I just changed the oil in my 2005 Legacy GT Turbo at 7500 miles and was surprised that only 2.5 qts was drained out, indicating that over 2 quarts were used in the preceding 4000 miles. That would be excessive oil consumption in most cars including other Subarus like Outback and WRX. Is this normal for the new model Legacys?
How do you know that it was at the full mark when you took delivery?
Check it every fillup for 1000 miles then let us know.
You will have difficulty getting any adjustment from Subaru unless they find a specific problem causing oil oss or it is worse than a quart in 1,000 or so. Assuming 1/2 liter is in the filter and some left in the pan, plus not knowing if
As written I assume that this is the first oil change and you never have checked it before 7,500 miles? My Forester owners monstrance guide states that the first oil change is to be preformed at 3,000 miles. Normally one checks their oil level every 1,000 miles or so, especially with a new vehicle. You have done no damage since the low oil pressure warning light was not on. You have NO complaints yet. Read the manuals & guides that came with your vehicle.
Did someone forget the washer? That one that supposed to be crushed in each time the oil is changed?
Hi,
Your car has only 7500+ miles, right? If I read that part right, I wouldn't think 2 qts/4000 miles to be excessive: some engines take 10k or more miles for the rings to seat properly.
I'd suggest checking the oil more frequently than 1x/1000 mi, like maybe once a week, and watch to see if the consumption rate's relatively linear, or starts off slowly then builds up somewhat quickly. If the latter's the case, I'd think an oil change in the general time frame of the increase in consumption is warranted. I've always had more rapid consumption after a couple of thousand miles than right after a change.
Please keep us posted on "progress" with this car!
Rick
We had a similar experience with our '05 2.5i and it had me worried. It went through a lot of oil in the first 5K miles, but has been getting better and better with break-in. It has 12K now and oil consumption has drastically been reduced. I understand this is normal for Subaru break-in.
I used about a litre (quart +) in the first couple of thousand kilometres but have used very little since on my 05 Outback. Going on 25k klms now. I think it must be a Subaru thing judging by the replies.
phil
I second Dino_nospam statement on a H6 engine. Now no longer an issue for my car. Seems to be the way modern Subaru engines are designed, turbo or not.
See also my previous related post.
-- Legacy Executive '04, H6 3.0R, 5 Speed Auto, Trip Computer and Kenwood DVD Navigation,
41'000KM
Some new cars will use more oil until they are fully broken in, and some cars will normally use some oil normally. I hope my new/used outback doesn't use much oil (my old Loyale burned about two quarts between oil changes). My Porsche uses no oil, but they say it's normal for a 911 to burn a quart every 1000 miles. I'd check it often and give it some time.
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