# 2002 Nissan Pathfinder - synthetic vs. dino oil

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-nissan-pathfinder-synthetic-vs-dino-oil/141210>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** nissan, pathfinder\
**Created:** [May 29, 2019, 3:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-nissan-pathfinder-synthetic-vs-dino-oil/141210 "2019-05-29T15:56:55Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![JeffreyHorwitzInmy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5fc32e/32.png) [@JeffreyHorwitzInmy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JeffreyHorwitzInmy)\
**Post date:** [May 29, 2019, 3:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-nissan-pathfinder-synthetic-vs-dino-oil/141210/1 "2019-05-29T15:56:55Z")

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I drive a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. I have been told different theories about synthetic oil and conventional oil. What should I use since my owners manual doesnt mention synthetic oil since it was not in existrance.

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**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\
**Post date:** [May 29, 2019, 4:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-nissan-pathfinder-synthetic-vs-dino-oil/141210/2 "2019-05-29T16:08:06Z")

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> [@JeffreyHorwitzInmy](#):
>
> it was not in existrance.

Synthetic oil most certainly WAS in existence in 2002 but not required in your vehicle. If you’ve been using conventional oil for 17 years, why change now?

Full disclosure, I use synthetic oil in every engine I’ve ever owned, including lawnmowers.

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**Author:** ![JeffreyHorwitzInmy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5fc32e/32.png) [@JeffreyHorwitzInmy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JeffreyHorwitzInmy)\
**Post date:** [May 29, 2019, 4:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-nissan-pathfinder-synthetic-vs-dino-oil/141210/3 "2019-05-29T16:23:58Z")

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I only want to change since so many people, maybe even yourself, say that synthetic is a better oil to use than old dinosaur conventional.

I want to use the best oil for my 130K mile 2002 SUV. full synthetic, blend or conventional oil?

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**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\
**Post date:** [May 29, 2019, 4:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-nissan-pathfinder-synthetic-vs-dino-oil/141210/4 "2019-05-29T16:33:30Z")

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Full synthetic is best but may be more than your vehicle needs. Blend is a waste of money. Regular dino oil is really very good stuff and again… it got you this far, why change? Regular oil changed every 5000 miles in the grade recommended by Nissan and you’ll be fine.