new subaru - guidance on first oil change

[JHZR2]

hello, the wife's best friend just bought a new subaru impreza hatch. I'm still at the dealer with them...

It's a paprika hatchback. We haven't looked at the owners manual yet. What is subaru guidance on when to do the first change? What have folks done mileage-wise?


Any preferred oil for subarus?

Thanks!

JMH

 

[Bill in Utah]

I did mine @ 1500 miles. Did a used oil analysis on it and posted here.

I think the manual states 6 months or 3.7k severe for OCI.

Looks like mine has the Subaru coolant leak. They put more of their stop leak and some dye in it. I have to go back in a few weeks to see where we are at.

Not really happy with a engine that REQUIRES stop leak EVERY coolant change. (no more than 30k or 2 years)

My best used oil analysis so far has been with Halvoline DS in 5w30.

Take care, bill

 

[JHZR2]

bill what year was yours?

 

[Eddie]

I changed at ~2,000 miles and went to Mobil 1 5w30. My Forester now has 147,000 mile and running great without any consumption issues. Don't change it out at 500 or 1,000 like some have suggested.

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
bill what year was yours?
It is a 2007 and the engine was built early 2006.

2.5l SOHC NA.

 

[Steve S]

Originally Posted By: Eddie
I changed at ~2,000 miles and went to Mobil 1 5w30. My Forester now has 147,000 mile and running great without any consumption issues. Don't change it out at 500 or 1,000 like some have suggested.
What makes the 2,000 miles the magic oil change mileage?

 

[JHZR2]

Well, she got the car. We read the OM, and found that the recommend that the oil be changed prematurely at 3000 miles. From then on, 7500 miles.

API SM/ILSAC GF-4 are the main specs, though subaru lets you use a 5w30 and 5w-40 for all conditions, and 10w30, 10w-40 or 10w-50 for temperatures over 0F. Thats a decent set of allowable fluids.

It tempts me to go with a 5w-40 for the engine, or perhaps Mobil 1 0w-40. For true severe service, subaru recommends 30, 40, 10w-50, 20w-40 and 20w-50 oils... ou dont see those specced everyday, but it reassures me that if it is desired to run Mobil 1 0w-40, that might be a good choice.

Only problem is the ILSAC spec.

Because of that, Im thinking that the best oil to run is plain old Mobil 1 5w30. meets the most specs, is a good oil that will do a fine job. The AFE 0w30 is another option, but I think that the 5w30 will do just fine.

Is anyone aware of an ILSAC GF-4 5w-40 oil????

We will probably do a few changes first on Pennzoil Conventional or Havoline. Maybe 250, 1500, 3000, then 7500 on syn, and then consistently after on syn at 7500 mile OCIs (based upon UOA though). Then we will do an amsoil order and get a few filters, an Eaa filter, and some severe gear 75w-90 and change everything out to set up the car for a good long life, at some poin between 3-5000 miles.

Any thoughts?

JMH

 

[Bill in Utah]

Subarus have a long life on any oil. There are tons of them out there running any oil and running fine.

If you can get past the dreaded coolant leaks (which seems to be a common problem. Less today but still a risk) and fix the problem *if* it comes up quickly, the engine will last a LONG time.

I don't think you need to spend the $$$$ for all the stuff. I'd also wait till you get at least 15k before the diffs. And get the 75w-110. NOT the Amsoil 75w-90.

Take care, bill

 

[JHZR2]

Interesting comments that apply, IMO, to most any vehicle.

What's your basis for waiting until 15k for diffs? Ive heard to change out officially at 7500 on my chevy truck's locker. Other folks just have the thought to do it to get junk out, but the basis has usually been very early.

Also, what is the basis for 75w-110 vs. 75w-90? Subaru recommended 75w-90 for all conditions, and since there is no high loading or heavy towing, is the need justified? There will be a FE penalty...

Thanks again!

JMH

 

[Bill in Utah]

I changed mine at 1500 then at 15000 and there was more "glitter" at 15k then 1500 miles. If you wait till 15k you'll get all the break in and allow the new fluid to last longer.

Amsoil 75w-90 is too light. A few of us have reported using it in the Subarus causes wine in the diffs (esp the rear) and the 75w-110 is perfect for Subarus. I had to make my own mix by draining out some 75w-90 and putting in 90-145 to make a mix.

Ask Pablo, he will back up my findings. Also, NO hit on MPG (trust me, I keep track of MPG better than ANYONE here).

Take care, Bill

 

[Bill in Utah]

A few links for the 75-90 vs 110 with Pablo confirming 75-110 is the ticket....

What fluid for Subaru?

About 75-110w read the last few posts


A few others about the whine.

Another one. This is where Pablo sent the 140wt

Take care, Bill

 

[JHZR2]

bill, thanks for all that.

I think well be going to either havoline on the conventional route or pp for syn.

75-110 it is for the diffs...

 

[Eddie]

Nothing magic about my changing at about 2,000 miles Steve S. I didn't feel comfortable going out to the max of 3750 or 7500. I planned on 6000 OCI so 2000 then 6000 then 12000 seemed like a good idea, used oil analysis backed up the 6000 mile OCI and suggested I try for 7500 next time. My point was that I wanted to leave the factory fill in for at least 70% of the break-in hours. My used oil analysis at 2,000 miles demonstrated that Subaru uses break-in additives and or a very liberal dose of anti-scuff additives. I wanted to keep the engine protected during much of the initial break-in period. The oil filter is there to protect my engine against damage. Ed

 

[mechtech2]

Modern engines don't need the first oil change right away.
There may also be extra additives in the factory break in oil that you actually want for a while.
So 2,000 is safe and sane. You have a lot of latitude, don't obsess about it.

 

[Al]

Subie is easy on oils. They really don't call for changout on differentials/transmissions. Except in very dusty conditions every 15K miles. I used Mobil 1 75W-90. I feel this c should be adequate since it is full syn. I changed the differentials out at 15K to the Mobil 1 hoping for a bit better fuel economy.

The coolant "conditioner" is cheap..less than 2 bucks. You might want to suggest she get a Subaru credit card. 3% on parts/services/New Vehicle. Up to 500 bucks a year. Good deal in my opinion.

 

[astraelraen]

The filter location on the N/A 2.5 is retarded, its crammed in between the exhaust headers making even slightly warm oil changes require gloves.

I changed my wife's 2008 Legacy at ~1500 miles. Its sitting at ~5000 now. These cars are nice cars, never really looked at Subaru's before I moved out to snow country. Surprisingly fuel efficient too. My wife manages about 26mpg out of her N/A 2.5 Legacy with at least 60% city driving. EPA rating is 20/27.

 

[bobbyjimmy]

Originally Posted By: astraelraen
The filter location on the N/A 2.5 is retarded, its crammed in between the exhaust headers making even slightly warm oil changes require gloves.


Get one of these and don't burn your hands;
http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/OTC-6905-p-32107.html

Fits perfect on the O.E Black filters (not sure if the Blue ones are the same size thou...).

Its what Subaru Tech's use at most dealerships too - not the exact same brand, same design.