2025 Subaru Maintenance for First Time Outback XT owner...

[silversport]

first time Subaru owner...recently purchased 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT...2.4 Turbo engine...I do not wish to run afoul of the proper maintenance specifically oil change intervals but I also have near zero experience with a Subaru, a boxer engine with turbo...I would like to enjoy my purchase for as long as I can and I usually err on the side of caution using a severe schedule for maintenance with my vehicles...

it is recommended by Subaru that OCI be at 6 months or 6K miles...it is also recommended by others to use Subaru Idemitsu resource conserving 0W-20 full synthetic or equivalent with an SP (or SN/SN Plus GF-5/GF-6A) with 5W-30 conventional in a pinch) with a Tokyo-Roki or equivalent filter...

the type of driving will be more City than Highway but not a lot of Stop and Go so much...I will not hit 6K miles in 6 months...I have used an independent garage for some maintenance in the past and the dealership not so much due inattention from service techs on oil changes in the past...

my local garage has in the past been not much more than the cost of doing the job myself and has always let my bring them my own oil and filter if I wished to...

thoughts and experience would be appreciated...

Bill

 

[Marcozi]

The car is in warranty so you should adhere to the factory's oil maintenance requirements. Some companies will void the warranty if you can't provide evidence that you have followed the maintenance requirements. The major question is "where should you get the oil and filter changed?" My suggestion is have the dealer perform the oil and filter change at the 6k mile mark. Once the warranty is up you can perform the change yourself. Read the owner's manual to determine the required oil specs. Also, don't cheap out on an aftermarket filter. Find out what company makes the oil filter and buy filters made by that company. I drive a bimmer and MANN makes the oil filter. I buy MANN oil filters.

I recommend that you drive the car on the highway at highway+ speeds for 30 miles on a weekly basis. One of the benefits is you'll reduce the carbon build up in the combustion chamber as the cylinder head temperature will be high enough to prevent carbon build up.

 

[PF52]

Find out what company makes the oil filter and buy filters made by that company. I drive a bimmer and MANN makes the oil filter. I buy MANN oil filters.

The Tokyo-Roki filter he mentioned is the filter that the car came with, so he's definitely on the right track. I use that same one (well, probably a shorter one due to hood clearance) on my WRX.

 

[silversport]

I do take the car out on the highway...just probably a 75 City/25 Highway split...I take it out for longer drives as well so no worries there but I appreciate the caution...

if I don't got to the dealership for oil changes, I will probably use the Tokyo-Roki filter but probably not the Idemitsu oil...I've had good service from Mobil 1 and Quaker State Full Synthetic in the last few years in my GM vehicles...

thanks and I really appreciate your feedback...

Bill

 

[pjhalifax]

I recently bought a CPO 2023 Onyx XT so I'm curious about this topic, too. For what it's worth, my plan is to change the oil myself every 6 months (I also won't hit 6k, probably more like 4-5k during that interval) with approved oil and OEM filters. I just bought a 3-pack of Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0w-20 so that'll be the oil for the first 12-18 months. With documentation/receipts, that should keep me in the warranty gods' good graces. I was tempted to take the car to the dealer for its first oil change under my care but I don't want to lose half a day to the task (the dealer's not particularly close).

More importantly, congrats on the new car - it looks great. I'm really enjoying the Outback so far.

 

[silversport]

same here...I am leaning to exactly what you mention in your post...I am also tempted for at least the first oil change on going to the dealership for service...

Bill

 

[Sayjac]

Sweet looking, Congrats! For the oil, I'd choose a synthetic that meets API/ILSAC OM specs. Wouldn't limit to Subaru Idemitsu. As for filter, my YouTube algorithm frequently shows the Subaru guy, and he touts the Tokyo Roki filter to the exclusion of others. At least to start I'd likely use it, while looking at other options down the road, 'if desired.'

Enjoy your new ride.

 

[KrisZ]

First oil change I would do much earlier than the recommended interval and with DI and turbo I would not exceed the 6k mile OCI on it, maybe even shorten it to 5k miles.

Other than that I would not worry about oil or oil filter brands. Lots of myths about those around BITOG, where it makes absolutely no difference in most cases.

 

[THORROMIG]

Really sharp color you picked and congrats.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

I would run the Idemitsu and sneak in ( substitute) a qt or two of their 5W30. Also the Tokyo Roki filter.
been caring for all kinds of subaru for 35+ years. Would consider 5k max OCI on Di turbo.

Off the shelf I used to run Valvoline Advanced with an amendment of Castrol Magnatec.
Sadly no more magic magnatec. I would avoid M1 AFE or Castrol black bottle Edge.

- Just read about PUP purchase, that should work their best stuff. Never tried the new SP formulation.
Other Subie FB's drank regular PP like free beer at a frat party and never ran it a third time

Guessing this is the new 2.4 engine? - Supposed to be a good design

Good luck. Comfy car up front with good steering feedback - at least the base one I drove. Their tech is horrendous though

 

[The Critic]

I would keep accurate records and abide by the 6/6K oil change interval using the specified oil.

And also buy the 10/100K Subaru extended warranty -- you can get it for under $2500 if you shop around online -- because based on the experiences of folks who have purchased the 2.4T, you'll need it.

Signed,
A guy who just bought a Forester last weekend.

 

[Glenda W.]

Congrats! I’ve had at least one Subaru in my fleet since the late 70’s. Currently have a 2018 Outback and 2013 Forester and maintain several more for friends and family. I’ve taken many beyond 200k miles with just regular maintenance. I stick to 5K oci’s with 0w30 or 5w30(since first oci). The Tokyo Roki made in Japan filters are very good(see my c&p below). I’m currently using Microgard Select and Carquest Premium which both have the correct bypass setting and superior build quality and efficiency.

Thread 'Factory Subaru Tokyo Roki c&p made in Japan'

Oct 31, 2024

Off a friends 2024 Crosstrek. First oil change at 1000 miles. No idea what he put in and on. Very high quality filter IMO. Only gripe would be I prefer a coil spring. Filter reeked of gas.

• Glenda W.
• Replies: 13
• Forum: Engine Oil Filters

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[2005jettatdi]

Remember, there is no such thing as a maintenance free transmission. My son learned this the hard way last year when the transmission on his Forester went out at only around 110k miles.

 

[Glenda W.]

Another thing to consider if you plan to keep it for a number of years and you live in a heavily salted area would be undercoating. I do all my vehicles with a lanolin based undercoating like Fluid Film, Surface Shield, or Woolwax.

 

[IndyIan]

Nice car! We have the same color. I've gone to 0W30 for oil as they do spend a lot of time at 1500-1600rpm putting out some power. I don't think these are really all that picky for oil.
But I wouldn't experiment with other CVT fluids, as subaru deemed it necessary to fine tune the fluid for each transmission. Maybe its just subaru being subaru, and I haven't heard anything terrible about universal fluids, but I don't think too many folks use the universal fluids either.

 

[silversport]

I know I won't hit the 6K mark before I do oil changes and 5K seems to be a consensus from those online as well as here...

I have an extended warranty from Subaru (had to make sure and cover the expensive electronics/tech)...I appreciate the responses...my gut wants to use 5W-30 but I don't want to run up against any warranty issues for using the "wrong oil" ...

thanks all for the feedback and experience...it IS appreciated

Bill

 

[notharry]

Nice choice. We have a 2017 limited with the same color. IMO, filters do matter. stay with Tokyo Roki. Change every OCI. I see you are in Chicago. Stay with the 0w20 as it builds oil pressure to vital parts quick. In warmer climates perhaps 5w30 or 0w30. Subaru oil is made by Idemitso. Really any major brand should be fine but stick with the SP rating or above. I have mentioned in other threads that Mobil 1 Extended performance help solve a major oil burning issue in our 2008 Subaru after a timing belt failure (because I didn't used OEM) where other oils would just burn. Went from 1 qt every 600 gradually reduced to 1 quart every 5000 miles. 180000 miles on the old gal and she is a sweet running thing. I think I had stuck rings. I use the 5w30 flavor. Just a few dollars more than the regular stuff. 6000 range is good. If you are doing all highway than push it a bit more. Honestly, it depends on a bunch of factors. Temperature, driving environment, Driver. frequency of Starts stops, pushing the engine harder when cold. etc. No matter what the maintenance schedule says, replace every other fluid, Transmission, differentials every spark plug change (edit or sooner in the 60,000 mile range) if you intend to keep the car. Brake fluid per manual or purge every brake job. I stopped flushing my cooling systems years ago. I just drain and refill with the proper coolant. Why? because what you are flushing it with is tap water and this is full of impurities. Since I stopped flushing, I have never had a radiator or heater core clog or corrode. Unless you are flushing with distilled water or flushing and re-flushing with distilled for example, If a system is already contaminated and clogged.

Yes stay with the severe schedule. The FB engine we have is Naturally asperated. Perhaps yours is a FA24F as its the newer turbo engine.

Problems we have had with our 2017. rear wheel Wheel bearing at 70000 rear brakes pads around 45000 fronts are still there from new. Fronts normally go first... Battery draining issues replaced with a new battery with more amps. well known issue around my year.

We find these vehicles use all quality components NTN, Nippondenso, Koyo, NSK etc. Careful thought goes into its design and although not perfect, they absolutely stand behind their product for the most part. On par with Toyota and Honda. I don't think I have seen a Chinese part on one yet. Japan or USA. Unlike the USA brands that I've seen.

Hope this helps! peace.

 

[silversport]

thanks...my usual M1 oil was their EP for other GM cars...I may stick with it for the Subaru but in the 0W-20 or 5W-20 version...

Bill

 

[andrew_j]

Let the dealer do change or shop supply oil/filter . Make it simple in the extremely rare case an oil related failure happens.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

I hear you, but the Subaru dealer lube monkies don't make it easy around here. Service writer over charge my wife for oil quantity and put too much oil in the sump ... and charge a small fortune. The car takes 4.5l now and they charge and install 6 quarts!

Man, Don't do that on a Subaru!