Oil changes

Anonymous
I bought a 2018 Subaru with 3k on it from a dealer. They told me to return for an oil change in 5000 miles. Is this a lie? Do I really have 7500 miles?
Anonymous
you don't have to do it every 3k but you should do it at least 5k. 7.5-8k is a bit much
Anonymous
5,000 has become pretty standard. What makes you think they’re lying?
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:5,000 has become pretty standard. What makes you think they’re lying?


Bc OP's car already had 3k on it. OP - maybe they changed the oil before sold it to you. Check the oil, if it's clean, I bet they changed it. Even for a new car, 3k oil should be dark yellowish color which means they did not chnage it
Anonymous
Maybe they said "come back at 5K" and OP misunderstood as "come back after you drive 5k"
Anonymous
Doesn’t it have an “oil life” sensor? My Honda tells me I need an oil change when I get to 15% oil life. It’s usually about 7k miles, but I have OW-20 oil which I think is partially synthetic.

I definitely went 5k miles on oil changes in older cars though.
Anonymous
Just go to Jiffy lube and have it done. If it is a new car (even 3k miles), it is being broken in and you want to keep the microscopic metal shavings out of the system.
Anonymous
Oil chemistry and engine technology have improved to the point that most cars can go several thousand more miles before changing the oil, Mr. Reed said. A better average, he said, would be 7,500 between oil changes, and sometimes up to 10,000 miles or more.
https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/11/your-money/11shortcuts.html

Look at your owners manual.
Anonymous
The sticker on the windshield says “return at 8k”.

There’s probably an oil life reminder, but I think in most cars it’s just about miles and not how clean or dirty the oil is.

I think they’re lying because they’re a dealership, and excess oil changes is a great way to make money.
Anonymous
Follow what the owners manual says.
Anonymous
My 2015 Subaru does NOT have an oil change reminder, unlike my old Honda, and I miss it.

But my manual says every 6,000 miles. They may be telling you every 5,000 miles because it's easier to remember, and over the life of the car, they will make more money.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Just go to Jiffy lube and have it done. If it is a new car (even 3k miles), it is being broken in and you want to keep the microscopic metal shavings out of the system.


Modern cars do not need as long a break in period as in years past.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Just go to Jiffy lube and have it done. If it is a new car (even 3k miles), it is being broken in and you want to keep the microscopic metal shavings out of the system.


Modern cars do not need as long a break in period as in years past.


Manual for my car says it lasts for the first 1000 miles. -OP
Anonymous
Your first oil change should be free if they are a good dealer.

Go back at 8k. That’s 5k miles on the last change and get it done.

And call and ask for the list of presale maintenance and Maryland inspection done. See if they changed the oil.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:The sticker on the windshield says “return at 8k”.

There’s probably an oil life reminder, but I think in most cars it’s just about miles and not how clean or dirty the oil is.

I think they’re lying because they’re a dealership, and excess oil changes is a great way to make money.



JFC, get a clue and stop giving people horrible advice.


1) Subaru doesn't currently use a oil monitoring system. They specify changes based on mileage, which varies based on driving conditions (see manual)

2) you can't tell "clean" from "dirty" oil by looking at it. All oil looks the same (dark) after about 1K miles, long before it's contaminated enough to require a change.

3) the dealer knows an oil change can be done anywhere. If they really wanted to make $$$, they'd just not remind OP about oil changes at all, leave it up to her to remember, and then sell OP a new engine in a few years when this current one fails due to infrequent oil service. Because an engine costs wayyyyyyy more than 100,000 miles worth of oil changes.





OP, consult the manual about oil service intervals, and then get it done wherever you want.
post reply Forum Index » Cars and Transportation
Message Quick Reply
Go to: