What does subaru recommend to use in your 2.5? I need to change it soon but I cant find anything about it in the manual or the warranty book.

where do you live?
Really hot....Really cold?

Safe bet is 5w30
I like to use synthetics, but others do not. There has been a lot of discussion on this topic, so do a search to help you with your decision.

Randy

My dealership recommended Penzoil 5W30. Also, I've heard that it is bad to put synthetic in right away during that first change... no idea why though.

I absolutely swear by Castrol. I've used it in my past two Subes and my current car. I've gotten 500k trouble free miles out of my old Subarus and quite a bit out of my Impreza. Good stuff and none of my cars burn oil. Plus they make a pretty cool Syntec Blend.

Do you mean oil weight or brand?

The dealers around here use Valvoline.

Revision - Have you looked on the shelf at Schaumburg Subaru? Filled with Penzoil. I just checked Tuesday. http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smile.gif

Dont use penzoil or valvoline they are like water...i will only use Mobil or castrol...trust me i used to work at a dealership and all the mechanics hated penzoil

Well when they were doing.. ahem "warrenty work" on my car. They had Valvoline all over the shelves... Of course that was months ago...

On another note, IMO, I've found that Valvoline to be "thicker" than Quaker State which used to be the family oil of choice. Nowadays, I use Mobil1 in all the family cars. And Redline in mine.

I also put Redline in my lawnmower (separate oil reservoir) thing runs like a champ. http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/wink.gif

I used Castrol Syntec 5W30, changed after 4000kms. Very happy with it.