Engine oil ELF or OEM Subaru

Changed ours at 3k and will change again at 6k. After that it’s every 5k. Use Subaru oil and filters.

I have done all my oil changes myself since I bought my 2019 Subaru outback 2.5l new using 5w-30 and have never had issues! Just hit 120k ????

Getting 30mpgs in my ‘14 and been running 5w30 for years, smoother and quieter

No issues with 5w-30. Switched my 21 Crosstrek to it due to the summer months coming. Little dip in mpg but the engine runs smoother.

Either way I have the impression that the engine has a smoother sound and feel now, can this be possibile or it's just a placebo ?

They sell Subaru branded Idemitsu at the parts counter

Oil being dark is a good indicator that you have to do an oil change. However, you shouldn't wait until it changes color to do it. Clear oil doesn't necessarily mean you can keep going.

It is well established that boxer engines want their oil changed and I do not think for a second that a visual inspection is valid for determining if it is time. Highly, **highly** recommend you change the oil per the manual without hesitation and regardless of what it looks like.

0w20 provides your engine with more wear protection .

There is minimal difference between 0w16 and 0w20, with 0w20 provided marginally better wear protection and 0w16 providing slightly better fuel efficiency since it's slightly thinner and provides less internal resistance.

I avoid the 5 minute drive-thru places. One of them wanted over $100 for full synthetic on my Subaru Forester. Not worth the 5 minutes.