have indicated, modern oils are a lot tougher than the old school stuff.

[Genesis_26317]

I don't really understand why in the word Toyota even mentions 5k miles on synthetic, either they don't have a well designed system (due to cost savings) OR that it really can go higher they just post it WAY low.

Identical engines, I mean identical too.

1999 LS1 F-body 7,000 miles
re-rated due to additional endurance research to
2001 LS1 F-body 9,000 miles
2001 LS1 C5 15,000 miles

The only "difference" you could quote in there that has testimony is the bat-wing oilpan in the C5 with an additional quart of oil capacity.

Otherwise its is just an electric throttle control, intake filter, and exhaust (i.e. nothing).

I think that Toyota rated it so low just because. I doubt extended oil life estimates are on the mind of a econo-car buyer while someone in a Lexus doesn't want to go out and change their oil ever 5k. (like why more expense though not always larger cars also have larger gas tanks)


My only other question is why in the hell does this engine require a freakin' 4.7 quart oil capacity????

[ctruss]

3000 for your first change then 5000 for every one after that.

[mikkoxB]

i have low mileage for i only drive tha box for short travels so 6 month intervals is fine right cuz i never hit 5k miles b4 that and will it do harm if i were to go pass 6 months and wait till i hit another 5k for my next oil change
i do every 6 months anyway but yeah just tryin 2 learn

[ctruss]

You really honestly could go more than 6 months between oil changes. If it took you a year or more to put 5ooo miles on your box I'd say follow the 6 month rules though.

[ugly_frog]

I change my oil every 3 months regardless the mileage..lol... ive had my box for a year and a half and seem no problem with my routine.... btw... i think she needs her purging again soon..

[quadoptix]

i usually do my first oil change at 1000-1500 miles. then its 3000 everyttime after that. the problem with the 1nz isnt the oil going thru the engine, its the filter that goes before the oil.

[AirecK]

every 5k here done at the dealer everytime....

[Genesis_26317]

Originally Posted by mikkoxB

i have low mileage for i only drive tha box for short travels so 6 month intervals is fine right cuz i never hit 5k miles b4 that and will it do harm if i were to go pass 6 months and wait till i hit another 5k for my next oil change
i do every 6 months anyway but yeah just tryin 2 learn

If you drive it regularly at for short distances, especially if you drive it through uber heavy stop and go traffic you should definately change you oil more frequently (5k or number of months recommended).

Turning off and on, stop and go, is wear and tear on the oil and engine. Plus if it get gloppy from sitting there for so long. Then it has to go right back to working at full capacity for a quick sprint at the engines full capacity (stop and go) then RIGHT back to stopping again at the point when the oil has finally hit it optimal temperature.

MY wife drives the Scion to work only three miles at an outside temperature of freezing and it never gets to heat up, all the while it has to go from 0-45 back to 0 over and over again. A nightmare situation for engine parts.

[imboxtin]

Did mine at 2800 miles now 4000 miles later i'm chaging it again anywhere
between 3k and 5k i say is good.

[solara2xb]

First oil change was at 2k miles... then 3k after that.. But i sit in allot of LA traffic going to and from work.. stop and go....

i also use mobile 1 syn oil...

[Thunderstruck]

Originally Posted by TerribleTed

New engines may have some debris in them from assembly, as well as assembly lubes etc. Most rebuilders recommend changing the oil on a rebuilt engine at 500 and then proceeding with a more normal oil change interval. I changed my Scion at 1500. I will change it again at 3,000 and then every3,000 thereafter. Prolly overkill but can't hurt. Many manufacturers recommend 5-7,000 interval for todays cars. They do burn somewhat cleaner than older cars did so maybe this is fine, but, oil and filters are cheap, engines wear less when they are clean. Clean oil means clean engine so I will spend the extra cash to change to oil a bit more often to ensure long engine life.

ditto...suggest you do it every 1500miles for the 1st 4500 miles..then go to 5k changes...all of todays motors can handle the distance along with the oil..