What are the best Synthetic Oils for my New and Old Subarus?
New member here, although over the years from time to time I’ve read and learned from this forum.
I just bought a new Subaru Forester with the 2.5L normally-aspirated (non-turbo) engine. It requires Synthetic 0w-20 oil. Because I’m a perfectionist, I’d like to make an informed choice based on objective data, on what brand oil to use. I plan to adhere to the manufacturer’s OCI and use the OEM filter, regardless.
For the last 30 years I’ve used Mobil 1 exclusively—on 4 vehicles totaling about 800,000 miles—and I’m satisfied, with no oil-related maintenance problems. Nonetheless, I’m willing to open my eyes to consider other alternatives, if there is something that is objectively better and reasonably cost-effective. In particular, I’d like to hear about other’s experiences with Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra in Subarus, and also with (or in comparison to) the Subaru-branded synthetic oil. I’m open to hear about other brands as well.
I also have an older ’99 Subaru Legacy GT wagon with 190k miles that is still in service. It uses 5w-30. I want to keep using synthetic oil, but perhaps it is time to switch to a high-mileage type. (Up to now, I have used only the regular Mobil 1, not the HM variant). The car has started to use a little more oil, maybe a third or half quart per 1000 miles. I suspect the Subaru “usual suspect” seals. (leading to the joke “If your Subaru isn’t leaking oil, it just means that there isn’t any left in it”, LOL)
My forum search skills may be lacking, but I haven’t seen any specific VOA comparing the Subaru-branded synthetic against competing brands. Has anyone looked at this? But of course I know that UOA are even more important, and I’d like to hear what others have found on those too.
Typical use for both vehicles are a few trips into town each week, 20 miles each way from rural (dusty road) location and then a few stops in town a few miles apart, plus the occasional long trip a few times per year. My wife and I split the driving on each vehicle. I drive fairly gently/ defensively anticipating lights etc., my wife is a little more lead-footed.
Thanks in advance for any advice!
New member here, although over the years from time to time I’ve read and learned from this forum.
I just bought a new Subaru Forester with the 2.5L normally-aspirated (non-turbo) engine. It requires Synthetic 0w-20 oil. Because I’m a perfectionist, I’d like to make an informed choice based on objective data, on what brand oil to use. I plan to adhere to the manufacturer’s OCI and use the OEM filter, regardless.
For the last 30 years I’ve used Mobil 1 exclusively—on 4 vehicles totaling about 800,000 miles—and I’m satisfied, with no oil-related maintenance problems. Nonetheless, I’m willing to open my eyes to consider other alternatives, if there is something that is objectively better and reasonably cost-effective. In particular, I’d like to hear about other’s experiences with Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra in Subarus, and also with (or in comparison to) the Subaru-branded synthetic oil. I’m open to hear about other brands as well.
I also have an older ’99 Subaru Legacy GT wagon with 190k miles that is still in service. It uses 5w-30. I want to keep using synthetic oil, but perhaps it is time to switch to a high-mileage type. (Up to now, I have used only the regular Mobil 1, not the HM variant). The car has started to use a little more oil, maybe a third or half quart per 1000 miles. I suspect the Subaru “usual suspect” seals. (leading to the joke “If your Subaru isn’t leaking oil, it just means that there isn’t any left in it”, LOL)
My forum search skills may be lacking, but I haven’t seen any specific VOA comparing the Subaru-branded synthetic against competing brands. Has anyone looked at this? But of course I know that UOA are even more important, and I’d like to hear what others have found on those too.
Typical use for both vehicles are a few trips into town each week, 20 miles each way from rural (dusty road) location and then a few stops in town a few miles apart, plus the occasional long trip a few times per year. My wife and I split the driving on each vehicle. I drive fairly gently/ defensively anticipating lights etc., my wife is a little more lead-footed.
Thanks in advance for any advice!
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