It will soon be time to do the first engine oil change on my 2013 series 20 Alphard. 2.4L (non-hybrid). I understand that 5w 30 oil is the best, but should I go fully or semi synthetic? Any advice on brand would also be helpful, (Mobil 1 or Toyota Castle for example). Any suggestions would be appreciated. 

Hi Alan!

Fully synthetic. 

I use the brand from my local autofactors, that the manufacturer lists to meet the specification for my engine type, the 2GR-FE.

For the weight they say 5W-30, and I choose to use this as it's available in a 20 litre drum, because I change oil in all my vehicles far more often than routine!

According to the JPNZ manual, yours, the 2AZ- FE engine, says

"0W-20 is the optimum oil for this vehicle"

But - 5W-30, and 10W-30, are listed too.

As usual there is the little chart with ambient temperature and oil weights, but all of them are good down to at least -20°C and up to over 40°C.

However, for mine the JPNZ says 5W-20 and I use 5W-30, so..... your choice!

12 hours ago, BigNev said:

Hi Alan!

Fully synthetic. 

I use the brand from my local autofactors, that the manufacturer lists to meet the specification for my engine type, the 2GR-FE.

For the weight they say 5W-30, and I choose to use this as it's available in a 20 litre drum, because I change oil in all my vehicles far more often than routine!

According to the JPNZ manual, yours, the 2AZ- FE engine, says

"0W-20 is the optimum oil for this vehicle"

But - 5W-30, and 10W-30, are listed too.

As usual there is the little chart with ambient temperature and oil weights, but all of them are good down to at least -20°C and up to over 40°C.

However, for mine the JPNZ says 5W-20 and I use 5W-30, so..... your choice!

Thanks Neville, I was considering changing it every 6 months, as suggested by others on the forum. I think will go for the 5w-30. Are filters readily available?

 

That seems very reasonable to me😃

 

I don't know personally, but that engine goes in lots of models, so I just had a quick look on ebay against the engine type, and there's plenty of options coming up.