Any Mazda 2.3 owners running 5w30?

[ryan2022]

Hi guys,

In my quest for a new oil for my wifes Mazda,

I've been looking at 5w30 options as well. Its been running beatifully on 5w20, but I can use Mobil super 2000 5w20, and save around 1.50 a litre, and it'll do the job just fine.

Is there any issue other than mild mpg loss? I just struggle going out of grade, when the cap says 5w20, the manual says 5w20 etc..... Although the Mazdaspeed version calls for 5w30, with a similar motor.

Any thoughts? 5w30 usually comes on sale in syn and semi syn too.

 

[Oregoonian]

The engine in my 03' Ford Focus (2.3L) is the same as your wifes Mazda.

I've run 5w30 in my Focus and it works fine....but I'm back to using 5w20 and it seems to run a little quieter and smoother, with a slight MPG edge (1 to 1.5 increase). Might be a placebo effect and just my imagination...who knows... but I lean toward using what the manufacture recommends....so I'm sticking with 5w20.

It seems the trend is to lighter oils. Of course it also depends on how the vehicle is driven. If driven hard...5w30 might be a better choice,
__________________________________
2003 Ford Focus SE (2.3L) / 89K
M1 5w20EO / 1 year or 12K +/-
Filter: M1 EP 102

 

[addyguy]

I haven't seen it yet, but apparantly, WM is selling QS conventional for $8.88/5-litre jug.

I'd grab a good stash.

 

[KrisZ]

I've been running 5w30 PP for the past three OCI's, I stashed some jugs for a good price but only 5w30 was available, I still have two jugs left so I will use it up. I did not loose any mileage, and I don't recall noticing anything worth mentioning about the engine smoothness or quietness when i switched from 5w20.

But if you're under warranty, stick to 5w20 for sure, otherwise certainly nothing catastrophic will happen.

 

[buster]

We have a 2007 with 45k on it. It's driven hard. 20 grades hold up very well in this engine.

 

[NateDN10]

I wouldn't exactly call the engine in the MazdaSpeed3 "similar." For one, the turbo makes a huge difference in what oil is spec'd.

 

[brandini]

Stick with the 5W-20 and it'll hold up perfectly.

 

[ryan2022]

Thanks guys,

We've been running 5w20 and its been working perfectly. I was just wondering about the 5w30 because it comes on sale more often, and Id like to try Mobil 1 in it for fun.

The deal at Costco is hard to beat for the Castrol though.

 

[CharBaby]

Well, my daughter's Mazda3 is the 2.0L and we run both 5W20&5W30 without any issues. I know that you asking specificly about the 2.3L but we see no MPG or "get up an go" loss with either oil in her '06. I prefer the 5W30 as it seems a bit quieter at ilde.

 

[tig1]

For a time I used M1 5-30EP in both Duratechs and both engines were fine. However the 5-20 sure is doing a great job.