Oil: synthetic or no, how to tell?

Question

BACKGROUND: I recently bought a 2000 model 9-3 with 45K miles on it. It came from a used car dealer who had no idea about the past history of the vehicle, but CarFax seems to reflect that it was used as a lease vehicle with routine oil changes done at a Saab dealer since new.

THE QUESTION: When it's time for me to change the oil, should I use synthetic oil or natural? Is it a problem switching from one to the other? Is there a way I can find out what's in it now? Should I bother?

Thanks for your help and input.

MW

Dima · Accepted Answer

When: now, since you do not know when it was last changedWhat kind: synthetic or semisyntetic, I believe, is recommended by Saab for 2000 model year vehicles.-Dima

Pooh Bear · Answer

It's time now, since you don't have any history.

Always synthetic or at least semi synthetic.

Not an issue since you shouldn't use non synthetic oil in a Saab of this age.

No need to bother worrying.

Put some synthetic in it now.

Mobil 1 seems to be the best considered. There any number of grades it seems to come in now though. Someone here might be able to advise the most suitable grade range.

Graham

Charles C. · Answer

I would do a *FULL* service, sparking plugs, oil coolant, filters ... everything (esp. if you are prepared - you sound so - to do it yourself).  You don't know if the car has anything ever done to it.RegardsCharles

Pooh Bear · Answer

Good advice. In fact I did exactly that myself when I got my 9000. I concluded the air filter was OK though.

I noticed that the wrong plugs ( not NGK ) had been previously fitted whilst doing this.

Might be wise to have a 'shop' ( if you're not confident ) check things like brake pads too. You don't want scored rotors / discs in a couple of thousand miles.

Graham

Sheldon Rabin · Answer

If you want to keep the car for a reasonably long time use full synthetic oil.SRABIN

Oil: synthetic or no, how to tell?

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