Adding on to what others said, but even if it is just labels and doesn't relate to base oils, the product labeled synthetic blend is a lower tier product with a lower tier additive pack that won't last as long as something that's labeled full synthetic. Doesn't matter how they got there, full synthetic is a term of art and indicator of real world performance.

You should use the higher tier product-something labelled full synthetic if you want to do 10k /12mo interval.
It makes sense to use blend if you are set to do do the 5k/6mo and dumping earlier than the book and you don't need the better longer lasting product.
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You can do out the math, and if you shop for oil on sale you'll find there is not a lot of price difference, this is just shaving a few dollars here and there. Ultimately you can do what you want, if you're changing your oil at all, your car will probably be fine.
but the theory and logic of the oil obsessives land to 2 camps that balance price and protection. Both make logical sense
Folks who change more frequently and use the cheaper lower tier oil; Folks doing extended oil change use the higher quality but more expensive oil.
The Lexus 10k recommended schedule is more aligned with the expectation of the 2nd camp.
If you want to become more obsessed, you could buy and bring the oil of your choice to your indy and tell them to use that. Filter too Don't expect to get all your money back though usually though they will only give a $5-$10 discount max when customers bring their own oil and filter.

 

I have (2) cars including my wife's RX and we both don't drive either vehicle 5k a year, but I change both with Full Synthetic every 12 months. I use Mobile 1 in my v8 and whatever Lexus uses in my wife's.
My 2cents

 

Amsoil is 100% synthetic oil, all made from synthetic products developed and made in Wisconsin USA. I've been using it for over 30 years.

 

I don't think so. I could not find anything in their literature saying they use only Group IV base oil (fully chemically synthesized). Today's fully synthetic oils are terrific. I am just saying that no one is using a base oil that is truly 100% synthesized.

 

I have used Mobil1 forever. I am convinced any brand of synthetic oil as long as changed per manufacturers interval will result in no engine problems. I use the law of diminishing returns. I buy my five quart jug at Walmart for $24. Twice a year they run a $12 rebate but even so less than $5 a quart. Amsoil is $16 a quart. No way more than three times better. Below some could argue not better anyway.

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/best-engine-oil/

 

Agree to disagree.

 

I've also been an Amsoil user for 20 years at least. Probably the issue is the definition of "fully synthetic". Because the manufacturers, including Amsoil, are so proprietary and protective of their formulas and processes, you're never going to read exactly what is in it and where each ingredient came from. The base oil may or may not have been synthesized or derived somehow from petroleum. Here's the Wikipedia article:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthetic_oil

 

When I was working and using my car a lot (average 60-80 miles a day). Then, I used Valvoline full syn and would change every 7500 miles. I believe I could go 10000 mile intervals if wanted. Now that I am retired and hardly using my car, I do regular oil and change every 3000 miles (this is for my new RX I bought last month).

 

I know, i know.Typo

 

If I were you (as they say!), I would still use synthetic and change it around 7500. JMHO

 

Just use an approved oil (see manual b/c Lexus is always right) and change it regularly.

If you don't keep your vehicle beyond 100,000 then it really won't matter which approved oil you use or if you change every 3000, 5000, or 10,000 miles.

It is the person that drives it the next 100,000 miles after you that may see the problems if they occur.

 

After I saw this (3:40 in) I was on board with the 5000 mile interval. Lexus is not going to do anything on engine oil related failures out of warranty with the 10,000 interval. If you don't believe the Car Care Nut, search for his engine tear downs showing what happens with 100,000+ mile engines with once a year or 10,000 mile oil change intervals. If you do the recommend 5000 mile factory service intervals, spend the extra $80 for the oil change if you keep your car for years or high mileage. Go to a Toyota dealer who does inspection, rotation, and oil change for ~$120-140, still cheaper than just the 5000 service at a Lexus dealer. If you lease, or get rid of cars under 100,000 miles then keep at 10,000 miles as it will not be your problem.

 

Thank you for this tip. It really works. Not sure why dipsticks don't come this way from the factory.

 

@Quantum501 do you have a link to buy the Toyota oil filters in bulk (10 pack) from the online dealership please?

 

I used to use toyotaparts.bochtoyotasouth.com Very good. Good prices, just the shipping charge was a pain. But ordered everything for my RX and our 4Runner, so shipping was like $20 on $200+. Just an FYI that apparently this place sold and is now called

https://parts.nucartoyotanorthattleboro.com

I have no idea if anything changed as far as prices or customer service.

Then I had to go to local dealership for coolant (which isn't shipped) and the guy matched all of the prices online. So now I just do that. Highly recommend a real Toyota dealership or in person to avoid counterfeit parts.