Cheap(ish) IDEMITSU CVTF-2 for Subarus in Canada

[IndyIan]

AsianParts.ca has IDEMITSU CVTF Type SB2, 4.73L (5 Qrt) on sale and a $20 promo code SAVE20 or try SAVE2025
I got 2 jugs for ~$185 all in, using the SAVE2025 code.

 

[Rand]

If someone does not know which fluid they need this deal is for aftermarket equivalent CVTF-II fluid (green)

 

[martinq]

AsianParts.ca has IDEMITSU CVTF Type SB2, 4.73L (5 Qrt) on sale and a $20 promo code SAVE20 or try SAVE2025
I got 2 jugs for ~$185 all in, using the SAVE2025 code.

That's quite a bit more expensive than Valvoline MaxLife but similar to Amsoil.

Does that price include shipping?

 

[IndyIan]

That's quite a bit more expensive than Valvoline MaxLife but similar to Amsoil.

Does that price include shipping?

It was $93/jug all in, and shipping is free above $100.
This is pretty close to maxlife at full price at Can tire. Valvoline's actual CVT fluid is more expensive than the "right" stuff.

I am surprised Valvoline can even make a fluid that works acceptably in dozens of different CVT's and automatics? It seems at odds with subaru and many/most auto manufacturers recommending a different fluid for each of their CVTs? Both the Valvoline CVT products are quite a bit thinner than subaru cvt unicorn tears at operating temps, so the first thing I can check, doesn't match?

My relatively uninformed risk analysis says, I need to be paid $2-300 a jug to use a generic fluid that is recommended for 100's of transmissions and 100+ manufacturer specs. I can't say I've read a lot of bad experiences in Subarus, but to save a couple dozen bucks, its not worth doing field testing for Valvoline or Amsoil in my own cars.

 

[Rand]

That's quite a bit more expensive than Valvoline MaxLife but similar to Amsoil.

Does that price include shipping?

This is a one application specific cvt fluid IMO not to be compared to ones that claim compatibility with dozens of different applications.

I believe motul? and eneos? have specific fluids too. (from memory)

 

[martinq]

I'm sure you are already aware that Valvoline lists the following Subaru CVT applications for MaxLife ATF:

ECVT
iCVT
iCVT FG
Lineartronic chain CVT and CVT II Fluid
Lineartronic High Torque (HT) CVT Fluid, CV-30, K0425Y0710
NS-2

Use it with extreme confidence in these applications so long as you:
1. keep the CVT pan & magnets clean
2. monitor the fluid temperature and avoid overheating
3. firmware updates and TSBs have
been applied

Having said that I can certainly understand why spending a premium on Amsoil or Idemitsu might help you feel better. I've personally used Amsoil in JATCO CVTs but have now switched to Valvoline at $50 CND / 5L due to availability. Both of these options are significantly cheaper than shopping at Nissan.