Type of Oil for Outback

I just purched a 2011 Outback limited and after reading some of these post I'm confused about which oil I have to use. The Outback came with regular oil which will be changed at 3000 miles. My question is could I continue to use regular oil or should I or must I switch to synthnic oil. I notice my dealer uses Mobil 1 synthnic and not Subaru synthnic, I guess they are all the same except for the weight.

Thank you

Replies to this message:

gizzer777 (Feb 02, 2011 9:56 am)
pilot1226 (Feb 12, 2011 7:30 pm)
- paisan (Feb 12, 2011 8:51 pm)

#5 of 9 Re: standard or syntheic [cipolla] by gizzer777

Feb 02, 2011 (9:56 am)

Replying to: cipolla (Feb 02, 2011 12:52 am)

I doubt that Subaru makes their own oil.

As of a few years ago (when I last checked) all synthetics are NOT the same...There was some sort of lawsuit a few yrs back that caused a reformulation of the synthetic TIERS. At that time, Casteroil THE GERMAN VERSION was available in the USA and was a true top tier synthetic...

This is not to say that Mobile One is not a great product. IMHO, it is excellent and readily available, even at your local Walmart.

I own a low mileage 2008 H4 Outback that I purchased last year. Since I do not drive often and change my oil at 3000 mi intervals or 3 months, I have stuck with regular dino oil...However when I did drive a lot (had a turbo Mini Cooper then) I did use synthetic and it usually was Mobile One. Maintain your warranty at any cost!

I have not seen a newer model manual but if the Subies are shipping with normal Dino, I would guess that 3000 mile, or 3 month changes are still required no matter what. Plz check your manual.

I am sure those more Knowledgeable that I will chime in!

#6 of 9 Re: standard or syntheic [cipolla] by pilot1226

Feb 12, 2011 (7:30 pm)

Replying to: cipolla (Feb 02, 2011 12:52 am)

http://www.cars101.com/subaru/maintenance2.html

This suggests otherwise for your vehicle. Always consult your owner's manual for the most accurate information or call your local dealer's service department for clarification.

Replies to this message:

paisan (Feb 12, 2011 8:51 pm)

#7 of 9 Re: standard or syntheic [pilot1226] by paisan

Feb 12, 2011 (8:51 pm)

Replying to: pilot1226 (Feb 12, 2011 7:30 pm)

2011 TURBO cars and the 2011 Forester NA cars REQUIRE synthetic oil.

Non Turbo cars for 2011 do not require synthetic.

The change interval on all Subies starting in 2011 is 7500 miles.

As for Mobil 1, it is not suggested for Subies, M1 is the bare minimum requirement for being Synthetic. The top tier oils out there include:

Motul
Amsoil
Redline
Elf

For our customers we suggest the Amsoil or Redline coupled with the Amsoil extended life oil filters which are good for about 10,000 miles in the Turbo cars. (Amsoil claims 15k/1yr with the Amsoil Filter & Amsoil Fully Synthetic). We have had great success with the Motul 8100 and the Amsoil Fully Synthetic European oils.

At our shop we also carry the Subaru Synthetic. We have seen consumption of the Subaru Synthetic at the same rate as the Mobil 1 in our customer cars. They usually burn about 1Q every 1700-2200 miles, whereas in the same cars once switched to Motul or Amsoil burn not a drop in over 3500 miles.

-mike
Subaru Guru and Track Instructor

#8 of 9 high miles by scarlisle

Feb 14, 2011 (11:59 am)

I always wondered if high-mileage vehicles should be using synthetic. That's what our dealership told us.">link title

Replies to this message:

paisan (Feb 14, 2011 2:24 pm)

#9 of 9 Re: high miles [scarlisle] by paisan

Feb 14, 2011 (2:24 pm)

Replying to: scarlisle (Feb 14, 2011 11:59 am)

You shouldn't start using synthetic after say 75k miles. Below that you are pretty much ok to begin synthetic use.

-mike
Subaru Guru and Track Instructor

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