Originally Posted By: db500
Trying to find a vw502 00 rated oil will run me $6/quart for Mobil1 OW40 or Syntec 5w40 for my friends 2000 Jetta (non turbo).
I think he has been getting the dealer change with regular quacker state 5w30 dino. (should be 5W40)
I can get PP5w30 for $4/qt, will this suffice or are there special concerns?
I have a 2001 Passat 1.8T (obviously a different engine with a more troubling history). I run a VW 502.00 oil for two main reasons: 1) To keep the 8 year sludge warranty in effect, and 2) to keep my 10 year/100K powertrain warranty in effect. Also, the 2 502.00 oils I have used (Syntec 5w40 and M1 0w40) have both performed well. When I'm off warranty I will probably experiment more.
For your engine, assuming warranties are no concern, I'd run whatever you want (within reason of course). Spring for a couple of UOA's - you may be surprised. On my other car (2005 Hyundai), I have received outstanding UOA's using Exxon/Superflo which I got for $.99/qt A/R, and a Purolator filter for less than a buck A/R. You just don't know until you try.
Most important thing IMO is to keep the OCI reasonable (around 3K miles for dino, 5K miles for synth) UNTIL you find something you really like. Then you can start stretching the OCI's if you need to. The "less than perfect" oil, changed often, is probably superior to the "best" oil left in too long.