Recommendations for '06 Suzuki Grand Vitara

[jetski_john]

Well, this is my first post here. I've been watching the forums for a little while now though. I bought a '06 Suzuki Grand Vitara with a 2.7L V6 last October. I'd like to switch over to a synthetic oil now that I figure the engine is broke in. I have around 15,750 miles on it now (I know, I drive a lot). I've done oil changes at 1500 miles and then every 3000 miles after like the manual calls for. I'd like to go around 5000 or 7500 mile OCI since I drive so much. Right now it seems like I'm having to change my oil once a month. Anyway, the manual calls for 5W30 and thats what I've been using. The manual also calls for 7500 mile OCI also but 3000 mile OCI if you drive in extreme conditions (winter climates where they salt the roads, towing or drive a lot in traffic) and I live in Minnesota so I've been doing the 3000 mile OCI. What do you guys recommend for oil. I had a two bad experiences with Amsoil and will never use it again in another vehicle so that ones out. It seems like a lot of people like GC around here. I have access to Redline oil and can get a discount on it. It seems like there is mixed reviews on it though. Whats everyones thought? I will be towing with it and drive quite a few highway miles. I don't sit in traffic a lot and I almost always try to let it warm up before I drive it. I'm also looking for a synthetic gear lube. Thanks for the help in advance.

John

 

[TR3-2001SE]

I think Mobil 1 is hard to beat and always good for 7500 miles and more with used oil analysis. I have been using the mobil 1 10w30 for 5 years in my Miata 2001 and it is clean as a pin under the valve cover at 70,000 miles. I think the 5w30 would work great for you. I use Redline MTL etc in rear end and transmission and no problems with it. Lots of people recomend it. Hard to go wrong with both of these products.

 

[bighead]

I'll second the M1 recommendation. Also, if you can get your hands on the Redline at a nice discount, then you've got the envy of a few of us on here

. You could even try Pennzoil Platinum, which is usually cheaper than M1....just a thought.

BTW...

 

[sidney004]

I own a 99 Suzuki Esteem with the j18a, I don't have any direct experiance with the V6, but these are bulletproof cars and trucks. I have 133k brutal miles with (I know you don't want to here this) Amsoil 10w30 with a 15k OCI.I would second the Mobil 1 5w30 recommendations. If it is a manual transmission, I wouldn't be too creative on gear oils, follow the manufacturers recommendation, if its too slipery, it will grind gears; at least mine will.

 

[Flimflam]

I have been into Suzuki cars and trucks since 1989, and yes, as our fellow Suzukian says, these cars and trucks are bulletproof. Since Winter is over, don't bother with those expensive fancy synthetics. Just use Castrol GTX and change it every 3000 miles. If you want to be excessively car-loving, use Chevron Delo 400.

The security guard at my Condo has a Suzuki Sidekick with 250,000 miles on it and all he ever uses is Valvoline conventional. He won't listen to me when I tell him to switch to Chevron Supreme. So, I think these cars will live forever on cheap dino.