Infrequent oil changes - how much of a concern on 4Runner V6?

[rstl99]

I'm making an offer on a Gen 4 4Runner with V6. Nice shape service records at dealer show that first owner was a lease, and oil changes done infrequently (once a year, every 10,000 miles or so). I know we're dealing with synthetic oil, but I'm wondering if that can of start in life could cause problems on a V6 later in life?
The second owner (who is selling the truck) seems to have been more regular in the oil change frequency.

Also, the truck is about 10,000 miles shy of a major service point (90,000 miles) where coolant, transmission and diff fluids would be replaced. If I acquire the truck should I baseline those fluids sooner than later, just to be safe?

Thanks

 

[co4wheel]

I doubt it. It's a yearly change minimum. The oil would not degrade. It's the filter that is the part that runs out of life first.

 

[TahoeLX450]

Not sure on the 4Runner. However, my Cayenne required oil changes only every 15K miles. It did have a 10 quart system and ran synthetic Mobile One as original equipment. So nearly 2xs the oil (if your 4Runner has a 6 quart system). Not sure if it makes a difference.

I suppose other factors is how the 4Runner was used: heavy duty like use trailering, off road, or severe weather conditions would dictate a need for more frequent oil changes, I would think, over freeway or light commuter use.

 

[rstl99]

Thanks guys. I did some research and indeed with newer vehicles (I'm an old car guy until this potential purchase), new engines, new synthetic oil formulations, manufacturer recommend longer periods between oil changes. This 4Runner was in all likelihood used 99% of the time for commuting or freeway highway, so that dispells my concern about the oil change records. Cheers.

 

[co4wheel]

Again, It's the filter that makes the change interval. So if the manufacture say 5K then THEY believe the filter only has the capacity to do it's job for 5K miles. Better filters more mileage. At some point the oil becomes the concern. But not in the first 10K miles on a good synthetic oil.

 

[rstl99]

Ok message understood about the filters. If I do buy this truck, can I assume the OEM Toyota oil filters are the best to use? I think I read that changing the filter is a bit of a pain on the V6 (have to remove part of the plating underneath), whereas it is a breeze in the V8.

 

[madtoy]

I think you have it reversed. It's real easy on the V6 - up top (edit - the 4runner is different than my old Taco - looks like both filters are on the bottom now). The V8 requires the removal of the front skid plate, or nimble hands and a bit of a mess. But not all that bad.

And yes - OEM Toyota filters are the best.

 

[chitown40]

4th Gen v6 has the filter on top. The V8 is tucked low and harder to get at.