2006 Forester Oil Change Problem HELP

[Michael Roback]

I bought a 2006 Forester 5 Speed at the end of 2/06. I called Subaru
and asked about oil changes. They told me that it didn't have to be
done until 7,500 miles. To date I only have about 5,000 miles on the
car! Well, I recently started looking around for a shop that can do it
for me. I used to do it myself on my other cars but I am older and
busy! Well, to my confusion, when I went to the owners manual it says
the oil must be changed at 7.5 months or 7,500 miles, whichever comes
first. I called around to make an appointment and was told that I could
have caused engine problems and shortened the life of the engine by
waiting 5 months or so beyond when I should have changed it. I was told
that because with such short mileage the trips were most likely brief,
that this in and of itself can cause engine problems. I see in the
warranty book that it calls for a signature of the oil being changed at
7.5 months or 7,500 miles in order to comply with the warranty. I have
an appointment to get the oil changed tomorrow morning. Is this
potentially a big problem? Now that I know, I will change it every 6
months or so unless I start putting on much more mileage. Any feedback
would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Jim Stewart]

I bought a 2006 Forester 5 Speed at the end of 2/06. I called Subaru
and asked about oil changes. They told me that it didn't have to be
done until 7,500 miles. To date I only have about 5,000 miles on the
car! Well, I recently started looking around for a shop that can do it
for me. I used to do it myself on my other cars but I am older and
busy! Well, to my confusion, when I went to the owners manual it says
the oil must be changed at 7.5 months or 7,500 miles, whichever comes
first. I called around to make an appointment and was told that I could
have caused engine problems and shortened the life of the engine by
waiting 5 months or so beyond when I should have changed it. I was told
that because with such short mileage the trips were most likely brief,
that this in and of itself can cause engine problems. I see in the
warranty book that it calls for a signature of the oil being changed at
7.5 months or 7,500 miles in order to comply with the warranty. I have
an appointment to get the oil changed tomorrow morning. Is this
potentially a big problem? Now that I know, I will change it every 6
months or so unless I start putting on much more mileage. Any feedback
would be greatly appreciated.

Stop worrying.

You could not have possibly hurt the engine as
long as there was oil in it. The bastards are
just trying to guilt you into using their service.

Learn how to change it yourself and sign off
the logbook yourself. I've done it with three
new Subarus and never had a problem. Save the
oil and filter receipts though.

 

[Frank]

Stop worrying.

You could not have possibly hurt the engine as
long as there was oil in it. The bastards are
just trying to guilt you into using their service.

Learn how to change it yourself and sign off
the logbook yourself. I've done it with three
new Subarus and never had a problem. Save the
oil and filter receipts though.

That's what I do. I keep a book on my cars and write up all dates,
mileage and service if done by others or myself. Years ago, I had a
problem with a Ford and had to sue them and dealer in small claims
court. When I showed Ford lawyer all my notes, they paid up without
having to go to court. Also, do not assume that dealer will keep
records. With the Ford thing, I was getting repairs without
documentation. I believe dealer knew that if he had to disclose his
records it would not look favorable to him.
Frank

 

[mred]

It's very easy. Don't even need to lift vehicle. Reach up under left
side of front bumper, remove the screws. Drain plug & filter very
accessible. See scoobymods.com for info.

 

[P T]

Done is done. No sense worrying. Next time read the owners manual when
you buy a car. Did you know you're not supposed to drive with your arm
out the window either? Check the owners' manual, it's in there ... if
the side air bags go off, they will tear your arm out clean out of your
shoulder! Argh! And by the way, get more exercise and watch your
weight. Or don't you value your body enough to worry about it?

My point is we all fail to follow good advice all the time, and usually
nothing untoward happens. so stop fretting.
But get more exercise anyway.