I've run all of our Subaru Outbacks on synthetic every 7000 miles using:
- Redline 5W-30 or 5W-40 [ once did 10,000 miles and UOA was excellent ]
- Castrol Syntec GC 0W-30
- Elf Excellium Full Tech 0W-30
[I like the Redline and the Excellium the best ]
Subarus are said to be easy on oil and should easily reach 200K for non turbos
Most modern oils are really good! But I like synthetics oil.
Subaru did decrease the OCI for Subaru Turbos to 3750 recently. But NA Subarus should be fine with the 3750 severe/ 7500 normal.
Since Shell owns Quaker State it is probably an excellent oil for its type, but I still might like to see the 5000 mile intervals mentioned above.
If the dealer was willing to change at 5000 miles instead of 7500 and charge for every third oil change, or upcharge you to synthetic at 7500 miles that would be better, IMHO.
You might be able to just bring in your own bottles of an approved synthetic oil, and just make sure the dealership mechanics actually put it in your car, and not their own stash.
Or change the oil yourself at the midpoint of the free 7500 mile dealer changes and let the dealer change as agreed. I would certainly do this regardless for the first oil change at 3750 miles.
When I look at the oil charts from Subaru they like a thicker oil for higher temps or load...so a 'thick' 0W-30 or 5W-30 synthetic seems like a good oil.
http://theoildrop.server101.com/forums/s...e=0&fpart=5