OK, there are several threads on the 2010 synthetic oil debate, but nothing that address' -ALL- Toyota vehicles. So here goes. Just got the "club Toyota" magazine for fall/winter (this appears to be a Toyota Canada publication available online at clubtoyota.ca). There's a story in this issue entitled "Oil for the future". In there they say "If 5W20 engine oil is specified for your current vehicle, then it can benefit from using the new 0W20 oil." They go on to say it's a full synthetic with a different additive package. Starting in spring of 2010 it will be the specified oil for many new 2011 Toyota vehicles. They call it "TGMO 0W20", and say it has been the original factory fill engine oil in several models since 2006. OK, fine Toyota. Love it. Nice joke on the back page though, where oil and filter service is offered in the following options: 5W20 or 5W30 - (from) $38.95 (plus tax) 0W20 - (from) $55.95 (plus tax) synthetic - (from) $76.95 (plus tax) (disclaimer - Toyota dealers are free to set their own selling prices. Prices subect to change without notice. At participating dealers.) So what is it? $55.95 or $76.95?!! :juggle:
Apparently, in the USA (but not in EU), oil sold as "full synthetic" (or similar wording) can be Type/Group III oil, which is made from "cracking" (further refining) of normal oil, rather than being a "real" synthetic (Group IV or V) at all. So, in the USA, what you get when you buy fully "synthetic" oil ... apparently can vary widely.
