Introduction
My car is a daily driver, It’s not turbo or supercharged. I don’t race or drive hard. I don’t have the need for more expensive and exotic motor oils (Motul, AMSOil, Royal Purple). In the early days I ran Mobile 1 5w-30 Full Synthetic religiously. Now a days (at 238k miles) I just use Costco branded Kirkland 5W-30 Full Synthetic with OEM Toyota oil filters.
UPDATE 12/2025, I am now using Valvoline Restore and Protect 5W-30
5W-30 motor oil brands I have used the past
-
Mobile 1 full synthetic (I was using this for a long time)
- Valvoline Restore and Protect (current)
Do I burn oil?
At the time of writing this article I have 238k miles on my 2006 Scion TC. I burn about 1 additional quart every 3000-5000 miles. I would say this is mostly normal for a car this age.
I change my oil and filter every 3000-5000 miles.
That means, I buy a full 5-quart jug for oil changes. My car takes 4 quarts during an oil change. That leaves me with 1 quart for topping off until the next change. It’s been this way for about the last 5 years.
Technically, the 2AZ-FE excessive oil consumption issue was for the 2007-2010 years, here’s the official Toyota TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) on that issue.
What kind of oil do I use?
I currently use 5W/30 Full Synthetic Kirkland (Costco) motor oil, and I don’t care what you think, it works for me. You can get TWO 5-quart handles for as little as $35.99 online.
Kirkland Motor oil comes from Warren Distribution which is the same distributor for Walmart’s branded Super Tech full synthetic 5/30. More than likely it’s the same oil, different package. Don’t quote me on this.
Here’s a great video on Kirkland vs Walmart motor oil by Project Farm.
What oil filter do I use?
I use OEM Toyota / Lexus oil filter p/n 90915-YZZF1 and I buy them by the case, you get 10 for about $50. $5 each. Make sure you buy from a Toyota dealer, there are knock offs (believe it or not) of oil filters. I’ve tried most of the other ones in the past, including Fram and K&N.
Do I use oil additive?
I’ve tried Lucas High Mileage oil stabilizer on 3 separate occasions. The oil burn would subside for the first few months, then it would be back to normal. I can’t justify using this on a regular basis every oil change even though it’s $12-15 a bottle. However, I don’t mind dropping it in once a year. This is my experience, yours may differ.
Replace the crush washer on the oil drain plug?
It’s recommended to replace the crush washer it during each oil change.
Torque Value of drain plug?
Magnetic Drain plug?
Yes, I use a magnetic drain plug. The thread pitch on the Scion TC drain plug is M12-1.25. Here’s the one I use – M12-1.25 Magnetic drain plug for the 2005-2010 Scion tC
Using different weight oil?
I’ve read about other drivers using heavier weight oils to combat their oil consumption. I’ve noticed most of these drivers are in harsher climate than me (San Diego). I see no point in chasing this down, so no. I stick to 5W-30 oil per Toyota specifications.
Total Cost of oil change
All said and done, my oil changes every 3000-5000 miles cost about $25.
