There is nothing "chronic" about hg's & overheating. If the original's lasted well past 100k then that isn't abnormal at all and once done with newer MLS gaskets it's a moot point. I would be more concerned if the rear & front diff fluids were never changed as well as the transmission(CVT). There is no fuel dilution issue either as they are still multiport injected, direct injection didn't happen till very recent. The only difference would be the newer engine is a timing chain vs. belt and has a top mounted oil filter.So I finally bit the bullet and wound up getting the old lady a new car to replace her soup ca-- I mean Dodge Caliber. Got a 1-owner 2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i with 165k miles on it. The Carfax was extensive and thorough with dealership service its whole life and about a year ago it had the head gasket, radiator, and thermostat done (which I know is a chronic Subaru issue). I know it calls for 5w30 however I'm looking to get ahead of any oil burning or overheating issues.
I've always been a Castrol man (Though I currently run PUP because of my HEMI still within warranty) but I'd like to run a thicker oil, of any brand really, for a couple reasons. I don't feel 100% comfortable running an Xw-40 weight but any 0/5w-30 is on the table.
1. Her daily commute is 140 miles round trip 1/3 interstate and 2/3 rural hilly state highways so lots of higher RPM and varying load due to the elevation changes. 2. Given the age/mileage there's enough chance of regular wear that having a little extra viscosity may aid in offsetting any changes to tolerance (The car does pass a compression test). and 3. She isn't great about telling me when she hits the mileage for an oil change so to offset fuel dilution.
Going with a full synthetic because we have inordinately harsh winters and I'll probably be throwing a Napa Gold on for filter.
Any suggestions, solutions, tricks, or other information as to what to go with is much appreciated.
If chain I'd use something along the lines of a HM 5w30 Syn, something that can take a beating from the chain. If not any 5w30 would be fine in synthetic.