Subaru 0-20w replacement

[BigRed11111]

We have a Legacy limited that runs the 2.5 engine non turbo, manual calls for their oil of course. What else is good to use as a replacement? What are folks here using in this application?

 

[cheech279]

I just traded in my 2015 Outback 2.5i Premium after 30 months. In NC and FL in the warmer seasons I used 5w-20 full synthetic. But being you are in PA (colder climate needs easier starts), I would stick with any name brand full synthetic 0w-20. If your car is brand new, using 0w-20 will eliminate any questions if you were to have an oil related warranty claim. Personally I prefer Pennzoil Platinum, Quaker State Ultimate or Castrol Magnatec. NAPA full synthetic is also popular when it's on sale for $3.59 a quart. Mobil 1 is popular here, but some say it runs on the "thinner" side and may increase the engine valve noise you can hear. Oil brand is really a personal preference.

I loved my Outback, but we needed more cargo capacity. Welcome to the forum.

 

[TiredTrucker]

Or any 5w20 also.

 

[QuietPortage]

Any 0w-20 with the API SN designation will do. In my Subaru, I used NAPA's house brand when it was on sale.

 

[FCD]

You can perfectly use 5W-20, 0w30 or 5w30.

 

[TTK]

Originally Posted By: FordCapriDriver
You can perfectly use 5W-20, 0w30 or 5w30.


Even Mobil oil selector for Subaru late models list 0w30 as a choice.

 

[RedOakRanch]

I had 24k miles of included service (Subaru 0w20) then I used some Royal Purple and then a Frankenbrew of left overs. I figured at a 6k OCI it won't matter much. I have a bunch of Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0w30 that I'll be using next. I'm interested to see if I can tell the difference, I will monitor oil temps especially on long grades. I also have Magnatec and Mobil 1 Extended Performance 0w20 to try down the road.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Ive had NINE subarus now, I think

The last few that called for 0w20, I tried every thing starting with ordering a case of Idemitsu Subaru 0w20. That is some thin stuff. IIRC the KV40 was 36cSt! After try MOST everything the Valvoline Synpower worked BEST to prevent timing chain tensioner sticking. This will be you biggest problem other than the VLA getting dirty and ticking. Those tried are Quaker State Ultimate Durability, Mobil 1 1 AFE, Mobil 1 Extended Performance and Pennzoil Platinum (which the FD25 engine drank like a frat pledge shooting vodka).

WINNER: Valvoline Synpower 0w20.

Otherwise, Castrol Magnetec 5w20 shows promise. Havent tried that in a Subie yet.

 

[BigRed11111]

I'll give sunpower a shot, thanks