First Oil Change, '95 Hiace Super Custom, 1kz-te 3.0 td

Any recommended oil types? So far I've seen 15-40, ~6.5L. Any other quirks I should keep in mind outside of a traditional oil change? Thanks.

Under the passenger seat, possibly under the carpet, is a plate with the oil grade.
A Xw30 weight I think, if it's winter: a better choice than 40 in my view.

As always, full synthetic is best.

Thanks for reaching out. I actually found some 5w40 fully synthetic at the shop. Think that's okay to use?

I wouldn't put 5w in an engine of that vintage. 10w minimum. For the 3L engine, the recommended grade is 10w-30. Agree on fully synthetic.

Aha - I don't think you'll find any 10w30 that is synthetic (or at you shouldn't, PAO synthetic is too stable to vary viscosity that much).

I have used 0wXX and 5wXX in old cars without issue (including a 1986 BMW) and it seems fine.
The only thing to note is that in theory, you may make an existing oil leak worse, because when cold the oil doesn't thicken up as much as the 10w stuff.

But that's the only cost, if you are not dripping oil, it will be fine: just leave some cardboard underneath where you park and see how it gets on with 5w30. Perhaps avoid 0w30 if you are not sure.

The youtuber 'Project farm' tested cheap synthetic oil: it was fine, look it up to find the brands.
But don't use conventional oil, there really is no upside to it

Really appreciate the feedback, ya'll. I held off on the 5w40. I purchased my Hiace from Japanese Classics and found out that they used 15w40 for the first go on the full service- my thinking is maybe splitting the diff and going 10w. Learning a ton about viscosity and oil temps

@GPW - I'm running 10w-30 full synthetic (Pennzoil Platinum), it's fairly easy to come by in the US.

Thats interesting, in the UK I've never seen that!

Ok.. after some research, it may not be a PAO base, so it's not quite the same as the 0wXX and 5wXX class of oils, see:
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/penzoil-platinum-100-synthetic.319673/

But lets face it: it's not really going to make any difference in real life, so I don't have a horse in this race..
... in fact mine is still on the Japan service oil (mine was serviced before being shipped) so mine is probably mineral oil inside!
I haven't changed it yet as it's still quite fresh

Spent ages researching this for my 98 3.0td Cruising Cabin, and actually learnt some Japanese to help read the manual. Shell Rimula is the perfect modern equivalent oil to use, pretty certain it was 7 litres to fill. Bought the filter and plug gasket from Toyota though as can't beat makers parts.