Engine oil OEM Subaru or ROWE

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.

Rowe 5W40, every 10K or 1 year

I would also make sure that every time you fill up the gas you check the oil dipstick and if it’s a little low top off the oil. In fact, I think this is probably crucial to owning an older Subaru like mine mine has 300 K.

I second those saying bring a spare quart of oil. I wouldn't be too worried about taking my 2012 Outback at 170K miles on such a trip...but would agree check the oil every 1000 miles or every morning (depending how far you go in a day) just to make sure it isn't getting low.

Check all your fluids ASAP. If any are low, top off as per the manual and monitor closely before you leave to make sure it's not leaking or consuming anything. Definitely bring extra oil, 1 or 2 quarts would be pleanty, and some paper towels and rubber gloves help too.

Should be fine, but CHECK THE OIL FREQUENTLY. This series of engines is notorious for oil consumption problems, which may not appear at all when doing short trips, but suddenly it's drinking 1qt or more per 1000 miles on the highway.

I used both rowe 5w30 507.00 and the OEM VW HIGH PERFORMENCE 0w30 (yes 0w30) 507.00

I didnt notice any difference between the two . Wear on my oil analysis was about the same with both oils.

I have a slow oil leak (something like a quart every 1,500 miles). Dealer quoted just under $3,000 for the fix when it was 17 years old with 110,000 miles. I'll just buy the occasional quart of oil.