Synthetic Oil

Oil of Choice

  • Castrol Syntec/Edge

    Votes: 254 8.4%
  • Royal Purple

    Votes: 344 11.4%
  • AMSOil

    Votes: 428 14.2%
  • Valvoline Synpower

    Votes: 174 5.8%
  • Mobil 1

    Votes: 1,077 35.7%
  • Other

    Votes: 737 24.5%

  • Total voters
    3,014

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Burla

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2010 Hemi Reg Cab 4x4
Engine
Hemi
Even the mighty brands fall, having a conversation with Corey and the apparent fact that the 8 speed from ram/jeep is better then the new 9 speed on toyota's like the new rav 4. If you recall I test drive one about 6 months ago and the main reason I didn't buy it was the transmission plus the front end handling. I thought I was going crazy or something the 9 speed was so horrible. You press the gas it would spin and rev with no power to the wheels. Whelp, now they have been out a while and so glad I didn't buy it and glad I test drove it. The opposite seams true with the 8 speed, when all is said turning out to be a killer trans, except for fluid changes that is..

so glad I test drive one, we were so close to buying that rav 4, whew...

Toyota's new 9-speed (and 8-speed) transmissions, are facing significant issues like premature failure, harsh shifting, slipping, and even complete shutdown under warranty, often linked to debris, heat, software, or component defects, leading to owner frustration and poor reliability ratings despite routine maintenance.
Common Problems & Symptoms:
  • Premature Failure: Failures reported under 1,000 miles on new models.
  • Harsh/Erratic Shifting: Late shifts, revving high, jerking, hesitation, or slipping gears.
  • Limp Mode: Vehicle restricts speed to protect the transmission.
  • Noises/Vibrations: Shuddering, clunking, grinding sounds, or vibrations at speed.
  • Warning Lights: Check Engine or specific transmission lights.
  • Fluid Issues: Leaks, burnt smell, or low fluid levels.
Reported Causes (Especially for Newer Models):
  • Manufacturing Debris: Metal shavings from inadequate cleaning before assembly.
  • Software Glitches: Incorrect programming causing torque converter/clutch issues.
  • Heat Buildup: Excessive heat burning fluid, damaging clutches.
  • Component Defects: Faulty solenoids, sensors, valve bodies, or torque converters
 

Burla

Senior Member
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2010 Hemi Reg Cab 4x4
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Hemi
Never thought I would be grateful for the cross cvt.

Consumer reports says pass on rav 4 one reason what I was saying about handling..

Based on our road test of the RAV4, ride quality is one of its lows. It absorbs bumps and ruts reasonably well, but you can feel some cracks in the road and expansion joints in the cabin, which will abruptly pitch. The current generation’s ride quality took a step backward compared to past models. Now, it’s jumpy even on certain pavement surfaces.

Common Toyota RAV4 issues include engine oil consumption and leaks, water pump failure, and transmission problems such as harsh shifting and failures. Other reported problems include electrical system failures, particularly in hybrid models, infotainment connectivity issues, and issues with power liftgates.

Engine and drivetrain

  • Oil consumption and leaks: Some RAV4 engines are prone to excessive oil consumption and leaks.

  • Water pump failure: Water pump failures have been reported across many model years.

  • Transmission problems: Transmission issues are common, with specific problems varying by model year. Some older models have suffered from harsh shifts and ECU failures, while newer 8-speed transmissions have been linked to whining and bearing issue
And the "new rav 4" it gets worse 2026, to my knowledge didn't fix the issues plus no more gas only rav 4's, only hybrid. Which takes the old base MSRP from 29.9k to 31.9k. There is nothing resembling the reasons why I have been a rav 4 fan and owner in new rav 4s, it's a hard pass fellas.


On the other hand, the Cross has no known issues but for lag with the cvt, which I had also noted in my test drive. Man it's so important to test drive those vehicles and pay attention, once you sign it it's too late. We were so sure we were going to buy that rav 4, the best selling vehicle in the USA has went to hell!

.
 
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turkeybird56

Military Vet 1976-1996 Retired US Army
Air Force Army Law Enforcement
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Ram Year
2019 Bighorn, 4 X 4, 3.21 rear, Bright Flame Red Pearl Coat, Mopar tonneau cover,Westin Bed rug
Engine
Hemi 5.7
People think owning a car is expensive? Wait 'til they try a hayburner.
PPL have NO CLUE as to the expense of having a Hay Burner. The setup depending upon where U live is atrocious. And if U not got a lot of acres, the upkeep get U too!!! The time required is also a constant. But alas, PPL think owning a Hoss is a tax break, NOT. IN TX just having a hossie no tax breaks or exemptions, they R considered pleasure use. Too funny. Heck, over 1/3 of my garage and (2) sheds devoted to hossie, hee hee. We did have (2), but I lost my gelding but still got Momma's Big AQHA. Just a few pics to enlighten folks.
 

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turkeybird56

Military Vet 1976-1996 Retired US Army
Air Force Army Law Enforcement
Joined
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Posts
25,881
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Location
Central Texas
Ram Year
2019 Bighorn, 4 X 4, 3.21 rear, Bright Flame Red Pearl Coat, Mopar tonneau cover,Westin Bed rug
Engine
Hemi 5.7
Have to corral ourselves one of them thar wild mustangs in New Mexico.
U might wanna rethink that crazy thought, roflmao.
 

HEMIMANN

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 7, 2020
Posts
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Location
Minneapolis, MN
Ram Year
2017 2500 Laramie Crew Cab
Engine
6.4L HEMI
Never thought I would be grateful for the cross cvt.

Consumer reports says pass on rav 4 one reason what I was saying about handling..

Based on our road test of the RAV4, ride quality is one of its lows. It absorbs bumps and ruts reasonably well, but you can feel some cracks in the road and expansion joints in the cabin, which will abruptly pitch. The current generation’s ride quality took a step backward compared to past models. Now, it’s jumpy even on certain pavement surfaces.

Common Toyota RAV4 issues include engine oil consumption and leaks, water pump failure, and transmission problems such as harsh shifting and failures. Other reported problems include electrical system failures, particularly in hybrid models, infotainment connectivity issues, and issues with power liftgates.

Engine and drivetrain

  • Oil consumption and leaks: Some RAV4 engines are prone to excessive oil consumption and leaks.

  • Water pump failure: Water pump failures have been reported across many model years.

  • Transmission problems: Transmission issues are common, with specific problems varying by model year. Some older models have suffered from harsh shifts and ECU failures, while newer 8-speed transmissions have been linked to whining and bearing issue
And the "new rav 4" it gets worse 2026, to my knowledge didn't fix the issues plus no more gas only rav 4's, only hybrid. Which takes the old base MSRP from 29.9k to 31.9k. There is nothing resembling the reasons why I have been a rav 4 fan and owner in new rav 4s, it's a hard pass fellas.


On the other hand, the Cross has no known issues but for lag with the cvt, which I had also noted in my test drive. Man it's so important to test drive those vehicles and pay attention, once you sign it it's too late. We were so sure we were going to buy that rav 4, the best selling vehicle in the USA has went to hell!

.

How in the world do you go backwards with your products? I mean, this is just nuts.
 

tjfdesmo

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AZ
PPL have NO CLUE as to the expense of having a Hay Burner. The setup depending upon where U live is atrocious. And if U not got a lot of acres, the upkeep get U too!!! The time required is also a constant. But alas, PPL think owning a Hoss is a tax break, NOT. IN TX just having a hossie no tax breaks or exemptions, they R considered pleasure use. Too funny. Heck, over 1/3 of my garage and (2) sheds devoted to hossie, hee hee. We did have (2), but I lost my gelding but still got Momma's Big AQHA. Just a few pics to enlighten folks.
One of the ropers here told me farriers are typically getting $150 to shoe a horse, now.
 

Burla

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2010 Hemi Reg Cab 4x4
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Hemi
How in the world do you go backwards with your products? I mean, this is just nuts.
Jay Pan, lol. Literally. Moving forward we need to forget about brand and find the best tech available any given year. Right now a Jeep Grand Cherokee is looking like a winner, v6 naturally aspirated with our 8 speed. I thought I would never say anything good about a Jeep product, for now they have a killer SUV when the field is so bad.
 

HEMIMANN

Senior Member
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Minneapolis, MN
Ram Year
2017 2500 Laramie Crew Cab
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6.4L HEMI
Jay Pan, lol. Literally. Moving forward we need to forget about brand and find the best tech available any given year. Right now a Jeep Grand Cherokee is looking like a winner, v6 naturally aspirated with our 8 speed. I thought I would never say anything good about a Jeep product, for now they have a killer SUV when the field is so bad.

Pentastar still in there?
 

tjfdesmo

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AZ
Jay Pan, lol. Literally. Moving forward we need to forget about brand and find the best tech available any given year. Right now a Jeep Grand Cherokee is looking like a winner, v6 naturally aspirated with our 8 speed. I thought I would never say anything good about a Jeep product, for now they have a killer SUV when the field is so bad.
Our 2020 GC has been almost flawless. But the 2026 is currently Hurricane 4 only. Jeep said Laredo and Laredo X trims would still offer the Pentastar, but I checked with @AnthonyRI last week and the order guide did not show that to be true, currently. Maybe later??
 

AnthonyRI

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Mark Dodge CDJR
Our 2020 GC has been almost flawless. But the 2026 is currently Hurricane 4 only. Jeep said Laredo and Laredo X trims would still offer the Pentastar, but I checked with @AnthonyRI last week and the order guide did not show that to be true, currently. Maybe later??
So far the same ... we shall see!
 

Travis8352

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 5, 2020
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4,655
Location
Houghton michigan
Ram Year
2018
Engine
5.7 hemi

Terriffic video from lake today! We get dyno testing, wear metal testing, oxidation, shear, and TEOST on 8 oils including Redline, HPL, AMSOIL, PUP, and Driven
 
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turkeybird56

Military Vet 1976-1996 Retired US Army
Air Force Army Law Enforcement
Joined
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Ram Year
2019 Bighorn, 4 X 4, 3.21 rear, Bright Flame Red Pearl Coat, Mopar tonneau cover,Westin Bed rug
Engine
Hemi 5.7
One of the ropers here told me farriers are typically getting $150 to shoe a horse, now.
Yup easily

The Mare has rock hard rear feet but picky front feet. So her back feet are just trimmed. Front feet shod.
 
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WiSH2oo0

Senior Member
Joined
May 15, 2016
Posts
378
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Location
MN
Ram Year
2017 1500 Express 4wd RCSB
Engine
Hemi 5.7
I just finished watching The Motor Oil Geek's latest video. Reading through the comments, I saw this statement made by Lake

Question: Hey Lake, What do you think would be the best oil for a 2018 5.7 Hemi? Thank you for the videos, I learn a lot.

Response: @themotoroilgeek The Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-40 is as good as any in those engines.
 
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