I think I have done my last oil change. I can get my local ASE shop to do the oil and filter in 30 minutes for $70 bucks, which is cheaper than "Sniffy Lube" charges for their "premium service." They use a NAPA gold filter and will put up with me in the waiting area. Just getting too tough to roll around under the rig anymore at my advanced age of 67. However: They are really pushing a three thousand mile/six month agenda. I had been doing five month/five thousand while doing it myself. I know this is not BITOG, and, no I don't want to pour through that Web site either. Any issue with five months, five thousand? Oh, the factory (Subaru) says six months/6K. Mechanic says Subaru is in the business to sell cars, not to push for more miles out of older cars.
Ask the mechanic what percentage of engine failures he's seen are from problems with the oil. I just follow the manual. 6000 miles for the Subaru, 10k with the Toyotas, and whenever the GM oil minder said to(around 7500). Had cars for over 100k miles with no issues linked to the oil change interval. The only car to get an oil change more often than called for was the Sable. That was because it might be driven only 4000 miles in a year, and an annual change was simpler to follow. I also wasn't using any 0w-synthetic in it for the same reason. Oil change shops are in the business of selling oil changes, not conserving oil or your cash.
I have to say; quality of the oil makes a big difference too. Shifty-lube oil in my dad's Toyota SR5, had low oil pressure when hot. I change the oil and issue was gone!!! Their oil will probably only go 3k miles before breaking down. IMHO; If you don't know what they're using, bring your own and double check their work. An old girl friend called me the other day. Said her car started smoking about a few miles from the oil change place. Told her to pull over when safe and DO NOT open the hood! Let it cool down and stop smoking BEFORE popping the hood. Turns out they never screwed the oil fill cap back on. Told her to take pictures and check the oil level. Put the cap back on and drive back and have them clean up the mess.
I can't remember if any of the newer Subies have turbos in them or not - but the real answer will probably depend on your driving patterns. I'm delighted that Subie says 6m/6,000 miles - and if you're not planning on putting lunar mileage on this thing you're going to be better off at 5k or even 6K than 10k. All of mine are GMC. Their OLMS seems to be set up for a 6mo/7500 mile periodicity. The two newest have turbocharged 4 bangers so I change the oil myself at 3-4K. The shadows are growing longer and I will eventually have to bow to the inevitable and pay an indy shop to change the oil for me. I live in a small town and I personally know three wrenches - so trust will not be a factor and I know how to check my oil level before and after the oil change. Maybe the state will have taken my license before then and I can just start driving a golf cart around town like some of the other duffers do. Either way? The Earth will be orbiting a cold dead star before I use a Jiffy Lube place! My advice to anyone that that has theirs changed would be to check the oil level, oil cap, and look under the car with the engine running to make sure you're not bleeding out somewhere else......BEFORE YOU LEAVE.
