Subaru cars are known for their premium quality and associated high maintenance costs compared to other commercial vehicles.
One aspect of maintenance that runs up the costs is oil changes. This price is extremely high due to the added costs.
Foremost, Subaru manufacturers recommend that their customers use Subaru synthetic oil, specially made to suit the specific needs of Subaru’s boxer engine.
Compared to conventional oils, Subaru’s synthetic oil is pricier. Synthetic oil has added elements that enhance the engine’s performance, thus accounting for the higher price.
However, Subaru models manufactured before 2011 can run efficiently on conventional oils. In addition to synthetic oil, Subaru oil changes are accompanied by oil filter replacements, among other parts, which drive up the costs depending on the type of filter used.
Moreover, the cost of labor and taxes increase the cost of a Subaru oil change. These added costs vary depending on location, exact parts that need replacing, and the current market conditions.
Contents
How much does it cost to change the oil in a Subaru?
The cost of an oil change differs depending on the Subaru model, engine size, location, and mechanic choice. Subaru dealerships tend to charge more for an oil change compared to your local mechanic.
However, they are more thorough in their work since they only service the Subaru car brand, making them experts. The total cost can range anywhere from $80 to $120 for one solitary oil change session.
A breakdown analysis of the charges is as follows: One gallon of Subaru synthetic motor oil averages at $50, oil filter replacement costs about $10, labor costs typically range from $25 to $40, and taxes average about 10% to 15% of the total cost.
Keep in mind that costs are not that high and are similar to every car make and model if you opt for a manufacturer service or at an authorized one.
In contrast, a Subaru oil change at a local repair shop is more affordable. The prices range from $60 to $90 depending on the model of the Subaru, mileage covered, and service offered (garage or home visit).
Moreover, these prices are negotiable and thus can be lowered depending on one’s negotiation prowess. Alternatively, you can conduct the oil change from your garage, eliminating labor costs for those looking to save significantly on oil changes.
However, this decision poses several risks, such as a leaky gasket due to too much oil, poor lubrication due to less engine oil, using the wrong type of engine oil, and failure to tighten the oil drain plug.
How often do Subarus need oil changes?
Regular oil changes are essential in protecting the integrity of your car. Dirty and contaminated oil does not adequately lubricate the various parts of the engine, which increases friction between the moving parts leading to low engine performance. If left unaddressed, dirty engine oil can cause the engine to overheat, leading to a car breakdown.
Subaru recommends having oil changes every 5,000 to 6,000 miles.
For regular travelers, this mileage is covered every six months; thus, Subaru cars require an oil change twice yearly. Nevertheless, keeping track of mileage is recommended for avid travelers since they can cover 6,000 miles before the six-month mark.
Therefore, the oil change can occur more frequently instead of having an oil change every six months. You can consult the owner’s manual or your dealership’s mechanic if you are unsure when to have an oil change.
By having regular oil changes, you will avert any potential problems that can result, thus saving money that would have been used to resolve them.
Take Away
Subarus are infamous for having high oil change costs, which dissuades some people from purchasing them. However, this belief is debatable.
Compared to commercial vehicles, which undergo oil changes every 3,000 miles, Subarus only require oil changes every 6,000 miles, double that of commercial cars.
In a year, Subarus typically make two oil change visits compared to the four oil change visits made by commercial vehicles. When we compile the costs of oil changes for both the Subaru and commercial cars in a year, the costs are almost similar, which refutes the statement that Subaru oil changes are expensive.
Moreover, the inflamed price for a Subaru oil change is due to the added costs and services provided during the oil change. These include oil filter replacement, cost of labor, and taxes.
However, one can argue that synthetic oil is more expensive than conventional oil. Although this is factual, synthetic oil has added elements that provide bonus benefits to Subaru, thus accounting for the extra cost.
These benefits include longer service time, better lubrication, and enhanced engine performance. Essentially, Subaru synthetic oil gives you value for money.
