Whats the best type of oil to put in a toyota avensis.? Also if i am just topping the oil up, do i need to use the same oil that is in the car or a different one. ( I dont know whats in it!)
In my experience any good quality engine oil will do. Ask you local car shop or just buy some from shell, BP or someone big. Even the cheap oils that I used as a poor student were unlikely to really harm an engine . It does not matter what is already in the engine.
I own a 1997 Corolla and the oil they recommend is quite pricey.. I managed to blag some from the mechanic at the local Toyota dealer, when my car was in for a service. But experience of Toyotas tells me that they seldom use much oil :)
What I would do is: call your nearest Toyota dealership and ask them what oil to use. Then give it a complete oil change and then use the same oil to top it up. Engine oils are complex now and depending on the age of the car it could be of great importance which oil you use. I need a synthetic oil which costs about �12 per litre!!. The Avensis wont, but its worth checking and making the effort.