Hey Scotty: I have a 2000 Toyota Echo and would like to know what kind of oil would be best for it? I bought this car about 6 months ago with about 102,000 miles on it. I don't know what kind of oil is in it currently. I still have about 2,000 miles before it needs the oil changed so I want to make sure I put the right oil in it. I remember hearing you say that older cars were not necessarily made to use synthetic oil. I would really appreciate your opinion and perhaps a name brand or two of oil. I use Toyota oil filters and have the gasket for the oil pan bolt changed every oil change. Don't know if this matters, but I live in Missouri. Pretty hot in summer and pretty cold in winter. I live in a small town where it can get pretty dusty so should I use an oil with good detergent additives? Thanks!
P.S. I would change my own oil, but I don't have ramps or a lift. I tried doing it once and I just couldn't reach the oil pan plug. I'm kind of scared of using ramps or a lift because I've never done that before. By the way, I'm a 60+yr. old single lady. If someone would let me rent out their service bay lift to do this, I would. Believe me, I've asked at least 5 shops. Thanks!
The owner's manual recommends 5W30 oil. See owner's manual page 190 (191 of the PDF) for details, link below:
https://www.carmanual.org/toyota-owners-manuals/2000-toyota-echo-owners-manual-3887/
A synthetic blend oil should be fine for that car. Any good local mechanic should be able to change the oil on that car for a reasonable price. Stay away from "quick lube" joints and chain shops - lots of horror stories from those places. (You're not likely to find any willing to let you use their equipment due to liability/insurance concerns.)
Your owner's manual will answer this question. If you don't have one, they are available free, online in pdf format. Good luck.
