About to do first oil change in the Vibe -- what do?

"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
12/26/2015 at 12:50 • Filed to: Oil change

It’s been 3,500 miles and a little under 3 months since we bought it, and I’m wanting to change the oil. Manual recommends 5,000 mile intervals, but I just can’t stomach that, especially with the 1zz’s reputation for burning oil as a result of initially excessively long intervals.

The salesman said I should do a synthetic blend 5w-30 every 5k miles and never have a worry. I’m used to doing conventional every 3k miles. I am very good with staying on top of my intervals, so I guess what I care about more is preventing this little engine from developing oil consumption issues to being with.

We have some corolla/vibe/celica/matrix owners on here, as well as people who actually know stuff about cars (not me)... What’s your input? Just do what you feel and stay on schedule?

DISCUSSION (12)

Urambo Tauro > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
12/26/2015 at 12:58

Who do you trust more: a car salesman or internet commenters?

Urambo Tauro > Urambo Tauro
12/26/2015 at 12:59

FWIW, I’d go with whatever the manual says.

whoarder is tellurium > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
12/26/2015 at 13:02

Synthetic is best and would recommend for most vehicles. However, most generic low output Japanese 4 cylinders are just fine on good quality conventional (Like Castrol GTX, or etc) oil and as long as it meets the manufacturer’s oil grade req’s.

Personally, I go roughly 4,000mi or so between changes on most vehicles. (with the exception of one)

shop-teacher > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
12/26/2015 at 13:03

Does the manual specify syn blend? If so, stick with it. You won’t do any harm using shorter intervals, but I wouldn’t downgrade the oil you’re using

If it doesn’t sprcify, you’re probably fine either way. I do full synthetic every 6 months (mileage for is is usually under 4k for me in that time frame).

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Urambo Tauro
12/26/2015 at 13:05

I am turning to oppos here. When looking up other forums for the Vibe, I am overwhelmed by each individual’s “magic formula” for the 1zz, including users who change oil types several times in a calendar year.