A bit of background for those who don't know me ... I had a very reliable modified Honda Civic Wagon for 8 years and seldom had to check the oil or other fluids between changes, so I was a little perturbed by what the sales rep at the Livermore Subaru dealership told me when I bought my 06 WRX Wagon recently.

He advised me to check the oil "every other" gas fill-up. I checked the owner's manual last night and it says check it "every" fill-up. What is a realistic interval for checking the oil in the 06?

He also told me I should NOT use synthetic oil for the first 30K miles. Any idea why? Do I really have to wait 30K to switch to synthetic?

I have a few cases of Mobil 1 synthetic 5W-30 sitting in my storage unit. They have been there a couple of years now. Is it still okay to use or is it too old?

I would really appreciate answers to these questions, plus any tips you can give me on what to do in the way of regular maintenance on a Subie.

Thanks,

Jane

 

i wonder what would happen if everyone listened to the dealership...



that'd be a crazy world

 

When I had my 2003 WRX I checked the oil at least every other fillup for the first 10k miles, then a little less once I got to know the car. I switched to Mobil1 (10w30, as you burn through the 5w30 much faster) at 10k miles and I think this is more than enough time for the rings to seat.

My '03 had an oil usage problem where it would go through about a qt every 3500 miles and I changed at 5k. This actually worked perfect with the Costco 6packs as I would always have 1 qt for the trunk.

Keep an eye on it until you get to know the car. They are reliable and fun, but it's not like a Honda where you will forget how to open the hood...

 

Im waiting until 10k to switch to synthetic. You don't really need to check it every stop but I would make sure you don't neglect checking it.

 

hm this is crazy, i always hear about slight to moderate oil consumption, all while i have an 02 with nearly 72k on the clock and its never consumed oil ( not anythng noticeable atleast) ive never had to add any oil.. ever.. weird

 

Have you ever actually turned it on? :P haha well lucky for you I suppose.

 

i would have to answer that with a "yes", seriously tho i guess my cars the weird 1 lol, no complaints here

 

Thanks for all the responses. Anyone got an answer my question about the life span of synthetic oil?

Thanks!