Well, the Toyota models that specify the synthetic are all pretty pricy ones, and the synthetic specified is "0W20."  I haven't seen any of that at the parts stores so far, but then I haven't asked for it, either.  Toyota is NOT one of the makers that includes a year's worth of oil changes in the purchase of the car.

I agree, no reason to switch to synthetic for a Vanagon, but lots of committed synthetic users around.

mcneely

---- Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> , Toyota only got on the "synthetic" bandwagon when they started branding
> the stuff under their own label and now they require it to keep the
> warranty valid for some vehicles.  Go figure.
>
> >
> > mcneely
> >
>   Maybe BP or Shell bought out Toyota (using their Petty Cash account) and
> decided to mandate the use of their most expensive oil....
>
>    "It's Just Business..."  (a joke)  Maybe they made a deal..Toyota...a
> kickback from Big Oil in return for putting that clause into their warranty
> requirements...I've come to realize that anything is possible when it comes
> to making money (for the Shareholders)
>
>    Most of Vanagons were built before Synthetic Oil even existed.   I don't
> see changing over to full synthetic would make much difference on anything
> except maybe a Bostig or a Subie powered one...
>   Don Hanson

--
David McNeely