windowmaker

We have an 06 Outback and have 2 kids ages 11 and 7. If you are traveling light, the Outback should serve you fine. If you are used to fililng up the Caravan when traveling, then you may have problems. We have a Honda Odyssey that we use for long trips, where we take a lot of stuff with us. The Outback cannot pack anywhere near as much as that Odyssey with the rear seats folded under. I know we are comparing apples to oranges, but if you are used to the carrying capacity of the Caravan, you may be in for a shocker with the Outback. We did not buy the Outback to replace the Odyssey. We would have to seriously change the way we travel to make that happen. Now if Subaru made a minivan, we'd get rid of the Honda in a heartbeat!

I have used the Lucas oil treatment in a 91 Dodge Spirit that had a slow front seal leak. It helped to slow it down more. Probably nothing that any heavier weight oil would do. I also used the transmission fix stuff in that same car when it was showing some serious tranny problems. Very rough shifting, and periodically going into limp mode. I drained the fluid and added a quart of lucas with the refill and never had a problem again. 2 years and still going strong. I used the power steering treatment on my 98 grand marquis and it improved the sticky steering. So I am not sure what help or harm the oil treatment does, but some of their other products are great. As for the experiment done by BITOG, I never found any white frothy oil in that Dodge during oil changes. I am not discounting what he found because I feel Bob has a good reputation and a lot of knowledge in this area. Also, don't think about using it in cold weather. It gets very thick. When temps got down into the 30's, it was a bear to start. No problems in the summer.

I have also seen the cars101.com website and indeed it does mention 3K for all models. However, the owners manual clearly stated 7500 for the 2.5 non-turbo engine. Logging onto mysubaru.com also indicates 7500. I certainly am not against changing at 3000, but am wondering if there was indeed a benefit to leaving it in 7500 in this engine. There must be a good reason why Subaru is recommending changing at 3000 on the turbo and 3.0 engines.

Thanks for the replies. I had planned on following the manual, but as the odometer ticked closer to 3000 miles, I figured I had better do some more research on the topic. Any issues with switching to Mobil 1 at the 7500 oil change? This is what I plan on doing and the dealership is fine with it, however, I have heard mechanics say this is too soon. I also have an 03 Honda Odyssey that I put on Mobil 1 at the first change and have no problems.

Hello, I am a an owner of a 2006 Outback 2.5i. We have had it for a little over 2 months and so far all is well. Very nice car. The vehicle is approaching 3000 miles. The owners manual calls for the first oil change at 7500 miles for the 2.5i models and 3000 for the turbo and 3.0 models. At the time of purchase, the dealership stated that the 2.5i model also needed the first oil change at 3000. The my.subaru website for also calls for the first change at 7500 miles. What are some of your thoughts on the topic.