Read a lot, now just curious for The Garage's feedback.

My '05 IS300 is coming up on 65k miles. I bought it at 50,000. I've changed the oil every 5k but not done much else ('cept rotate the tires once). Also due to lack of time and equipment, I've taken it to the dealer, since they also do their inspections every 5k (I bought it CPO). I'll be changing the oil myself this time, as I used to do with the Pontiac.

I've read about Royal Purple synthetic. Yea or nay?

Also, Red Line transmission fluid... I'm going to make the assumption that this car's trans. fluid has never been flushed. Based on other threads, I understand it's best to do it in the neighborhood of 50k miles or never do it at all. Should I have it flushed and change out for Red Line? (I will not being doing this part myself)

3/22/2009 10:24:09 AM

Don't waste your money with red line and royal purple. Just use any quality synthetic or you are just wasting your money for what you are doing. The only reason to buy these brands is if you can get them cheaper than anything else.
You should flush your trans every 30k or so.

3/22/2009 10:28:18 AM

^ Thx. Will definitely get the trans. flushed then.

I guess I'll stick to good old autozone Mobil 1. Any recommendation on a quality transmission fluid brand?

3/22/2009 10:39:05 AM

make sure to get one that wont eat your transmission. if you can use pennzoil synchromesh, I recommend it. dont forget the filter either (assuming you have an auto)

3/22/2009 11:23:07 AM

It is an auto. Why would I not be able to use pennzoil synchromesh?

Will be sure to replace the filter.

3/22/2009 11:35:52 AM

pennzoil synchromesh is for a manual transmission, it's not ATF. also, certain metals aren't happy with certain fluids.

3/22/2009 11:46:25 AM

Quote :

"Don't waste your money with red line and royal purple."

3/22/2009 12:10:16 PM

you need to check your owner's manual for the recommended transmission fluid. i'm assuming it's an automatic. if so, read on. i know toyota used to use their own "type-T" fluid. i read at one time it's manufactured by Mobil1 but i've never read any hard evidence of it. if your manual calls for the type-T fluid then i recommend going to toyota and buying it. it's ~$9/qt. but worth the money since it is fully synthetic and the fluid is designed for the transmission. do a google search to read more on toyota's Type-T fluid and to see why i recommend using it.

3/22/2009 1:19:30 PM

http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Other_Products/Mobil_ATF_3309.aspx

mobil makes a compatible fluid

3/22/2009 1:41:47 PM

I dont know why you wouldn't just go OEM for tranny fluid.

3/22/2009 1:45:46 PM

mobil is cheaper and better

3/22/2009 2:49:54 PM

^^well, that also depends on the situation. take my truck for example. it's equipped with an Allison 1000 6-spd auto. GM fills them with Dexton 6. Allison recommends Transynd full synthetic which is manufactured by Castrol. i'm following the manufacturers recommendation and have converted to Transynd.

^^^that's one the reasons why i think there is some validity to the statements i've read stating Toyota's transmission fluid is manufactured by Mobil Oil.

[Edited on March 23, 2009 at 8:42 PM. Reason : -]

3/23/2009 8:41:01 PM

not toyotas fluid, aisin's fluid

3/23/2009 8:57:43 PM