Dealer service said synthetic oil will cause my 2003 Subaru to leak.

[Carlostrece]

And likewise your seemingly unique experience isn’t compelling either, right?

My experience isn't unique. The dealership obviously agrees with me. There's plenty of guys at this forum (probably older guys who've been there done that a few times) who agree with me. At this point I don't care 1 fig what you or the OP does with your cars. Do whatever you want.

 

[kschachn]

My experience isn't unique. The dealership obviously agrees with me. There's plenty of guys at this forum (probably older guys who've been there done that a few times) who agree with me. At this point I don't care 1 fig what you or the OP does with your cars. Do whatever you want.

Maybe they will chime in with their experience.

I like figs.

 

[Glenda W.]

Maybe 40 years ago….It was to slippery for the seals.

 

[kschachn]

Also the first Mobil 1 products were inadequately additized for what was a primarily PAO base. This was corrected quickly and was no longer an issue.

 

[SimpleSyrup]

It's an old wives tale. If it is leaking it might make it worse if it does some cleaning, but with that low a mileage I'm guessing you haven't got much build up. I'd take advantage of the deal, IMO.

Just my $0.02

Its a Subaru thing too. I never even heard such malarkey until I got a Subaru. The Subaru mechanic I saw years ago acted like a synthetic was tantamount to pouring hydrochloric acid into the engine. So O took the advice and used conventional.That Subaru did what they do and blew out a head gasket.

Then years later I got another Subaru. Different car, different city, different mechanic. Who also claimed the synthetic would "cause this to leak like a sieve."

I liked the car but any maintenance that involves some shaman, smudge sticks, and special potions to keep running just isn't for me.

 

[thetricky]

Its a Subaru thing too. I never even heard such malarkey until I got a Subaru. The Subaru mechanic I saw years ago acted like a synthetic was tantamount to pouring hydrochloric acid into the engine. So O took the advice and used conventional.That Subaru did what they do and blew out a head gasket.

Then years later I got another Subaru. Different car, different city, different mechanic. Who also claimed the synthetic would "cause this to leak like a sieve."

I liked the car but any maintenance that involves some shaman, smudge sticks, and special potions to keep running just isn't for me.

The conventional over synthetic in Subarus mentality just won’t die, just like the head gasket issue. Yes, Subaru had a couple model years of bad head gaskets in 1999-2001, it’s over now yet the stigma won’t die. Likewise, synthetics don’t make Subarus leak, worn out motors and seals sure do!