My previous oil change was Castrol GTX HM (also a good oil but it didn't mitigate oil consumption for me). Fuel economy and idle quality were the same for it and the NextGen MaxLife, but burnoff was slightly slower with NextGen. I'm thinking with a fresh change it might be even slower.
Personally, I've heard and read a lot of people saying that they would NEVER touch the NextGen but it has been at least average for me--no complaints. Rotella T5 10w-30 blew through my engine faster than any oil I've tried.
It's been nearly 7 years and 50,000+ miles since I started noticing massive oil consumption, by the way, which is a testament to the fact that these 1zz-fe engines are still good despite the piston design issues.
Interesting. I'd also give it another go - just to build up more statistics. Did you notice any change in fuel economy? Idle quality?
According to the manufacturer's product sheet, the NextGen is supposed to be better at controlling higher temperature volatility compared to the standard fare Valvoline MaxLife motor oil. Additive pack with the NextGen is a little heavier, but excessively so. Most motor oils already have some portion of their basestock from re-cycled and re-refined oils - so they are not reinventing the wheel here.
