Alright I've had a few days to settle into my bright and sunny lancer, and I was wondering...what type of oil should I use when I go and get oil changes? I always hear of people using Castrol or Valvline and stuff like that, what oil is good for performance and economically sound? I'm not looking to race here, just want to keep my baby burning happy

 

I like Mobil 1 synthetic. If you know a place that lets you bring your own oil then go for that. You can buy a 5 quart jug at Walmart for about $25. I have run it in my Ralliart for about 7,000 miles and I love it.

 

I also use Mobil 1, it's what the Mitsu dealers use on Evo's so I figure its good enough for my car.

 

Do what the factory engineers have decided is best for the engine they designed: 5W20 regular (non-synthetic) oil. I prefer Castrol (it is easy to find it in 5W20) but any name brand will be alright. Best to use the factory Mitsubishi oil filter too. This is the "safest" and most economical way to go, which is what you asked for.

 

As long as you use the recommended oil grade stated in the owner's manual, any brand will be fine (they should all have a seal on the label reading "API>>the oil grade>>>energy conserving" and a star shaped one reading "for gasoline engines")

As for the oil grade to use, I only have one word..>>>SEARCH<<<, it's been discussed quite a few times in the forums and you will find very useful info.

Here is some useful info
http://www.aa1car.com/library/motor_oil_605.htm

 

5W20 will do.

 

My lancer is pushing 85,000 miles, should I start looking for an oil that caters to high mileage cars? Mobil 1 makes "Mobil Clean High Mileage 5w30". And I was assuming that any oil change place, will accept oil that you give them to put in your car? They can actually force you to use their crappy oil?

 

you dont need high milage oil, or any special oil in that matter. Use what the manufacturer recommends, and that is a 5W20 oil meeting certain criteria (API Energy Conserving, etc) and is approved by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
Any oil such as Valvoline, Castrol, Esso, Petro-Can, etc will do. They all meet or exceed minimum standards.


Edit: Maintenance Manual recommends;
I'd just ask the mechanic what kind of oil he uses, and if he mentions your preferred kind, tell him to use that brand, 5W20.

 

mobil 1... all the time, everytime... period.

 

I have a question along the same lines, so I'll piggyback off of this thread. Normally, my car is to use 5w30. I always use Mobil One, so there is no question there. Viscosity is another matter. I'm wondering if I can use 0w30. Don't they recommend that oil weight in the new lancers? Isn't it intended to reduce friction? I can't imagine that it would not be a good thing for the 4g69. My ralliart has 40k miles btw.