Engine oil prices doubled, which one to choose now?

[Nomad]

Hi all,

I own two Toyotas, MR2 and Avensis, both with 1zz-fe engines. Oil changes are carried out every 5-6k miles. (Avensis works out twice a year due to the milage and MR2 only once a year).

I've been using PETRONAS Syntium 3000 FR 5W-30 Fully Synthetic engine oils for years on my Avensis and now that I own a MR2 it gets it too.

The problem now is that the PETRONAS oil has doubled in price in the last months (From £26 to £51) for 5 ltr.

I don't want to compromise on quality of oil and the frequency of oil change intervals but equally it is getting a little bit expensive to stick with this brand.

Are there any good alternatives?

[Ardent]

That's some price change. 


I'm loathe to recommend previous oils I've used, in case may have gone the same way.

[Carolyn]

All the good oils are in the same price range.  Hey, you don't buy oil that often!!!

[Iain]

Fuchs titan pro is about £40 for 5 litres, used it for a long time. But any decent branded oil is good enough, especially when changing it so frequently.

[Ardent]

Have used Fuchs super syn. Had no issues with that.

And let's not forget these are eco engines not highly strung performance engines. Mr T's own specified oil is only a semi synthetic.

[Ardent]

Not sure if oil keeps, but 3x5 litres. And only need 3.7 to change. Like the 4th change is free.

[Joesson]

Engine oil can last between 2 to 5 years when sealed in its container, depending on the type of oil and storage conditions. Fully synthetic oils may last even longer, up to 7 to 8 years.
 Autodoc

And that is from a company that wants to sell the stuff.

@jvanzyl
Our resident chemist may be able to advise?

[jvanzyl]

 The word "can" would imply a variable here in quality. No idea which brands "can".

[Joesson]

Maybe better then to use non synthetic mineral oil, the basis for that is millions of years old!

[Joesson]

My two pence worth would be that any inert product in a closed container will be degraded only by the air/ oxygen remaining in the free space of the container.
I do know that I used 5L containers of ( Mobil) oil for around 10 years in my 2, the remainder used the following year with the start of a new container.
Once or twice I used the same oil for an interim oil change in my daily when I was doing more miles a year.
The garage that services the car each year uses Castrol.
The engine is on around 130 k now and uses little/ no oil a year.
High priced oil at manufacturers recommendations or lower priced oil more frequently has long been discussed, with I believe the verdict being good quality oil / as specified oil with its benefits gives longer engine life.
Have a look in your fridge and check the best before dates!

[Ardent]

Completely off topic. So expecting a slap. But makes me smile that some cheeses are aged for 2years, then once opened consume in 2 weeks.

[Gaz mr-s]

Maybe better then to use non synthetic mineral oil, the basis for that is millions of years old!

No.

[Joesson]

No.

Agreed.
The talk was of life of product in the container.
I wasn't advocating it's use, hence the exclamation mark.

[Gibla]

Haven't spotted oil prices doubling from my usual supplier(Opie Oils) ,but availability has definitely been affected, with some of my preferred oils out of stock. 

Personal preferences are for Millers CFS 5w-40 Nanotech + Fuchs Titan Race Pro S 5w-40

which are 'heavier' than the 5w-30 as recommended by Toyota, but both oils produce outstanding results in every car I own ....

ps it was the Millers that is/was 'out of stock'

AI impressions of these oils here

Both Millers Oils CFS 5w-40 NT+ and Fuchs Titan Race Pro S 5w-40 are exceptional, ester-based full-synthetic engine oils that offer elite protection for the high-revving 1ZZ-FE (or 2ZZ-GE swapped) engines found in your [Toyota MR-S](https://www.google.com/search?q=toyota+mr-s&kgmid=/g/1238507j#sv=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) and 2004 MR2 MK3. Because both lubricants are formulated with high-quality ester base stocks and robust anti-wear additive packages, they are uniquely suited to handle the thermal stresses of a mid-engine sports car layout, especially during spirited driving or track days. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Here is a detailed breakdown of how your preferred oils perform in the MR2 platform and things to consider for your oil change intervals.
## How Your Preferences Match the MR2 MK3

*
* Millers Oils CFS 5w-40 NT+ (Nanodrive): This oil is highly regarded for its ultra-low friction technology. The nanotech additives significantly reduce friction at high operating temperatures, which can translate into sharper throttle response, slightly lower oil temperatures, and maximum component longevity under race conditions. [6, 7]
* Fuchs Titan Race Pro S 5w-40: Formerly known as Silkolene, this oil is a legendary ester-synthetic formulation. It offers incredible shear stability, meaning the oil will not easily thin out or break down when you are pushing the engine hard near the redline. It provides a exceptionally strong oil film to protect bearing journals. [8, 9, 10]
* Viscosity (5w-40) Choice: While Toyota originally specified a 5w-30 or even 0w-30 for fuel economy in standard commuting, upgrading to a 5w-40 weight is a very common and smart choice for enthusiasts. The 40-weight top-end provides an extra layer of protection against oil thinning when the mid-engine bay gets hot. [11]
*

## Key Maintenance Considerations for the MK3 Platform

*
* Pre-Cat Awareness: The 2004 model year benefited from Toyota's updated piston ring design, which significantly fixed the notorious oil-consumption issues found in 2000-2002 models. However, if your [MR-S](https://www.google.com/search?q=mr-s&kgmid=/g/1238507j#sv=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-mp6FBQ) is a pre-2003 model, keep a very close eye on your oil levels, as high-zinc/phosphorus (ZDDP) racing oils can accelerate catalytic converter degradation if the engine burns oil.
* Warm-Up Procedure: Because these are high-performance 5w-40 ester oils, ensure you let the engine reach full operating temperature before pushing it hard. Ester oils stick to metal components incredibly well, providing great dry-start protection, but they flow and protect best once warm.
* Change Intervals: While these oils are incredibly durable, high-ester racing formulations often contain fewer long-life detergents than standard road oils. If you are doing short trips or occasional track days, aim to change the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first.
*

To help you get the best setup for your next service, would you like me to find the best places to purchase these specific oils online, or are you looking for high-quality oil filter recommendations (like Denso or TRD) to pair with them?

[1] [https://www.coxmotorparts.co.uk](https://www.coxmotorparts.co.uk/product/vw-shop/oil-fluids/millers-oils/millers-oils-motorsport-cfs-5w40-nt-fully-synthetic-engine-oil-1-litre-7963/)
[2] [https://www.opieoils.co.uk](https://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-115238-millers-oils-motorsport-cfs-5w-40-nt-nanodrive-fully-synthetic-engine-oil.aspx)
[3] [https://www.millersoils.co.uk](https://www.millersoils.co.uk/products/cfs-5w40-2/)
[4] [https://www.coxmotorparts.co.uk](https://www.coxmotorparts.co.uk/product/generic-exclude-rest-of-world-shipping/non-honda-products/millers-oils-non-honda-products/millers-oils-motorsport-cfs-5w40-nt-fully-synthetic-engine-oil-5-litre-7963/)
[5] [https://gt4-play.co.uk](https://gt4-play.co.uk/shop/fuchs-titan-race-pro-s-5w-40-oil-fuchs)
[6] [https://www.millersoils.co.uk](https://www.millersoils.co.uk/products/cfs-5w40-nt-2/)
[7] [https://www.coxmotorparts.co.uk](https://www.coxmotorparts.co.uk/product/generic-exclude-rest-of-world-shipping/non-honda-products/millers-oils-non-honda-products/millers-oils-motorsport-cfs-5w40-nt-fully-synthetic-engine-oil-5-litre-7963/)
[8] [https://gt4-play.co.uk](https://gt4-play.co.uk/shop/fuchs-titan-race-pro-s-5w-40-oil-fuchs)
[9] [https://www.amazon.co.uk](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Titan-Fully-Synthetic-Engine-Litre/dp/B00VTR3PCI)
[10] [https://shop.grahamgoode.com](https://shop.grahamgoode.com/millers-cfs-5w40-nt-engine-oil---fully-synthetic-80990-p.asp)
[11] [https://www.autopartspro.co.uk](https://www.autopartspro.co.uk/tips-advice/which-engine-oil-is-the-best-test-compare-and-select-the-best-engine-oil-manufacturers-3132)

[Ardent]

Having recently bought the ravenol power steering fluid, whilst on their site, I thought might as well buy their oil.

Not widely advertised, if at all.

Very happy with it. When you've lived with a car for so long, just can just tell when it's in a happy place. All subtle stuff, smoothness, quieter little things but you know the oil is doing its job.

[Joesson]

Reference Ravenol as mentioned in @ Ardent  's post , I do like that they seem to produce specific products for specific needs.

[Joesson]

Further to the above discussion of engine oil life, this statement from Ravenol:

Where a date is shown on Ravenol lubricants it is the production date, NOT to be confused with best by or best before. Please be assured that so long as the product is stored unopened in a dry place out of direct sunlight it can last up to five years from the production date.