I just got over my break in period too...time for some fun http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/biggrin.gif

About the oil. The dealer said Subaru recommends AGAINST synthetic oil. I'd trust them on that! They also say 2000 for first oil change. I'm going with that.

Slick 50, I wouldn't risk it. These are reliable enough cars as it is. No need to put that crap in there...

I was told by someone at Subaru first oil change at 300 or 400, second at 1000, third at 2000, and at that point switch to synthetic. Subaru uses true no-name oil in their cars (even the mechanics at dealerships aren't told what it is), and a few hundred miles of real driving reduces it to a water-like liquid, so you want that out of there as quickly as possible.

Nice joke, that was real funny http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/wink.gif

1. Yes, I switched at 1000miles but others here say switch at 3000 or above. I use Mobil 1 5W-30.
2. No, although I might switch to Redline MTL at a later time.
3. Never

OK to switch to Mobil semi-synthetic at 1000m?

Thanks.

<FONT face="Tahoma">I finally broke the 1000 Mile mark ..... asking for some input

1. syntheic or not?
2. change gear oil or not?
3. slick50 or not?

Any other recommendations to my first service?
</FONT f>

Lots of information is here already regarding your questions. I'd say try searching for answers...

quick answers:
a. I switched to synth at 3k
b. I doubt it's necessary
c. teflon is for frying pans, not engines. http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/tongue.gif seriously though, even Dupont says that teflon was not designed for engine use.

Here's what SOA said in response to my direct inquiry. BTW: my dealer also recommends against synthetic.

As for synthetic oil, this is your decision. Our Technical Services
>Department advised that if you do decide to use synthetic oil, that you
>always use it because your engine will become accustomed to it. The same
>goes if you decide to use 'regular' oil.
>
>Fuji Heavy Industries has liberalized their position on the use of
>synthetic engine oils in Subaru engines. Synthetic engine oils can be used
>in our engines if the user follows the engine oil recommendations
>prescribed in the Owner's Manual. Subaru has not tested the compatibility
>of all synthetic oils with engine seals, but the petroleum industry does
>adhere to standards for the refining process which meet Subaru
>requirements. Subaru does not guarantee the performance of any brand of
>any engine oil.
>
>Engine Oil Guidelines: - only use engine oil that meets or exceeds the API
>classification designated in the Owner's Manual for the vehicle - only use
>engine oil that meets the VISCOSITY requirements for the ambient
>temperatures under which the vehicle will be operated as outlined in the
>Owner's Manual - THE ENGINE OIL MUST BE CHANGED AT THE INTERVALS SPECIFIED
>IN THE WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE BOOKLET FOR THE VEHICLE. SOME SYNTHETIC
>OIL REFINERS RECOMMEND EXTENDED OIL CHANGE INTERVALS. SUBARU DOES NOT
>RECOMMEND ANY DEVIATION FROM THE SPECIFIED INTERVALS IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL.
>
>Best wishes!!
>
>
>John J. Mergen
>Subaru of America, Inc.