BEST engine oil to use for PT Cruiser 2001

[tvldeals]

I am a recent new owner of a 2001 PT Cruiser, which is now ready for its first oil change under my ownership. I was wondering what engine oils to stay away from and which are the better ones to go with as well as oil filters for same. Any advice from the group would be most appreciated!

[ATLPTGT]

I use Mobile 1 oil and filters for all my vehicles. I have found that Wal-mart of all places has the best price on the oil. (usually under $20.00 for a 5 quart bottle.

[quicksilverdon]

quote:Originally posted by ATLPTGT

I use Mobile 1 oil and filters for all my vehicles. I have found that Wal-mart of all places has the best price on the oil. (usually under $20.00 for a 5 quart bottle.

Agree 100%. I use K&N oil filters - either they or the Mobil1 filters are the best out there. Advance Auto carries K&N filters, I haven't found the Mobil1 filters - DO NOT USE Fram - they used to be good, they are now crap, running down the name.

[SteelBlueGT]

Let me say I use Mobil 1 in my GT with either K&N or Mobil 1 filters. BUT, if you drive normally at normal temperatures and not a lot of stop and go driving any premium grade of dino oil will work if changed every 3,000 miles.

[tvldeals]

So synthetic oil is better overall? I've read in the past that sometimes it makes things worse because its not compatible with the rubber seals in the engine, and degrades them. But if this is the best way to go, I have to trust you guys.

[rszappa1]

What you hear is about 20 years old and not true today....The bottom line is this...Use any name brand oil and a name brand filter...including fram and change every 3,000 miles and you will be fine...I use Mobile 1...and still change every 3,000 miles....but that is me...and dino name brand will do fine....the key is to change it at 3,000 miles with a new filter.....

[Cal Cruzer]

quote:Originally posted by tvldeals

So synthetic oil is better overall? I've read in the past that sometimes it makes things worse because its not compatible with the rubber seals in the engine, and degrades them. But if this is the best way to go, I have to trust you guys.

The only time synth is not compatible with rubber seals is in engines that are just totally sludged up from lack of maintenance and seals are degraded and the only thing keeping them from leaking is the sludge itself. Like a car that has 70,000 miles on it and never has an oil change. Put the nice fresh synth in and it will clean up all the gunk and old seals may leak. If you have maintained your car you should not have a problem.

[deederz]

I changed to Mobil1 at 300 miles and plan to keep it a long long time(the car, not the same oil!) Should be fine for a used engine as well.

[quicksilverdon]

quote:Originally posted by Cal Cruzer

The only time synth is not compatible with rubber seals is in engines that are just totally sludged up from lack of maintenance and seals are degraded and the only thing keeping them from leaking is the sludge itself. Like a car that has 70,000 miles on it and never has an oil change. Put the nice fresh synth in and it will clean up all the gunk and old seals may leak. If you have maintained your car you should not have a problem.
[/quote]
Agree 100%.
I have to tell my synthetic oil story. I had a '92 Dodge Spirit 4-cyl. that I got new. I always used synthetic oil in it. At about 150,000 miles, a valve guide worked loose. The mechanic had the head on his workbench and inside was all bright and shiny - I asked what he'd used to clean it up so well, and he said, "Nothing - that's how it came off the car" ! ! !
The engine was still strong in that car at 195,000 miles, when the transmission decided to stop shifting.

[tvldeals]

Thats great to know! Synthetic it is then! ;0)