Is synthetic oil required? (Too lazy to check manual!)

i think so, but you're better off with it anyway, worth the extra $$$. there are threads her, i think walmarts has it on sale now and again.

 

Your Prius requires 0w20 weight motor oil which is synthetic. Synthetic is a little
higher than regular motor oil but only needs changing every 10,000 miles. So far the
best price per quart I found is NAPA auto stores, they had their brand, 0w20 synthetic oil for $3.49 / quart, which
is made by Valvoline....

 

You need 20W50 weight, year 'round. Trust me.

 

0w-20 synthetic is the right answer.

Amazon.com: Valvoline VV916 SynPower 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil - 1 Quart Bottle: Automotive

as an example.

 

10W-20 and 10W-30 are NOT what Toyota recommends in the manual. Like alfon and JimboPalmer said, 0W-20 synthetic is the right answer. So to answer your question above, No. Do not stock up on the wrong oil. There is no such thing as a good deal on the wrong stuff.

 

Walmart prices on 5 qrts 0W-20 Mobil1 consistently run less than $27 per 5 qt jug...a couple of jugs will probably last you well over a year. I've not changed the oil and filter on my 2013 since dealership will cover it for 25,000 miles but I'm prepared to do it myself and spend a total of no more than$35 per change...although I wish they had kept the standard filter instead of a cartridge since they tend to be messier.
Welcome !

 

I follow a just-in-time approach: getting oil, filter cartridge and drain plug washer all together from the dealership parts department, often on the day I do the change. I buy liters (qts in the States) of Toyota's oil, typically under $6 per.

(check the oil filler cap: it says 0W20)

 

Don't assume the oil is changed just because the light is shut off. Look at the invoice even though it is free. Happened to me the other day at the dealer and I said I want it even if I have to pay for it. Then somehow they covered it.

 

My local Toyota dealer charges less than $75 for that same service.

 

The light comes on at 5K mile, Toyota only changes the oil at the 10K mile marks, so if you want to change your oil every 5K miles you will need to pay for every other oil change. BTW Toyota oil is Mobil 1 oil. Dealer charges $75.00 for the oil change service.

 

Not disputing that (I use the Toyota oil), but just curious: any sources for that?

 

Toyota Dealers and techs will inform you that Toyota oil is made by Mobil. There is also plenty of information on this on the web.