Oil for 2006 toyota sienna

With some engine and racing experience behind me, I decided to look into quality oils for my Sienna. So, assuming you want the most life from your Sienna engine, I wanted to help fellow Sienna owners navigate through the endless choices of oil. Although your minivan could never (and would never) set foot on the race track, the same principles of racing – heat, stress and wear – apply to all vehicles.

Toyota Branded Oil (OEM) is a semi-synthetic blend. Not sure who Toyota uses to manufacture their base oil, although some research leads me to believe either Castrol or Exxon Mobil. Despite the marketing, Toyota branded oil is really nothing special beyond a good-quality semi. Although it has an additive package specific to your Toyota engine -mainly seal conditioners and detergents to prevent sludge. Most (if not all name-brand semi synthetics) should easily meet Toyota’s OE standards with similar additives.

Conventional Oil (i.e. dino oil) in your Sienna? Not so sure. Yes, it’s cheaper but that shouldn't be your only concern. Keep in mind, your Sienna probably left the factory with a semi-synthetic oil in the engine, implying that Toyota feels this type of oil is best suited for MOST applications. Additionlay, conventional oils can often lack the additives that Toyota specifies.

Full Synthetics? Maybe, depending on your use and location. I personally use either Mobil 1 or Valvoline SynPower, 5W-30 in my 2006 (depending on which brand has the best sale). They both perform well although Valvoline seems to provide more power while keeping the engine cooler. In comparison, my Toyota dealer uses Castrol Syntec, but Castrol is a BP product. After the Gulf Spill, I’m avoiding BP altogether. However, I live in South Texas where extremes in temperature and engine stress are common, so full synthetics are almost a requirement.

My concerns also include not causing warranty trouble. If I had a list of oils that met or exceeded Toyota's specs/requirements in every way, I might consider using non-Toyota oil if it were also significantly cheaper.

I have lots of time before I need to worry about it as mine came with two years of free dealer maintenance.

Oh, and I thought the 0w-20 used in the new Siennas was only available as a full synthetic?

The toyota 0w20 is a north american synthetic(cracked dino oil - not considered synthetic in Europe). True class 4 or 5 synthetics are few and far between in north america. A decent quality dino oil changed every 5000miles will probably do fine for 90% of these vans out there. If you tow or want extended change intervals, semi or full synthetics are the way to go.

Qest T. Silverclaw said:

My concerns also include not causing warranty trouble. If I had a list of oils that met or exceeded Toyota's specs/requirements in every way, I might consider using non-Toyota oil if it were also significantly cheaper.

I have lots of time before I need to worry about it as mine came with two years of free dealer maintenance.

Oh, and I thought the 0w-20 used in the new Siennas was only available as a full synthetic?

Qest T. Silverclaw said:

My concerns also include not causing warranty trouble. If I had a list of oils that met or exceeded Toyota's specs/requirements in every way, I might consider using non-Toyota oil if it were also significantly cheaper.

I have lots of time before I need to worry about it as mine came with two years of free dealer maintenance.

Oh, and I thought the 0w-20 used in the new Siennas was only available as a full synthetic?

To the point, you won't find a list of oils that Toyota exclusively considereds "equivalent" to Toyota OEM Oil. Auto manufactures want you to assume that "branded oil" is the only thing your engine can drink. Simply not true. In fact, My Toyota Dealer offers Castrol Syntec as an upgrade. Another dealer I've used offers Mobil 1. My vehicle was recently serviced by Toyota and I selected another Synthetic brand - no questions asked.

Here's what Exxon Mobil wrote in an e-mail reply when I had your same question:
"Yes, Mobil1 5W30 would meet your vehicle requirements and is an excellent choice. If your car maker recommends SAE 5W-30 ILSAC oil (starburst), we recommend Mobil 1 5W-30. You will not void your warranty.

And here's what Valvoline wrote in an e-mail reply to the same question:
"Thank you for your question. It is perfectly acceptable to use the Valvoline SynPower Full Synthetic Oil in your 2006 Toyota Sienna. If you choose to use a Synthetic Blend Valvoline recommends using our DuraBlend Synthetic Blend Oil. Both of these products will be more than effective in your Sienna.

Almost all auto makers suggest "Genuine Oil" - Toyota, Honda, etc,. Branded Oil (aka "Genuine Oil") is almost always "factory fill" on their vehicles, but that doesn't mean it's "the best oil in the world". And it certainly is not a warranty requirement to use it (unless your warranty contract states it in writing). To me, Branded Oil just seems like a way to create business for their service departments (since you conveniently cant find the oil anywhere else). You'll find however, MOST EVERY name-brand oil (Mobil, Pennzoil, Valvoline, ect.) will not void new car warranties. In fact, many quality name brand oils often EXCEED the warranty requirements for your vehicle. Either way, it usually will say that specifically on the bottle. But don't take my word for it, ask your Toyota Service Department. They should say the same thing.

While auto manufacturers promote use of the service parts and fluids which they sell - obviously - I would not consider for one moment restricting myself to their engine oil. There is no oil made for your Toyota engine, just Toyota-branded oil which is suitable; any oil which meets the specified characteristics (basically SAE viscosity grade and API service category) is fine. Of course, some oil products are better than others, but I see no reason to assume that Toyota's is best, or even best for our Toyotas.

I use whatever name-brand synthetic of the desired grade which I find at a good price.

Also, I suggest completely disregarding anything said by anyone at any dealership says about oil. I surveyed all of the local Toyota dealerships, and no two could agree on which grade (viscosity) was specified and preferred for my Sienna. I had a discussion of oil at a Ford dealership in which their staff demonstrated the same level of incompetence (regarding oil in my Focus), so I don't think this is specifically a Toyota issue.

By the way, I don't think typical racing conditions are very relevant to our Siennas. Race cars are more likely to have careful warm-up, and unlikely to be frequently started and stopped or idled for long periods. If one were to race a Sienna, the right oil choice for that use would likely not be the same as the best choice for the way we actually drive them.

Engines are so much cleaner running these days I've given up on worrying which oil might be a little bit better than the next brand. If changed at the required intervals these vehicles will still last a very long time.

Engines are so much cleaner running these days I've given up on worrying which oil might be a little bit better than the next brand. If changed at the required intervals these vehicles will still last a very long time.

Super Tech (Walmart) vs Mobil 1