I have a 2005 Prius with 210k miles on it. I use it to Uber and Instacart and put about 500-700 miles on it a week. I'm going to change my own oil this weekend and would like suggestions on what would be the best. Also to note, the engine burns oil. About a quart every 1500 miles or so.
When it gets to the point of using a quart in 1500 miles, I suggest that a heavier "high mileage" oil would be appropriate. Something like 15W40 maybe. OR if you are not concerned about adding a quart every 3 weeks or so, just keep using the oil that is recommended. "High mileage" oil might slow down the consumption; it might not too. But it certainly won't hurt anything.
Yeah "high mileage" oil is kind of a one-way thing, swells rubber seals compared to regular oil, and once you start with it you best stick with it. Reverting to regular oil the oil consumption could increase with a vengeance. But when you're into such high consumption, it's probably for the best: the engine is getting near "terminal" anyway.
Extra-virgin olive would be a poor choice. Barring that, for a car that uses oil, you want something good but cheap. I'd try Wal*Mart SuperTech High Mileage.
I assume that is what "the book" recommends. And some people seem to persist in thinking that their car will explode if they use a different weight oil.
The 2nd gen Owner's Manual spec's 5W30. Not sure how critical that is though: it seems with every gen they spec a thinner oil.
Well then his plan is NOT good. Absolutely NO reason to start using a thinner oil in an old engine that is showing signs of wearing out.
