WRX Oil Choices

[Delta]

So, I'm not due for an oil change yet, but from browsing online the oil choices people go with on these little cars makes my head spin...

I'll start with the basics.

Engine: 2.0L FA20DIT turbo
Miles on unit: 95,000 miles with allegedly and engine replacement, but it's definitely not new (doesn't look like a new shortblock). Does have a new turbo.
Does it use oil: I've driven it about 700 miles so far and by some miracle the dipstick is still where it is when I bought it
Driving style: Mostly commuter to work, like grandpa with the occasional spirited drive, not near redline though (Uncle Rodney is that you?)

Factory specs 5w30 synthetic and at this point I plan on sticking with that. Engine is bone stock. The WRX community swears by Motul XCess clean 5w30. I wouldn't mind ordering online if it's something slightly better than on the shelf. Others say they like Pennzoil Platinum (not Ultra). I do plan on getting a filter from the dealer.

What say you guys? Order something online or go with a good name brand off the shelf? Appreciate any insight!

 

[Glenda W.]

I maintain a bunch of Subaru’s including my own 2. Currently using M1 ESP 0W-30 with great results. $28 at Wally

 

[PF52]

I have a '21 and I use Pennzoil Platinum in it, not sure if it is Ultra or not. That doesn't sound familiar. It doesn't use any oil but that is to be expected since it only has about 6000 miles on it yet.

 

[Pablo]

A stout 10W-30

Cold months 5W-30

 

[Hohn]

I'm not very knowledgeable on Subarus, but I'm under the impression they shear oils like mad.

So I'd probably steer you towards a No-VII HPL oil (10w30).

 

[Rand]

I'm not very knowledgeable on Subarus, but I'm under the impression they shear oils like mad.

So I'd probably steer you towards a No-VII HPL oil (10w30).

fuel dilution is more common with the 2.4T

The 2.0T is abit different requiring premium gas.

For off the shelf m1 esp 0w30 or esp 5w30 would be good choices.

Many HPL oils would be great choices but not everyone wants to pay 3x the cost with mail order.

 

[THORROMIG]

I would install a new PCV valve and run M1 EP HM 5W30 for initial oil change...

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Rotella T6 is also popular in the Subaru community. It is available in 5w30 and 5w40. PP Euro is also good stuff. You might like the PP Euro L 5w30. There's nothing wrong with Motul, either.

 

[edyvw]

So, I'm not due for an oil change yet, but from browsing online the oil choices people go with on these little cars makes my head spin...

I'll start with the basics.

Engine: 2.0L FA20DIT turbo
Miles on unit: 95,000 miles with allegedly and engine replacement, but it's definitely not new (doesn't look like a new shortblock). Does have a new turbo.
Does it use oil: I've driven it about 700 miles so far and by some miracle the dipstick is still where it is when I bought it
Driving style: Mostly commuter to work, like grandpa with the occasional spirited drive, not near redline though (Uncle Rodney is that you?)

Factory specs 5w30 synthetic and at this point I plan on sticking with that. Engine is bone stock. The WRX community swears by Motul XCess clean 5w30. I wouldn't mind ordering online if it's something slightly better than on the shelf. Others say they like Pennzoil Platinum (not Ultra). I do plan on getting a filter from the dealer.

What say you guys? Order something online or go with a good name brand off the shelf? Appreciate any insightThere is nothing special about Motul X-Clean 5W30.

I have that MOtul now in Sequoia, and used it in VW 2.0T a lot.
However, Mobil1 ESP 0W30 is IMO better oil.
Mobil1 ESP 5W30 would be similar to Motul as they both use the same Infenium additive pack.

Stay away from Rotella T6. It won't be of the same quality as these oils. If you have problems with shearing, jump to 5W40, like Pennzoil Platinum Euro, or Mobil1 0W40 FS.

 

[barbersurgeon]

wally shelf euro Xw-30, 4-5k OCI is my recommendation. rebates available now.

Going up to M1 0w-40 is about the same, really.

Unless you find a deal on something, can't beat the value and convenience most of the time.

 

[Delta]

Yea from what I understand these engines are a bit different and unless "built" the Xw40 thing isn't needed. Looks like the consensus may be M1 5w30 or PUP 5w30.

 

[thetricky]

HPL. Hit them up, they will tell you exactly what will work and will not oversell you.

 

[altaylar]

I'm not very knowledgeable on Subarus, but I'm under the impression they shear oils like mad.

So I'd probably steer you towards a No-VII HPL oil (10w30).

Boxer engines are quite good at that for sure.

I don't think your engine needs an expensive oil though. Mobil 1 esp 0w30 or 5w30 are great oils with high hths figures and proven on track duty with fa20 and fa24 engines.

Motul is discussed on this forum, and my understanding is that the one OP mentioned is not superior to M1, just more expensive (at least in the us)

 

[bluesubie]

The WRX community swears by Motul XCess clean 5w30. I wouldn't mind ordering online if it's something slightly better than on the shelf.

That would probably be Motul X-Clean instead of X-Cess (two different oils).

Choose an oil with similar specs as X-Clean. Mobil 1 ESP or Pennzoil Platinum Euro as recommended by some folks above. With Euro xW-30's, they are thicker than a Resource Conserving GF6 oil so they will maintain grade better than a GF6 oil even with some fuel dilution.

 

[Nuclear_42]

Really hard to beat M1 ESP 0w-30 from Walmart as far as price/ performance. However if your interested in something more top shelf I Amsoil Signature 0w-40 is very robust and ideal for fuel diluting or high performance engines. 5w-30 SS would be great too if wanting to stick with 5w-30. I currently maintain a 2021 Outback 2.5 and I made the switch to Amsoil XL oils. Also a good value for the cost.

 

[tired]

I have a '21 and I use Pennzoil Platinum in it, not sure if it is Ultra or not. That doesn't sound familiar. It doesn't use any oil but that is to be expected since it only has about 6000 miles on it yet.

Don't worry buddy, if you stick with that Pennzoil, your time will come.

Heed @Glenda W.'s advice. Spend the extra on Amsoil or HPL or pay later. Her experiment is still running, but it seems M1 ESP 0W-30 will likely stand up to the task as well.

 

[PF52]

Don't worry buddy, if you stick with that Pennzoil, your time will come.

Doubtful. I suppose you still believe that old rumor about Pennzoil creating sludge also.

 

[tired]

Doubtful. I suppose you still believe that old rumor about Pennzoil creating sludge also.

No, just from listening to lots of Subaru owners using quality OTS synthetics and still burning oil.

 

[bluesubie]

No, just from listening to lots of Subaru owners using quality OTS synthetics and still burning oil.

Depends on the engine, not oil brand. I've used Idemitsu, Valvoline, HPL, Pennzoil, and others in 5W-20, 0W-20, and 5W-30 and have never burned oil in my FA24DIT. My EJ turbo was a completely different story no matter the brand.

 

[Delta]

I'm just shocked at having a questionable engine mile/age it hasn't used oil in the 700+ miles I've driven it. Place I bought it from uses bulk Valvoline.