OIL
I opted to use Amsoil Signature Series Full Synthetic. It’s likely the most expensive oil there is but it’s also likely the best and well worth it. For an good over view:
OIL: https://www.amsoil.com/p/signature-series-5w-30-synthetic-motor-oil-asl/
DATA SHEET: https://amsoilcontent.com/ams/lit/databulletins/g2880.pdf
FOR THE VERY TECHNICAL MINDED: https://amsoilcontent.com/ams/performancetests/G3118.html
Normal Service Drain Interval
Normal Service: Personal vehicles frequently traveling greater than 10 miles (16 km) at a time and not operating under severe service.
Servere Service: Commercial or fleet vehicles, extensive engine idling, daily short trip driving less than 10 miles (16 km), frequent towing, plowing, hauling or dusty condition driving.
Recommendation
Normal Service: Up to 25,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first.
Severe Service: Up to 15,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first
I pulled a sample of the oil that the car was shipped with and it’s been sent off to Blackstone for analysis. I send a sample from every oil change and track them.
P.S. – I know EVERYONE has their own opinions about oil and oil change intervals. I grew up in the “change it every 3,000 miles” days. Even though the recommended interval is 25,000 miles I’ll likely change it every 6,000. One mice thing is that I never feel guilty about going over a couple thousand miles if I get delayed.
FILTER
I don’t know enough about the available filters at this point and Amsoil had no EA15K13-EA in stock so I picked up 3 Subaru 15208AA15A filters. No reason, at this point, to doubt the Subaru filters so I’ll go with them for now.
Oil was about $12.49 per quart
Filter was $8.93
Oil Change was $30.00
TOTAL COST FOR OIL CHANGE. $101.38
(Kinda nice after a couple years of $800 oil changes)
The only other change to the car, at this point, has been the replacement of the (very lame) stock incandescent bulbs with LED lights in:
- Entry lights on the bottom of the doors.
- Overhead light in the rear cargo area
- Backup lights
All came from Diode Dynamics. Both the lights and the customer service have been nothing short of impressive.
OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE CAR @ 5,300 MILES: Excellent. Fuel economy, comfort (seats far better than 2017), lighting and drivability are excellent. Big ol’ screen is a bit convoluted. They are on the right track and Apple CarPlay is a lifesaver. (I miss the wireless in the Porsche). Voice recognition in the Subaru is worthless . . . . I mean I say something and it pops up with a bagel store in Beirut? I’m happy with it.
