Recommended Engine Oil

[NDJ93]

After purchasing my car used several months ago it is coming upto an 'I' interval service (112000km). The car has been dealer serviced since new and I plan on continuing that tradition for at least the major services, but upon looking at the previous service receipt saw that the cost of oil through a dealer was $70 (for 10W30).

My question is what oil would people recommend for a naturaly aspirated 2.5i with 110000km on the clock?

[turner_822]

That service includes gearbox/diffs oil change yes?? It cost me over $300 worth of oil: super light shockproof oil (gearbox) is pretty expensive but you get what you pay for. Pretty sure 10W30 engine oil is what it specifies in the service book; only need to change that would be with extreme environmental conditions/performance upgrades.

Others may give more specific brand names/viscosity but generally: pay for the good stuff! Lol

Also Subaru are killers with their labour costs: I found a MUCH cheaper local mechanic who does Subaru's and I buy the oil for him (order it in, found it cheaper)

Also have a think about doing your timing belt: it shouldn't be due until your NEXT service but it should be considered once over 100,000km, especially if the car has done some hard miles/unsure of it's history. All this will be very expensive through Subaru so look around! Might save you $500 labour

[garbo41610]

I have recently changed mechanics, due to location rather than workmanship. My new mechanic uses ELF Excellium 5w30 (being a GT) and the difference is night and day. I really suggest looking into it.

[NDJ93]

Yeah I'm not too familiar with prices of other oils but I was hoping to find 10W30 a little bit cheaper than $70 considering 10W40 is about $35.

As for the timing belt, that may be good idea as it would save me a little bit in terms of labour!

[NDJ93]

Sorry Randwick, I didn't see your post earlier; my only concern with the 5W30 is that would it be too thin for a motor that has done 110000km. Also, I forgot to mention that I am slowly begin to develop the dreaded tappet noise (anything to combat that will be a big plus).

I am specifically after a 10W-30 semi synthetic oil and was hoping that people could recommend some brands that sell them in 5L or at largest 20L packages (as we have several cars in my household). I have looked in both my local Autobarn and Supercheap but can't really find anything decent, they always point me towards 10W-40 Castrol Magnatec.

Cheers guys and I'm sorry for not being all that clear at the start of this post.

[Robbks]

I have recently changed mechanics, due to location rather than workmanship. My new mechanic uses ELF Excellium 5w30 (being a GT) and the difference is night and day. I really suggest looking into it.

What differences are so great that you are noticing?

[shav]

I currently have ULX110 10w30 oil in my GT now and its doing a great job. No unfamiliar noises. Recommended by S&J automotive.

[Kekotic]

I have recently changed mechanics, due to location rather than workmanship. My new mechanic uses ELF Excellium 5w30 (being a GT) and the difference is night and day. I really suggest looking into it.

What differences are so great that you are noticing?

It tastes better.

[garbo41610]

Admittedly going off seat of the pants judgements, but, the car certainly seems to run a LOT smoother.

[Gen5is]

Admittedly going off seat of the pants judgements, but, the car certainly seems to run a LOT smoother.

Would you recommend this for the 2.5i N/A motor? Also, did you any of you 2010+ owners (even the earlier gens) have a 1000km oil change service? Apparently its necessary to remove any contamination? I remember Honda calling us up and doing it for our new Civic back in 2006. I might just do an oil change anyway, i've got about 2,500km on the clock.

[Robbks]

Admittedly going off seat of the pants judgements, but, the car certainly seems to run a LOT smoother.

what else was done at the service...

I have my favourite oils, but for a relatively new car to run smoother and the oil being the only difference is a pretty big claim.

[turner_822]

Also forgot to mention with your service: go for some iridium spark plugs rather then platinum. They are only a little extra and it will give you a better spark for a slightly weary engine.

The part number for my model: BKR5 EIX-11 (NGK). Might be the same but NOT sure so do your research

This is what I now order, credit to Tradewind for the tip.
http://www.gllubricants.com/index.php?p=1_5_Redline-Pricelist

[NDJ93]

I'll have definitely have a look into it Nick.

Cheers!