2000 VW Cabrio oil

[Nick R]

My friend's mom just gave him her old 2000 VW Cabrio (2.0, Auto) and bought a 2010 Ford Focus SEL. He asked if I would do the maintenence and stuff on his car for him, and of course I said sure, I always look for an excuse to do work. Now I have no idea what oil to use in this thing. Anyone have any clues what this engine takes?

 

[addyguy]

Those 2.0's sometimes have oil-consumption problems. Keep an eye on the level.

I think thse engines are spec'd for A3 oil from the factory, so I'd be inclined to use a 5W-40 for year-round use in NY.

 

[Nick R]

Castrol Syntec 5W-40 maybe?

 

[ThirdeYe]

What about Mobil 1 0W-40? That sounds like it would be a good fit.

 

[BobFout]

OEM spec is VW 502.00 for that engine, with some API and ACEA oils being permissible too.

Yes, Syntec 5w40, Mobil 1 0w40, Mobil 1 5w40, Rotella T 5w40. Several oils from Amsoil, Redline and Schaeffer. Several from Valvoline.

Pretty much any 5w40 or 0w40, and most synthetic 5w30/0w30/10w40 will fit the bill.

 

[silverrat]

Be careful in helping other people maintain their cars, because if things so south you are the first one to blame

 

[Nick R]

Oh he already knows the car is a POS. They have had trouble with it forever, he says the CEL hasn't been off in years and it sounds like a train wreck. I think I'm gonna have my work cut out for me.

 

[Audi Junkie]

It can run on anything. If it burns oil, you have to work around that. I'd try a 10w-30 HM dino oil, even in winter, and go from there.