A 5W-30 DINO

[gj]

Hi, i have a 2005 subaru forester x. the dealer which is kind of a long drive only uses castrol gtx, the last 2 oil changes have been 5w-30. i would change it myself but for warranty documentation purposes i'm gonna have it done.i would also use a synthetic but warranty states a 5w-30 @ 3,750 intervals,from what i've learned from this forum synthetic use would seem a waste of money for 3,750 .i've decided between the mobil clean 5,000, havoline, or mabey continuing using gtx .any suggestions would be welcome., thanks george

 

[jsharp]

Is the factory interval really 3,750 miles? That seems really short unless that's the severe service interval.

 

[Johnny]

3,750 is the severe service interval. Any of the brands you mentioned will work well for your Subie. I'll throw another brand into the mix, Pennzoil 5W30. Lots of moly. My Subie likes it.

 

[Frank D]

There is nothing wrong with using Castrol GTX. It is very good oil. Unless that motor has a turbo charger on it, the GTX is an excellant choice. If that motor is turbo charged, you might consider using synthetic oil from what I have read here about turbos.

 

[Johnny]

Frank D: I agree, the GTX is an excellent product, and I also agree about using synthetics with a turbo. The Forester X does not have a turbo.

 

[gj]

thanks,correct me if i'm wrong but the "normal" interval is 7,000 miles. i took a second look and the 3,750 thing is the "dealer recomended" interval.
after clearing that up may go with mobil 1 5w-30.
thanks again!

 

[T-Keith]

I'd go with Havoline or Chevron. Just my 2 cents.

-T

 

[gj]

is havoline what you've used in your buick for 220,000 miles? if so ,WOW!

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Paying an oil/lube shope around $27 for quality oil changes & a lube that most new vehicles no longer need is roughly $17 wasted & only necessary for those scared of getting dirty. In most vehicles, oil changes are simple enough for women & teenaged children.

With my almost new Chevy Colorado, I kept the Pep Boys oil & filter receipt & stapled it to an index card with the date & mileage of my Colorado when I changed the oil. I called my close neighbor over for a beer... he witnessed the oil change/mileage/date on the index card & signed his name as a witness.

The beer cost me 85 cents... saving me around $16 & I'll have no problems with the Chevy dealer if he asks for oil change documentation.

BTW.... buy synthetic oil. Since you're willing to pay for the oil change, the lube shop will give you a small credit on your own purchased synthetic oil & you won't have to look at him so often -- with having the synthetic luxury of extended drains.

 

[T-Keith]

quote:

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Originally posted by gj:
is havoline what you've used in your buick for 220,000 miles? if so ,WOW!

---

It's what I use now, but I didn't put most of the miles on. The previous owner probably rarely changed the oil.

-T

 

[Schmoe]

I've been pretty happy with Pennz. dino 5W-30 in my '90 Cutlass with 195K on the clock. I've changed it religiously between 3 and 4K, well, I did until this board got ahold of me. Now, I'm running it to about 4.5K. Had a UOA, no problems whatsoever. Can't beat the price. I agree with 777, keep the receipts and do it yourself. You'll really get to know your engine a lot better and if your really quite, she'll talk to you....sign me as the Engine Whisperer...

 

[gj]

thanks everyone, i've got about 3 months to decide what to do. i've also added pennzoil platinum 5w-30. to me list of possibles. i used pennzoil synthetic in the mid 90's with good results. it was also under $3 a qt.but they quit making it, or it got hard to find.then they came out with another. i assume the platinum will be around for a while.thanks again!

 

[MADMIKE]

With such a low OCI any dino will do fine.

 

[Norm Olt]

Dino, sure!

Chevron Supreme 5W-30 SM/GF4 is $0.49 per quart after rebate here if you buy a case...

I personally like their 10W-30 for my 123K SVX.

Cheers!