Synthetic all the way for any performance oriented car...simply better protection. Crazy not to spend the extra few bucks to invest in your $35-40K car.

It is odd though, I checked my manual (2012 GSR) and it just states to use 5W-30 and only seems to "recommend" synthetic for best performance and protection. There is no question in what one should put in any Evo but I wonder if the 2012+ models no longer require synthetic oil to retain your Powertrain warranty.

 

Not correct, I think dealerships are drinking the oil they should be recycling.

I have an e mail from mma, SYNTHETIC only.

It's also mentioned in the owners manual, on several pages.

IMO, using regular oil in an evo is insane.

I'm so mad that dealer put regular oil in 2 different dealers both out of touch with reality.

You should have heard the reasons to use regular oil, I almost laughed in the service managers face.
Had to leave & return 5 mins later.

 

bump!

 

I agree. Synthetic is the only way to go, however- no where in my 2012 manual does it say that its required. Even on the emissions sticker on the hood- just specifies 5w-30. On my 11', it stated synthetic is required. Just went through this at the dealer. I was told they lowered the mileage interval for service and went conventional but they highly recommend the synthetic for both the Evo and Ralliart.

 

I was also told it was to help keep the cost of ownership down........ my response to that was I'll pay for the synthetic if you pay for my awd pump when it dies at 36,000.1. He just laughed...

 

Exactly, 2012 and 2013 models only seem to recommend it for best protection and performance. Not like in the previous models that require it. That is interesting regarding the lower mileage interval might be the reason for the change.

Again, you would crazy to run with anything but synthetic in a boosted car but for warranty coverage, it doesn't look like Mitsubishi requires Synthetic on 2012+ Evo's.

 

Like everyone has stated, this has been covered many times. I have a 2013, haven't even hit 400 miles yet but I have contacted Mitsubishi on this. I had asked if I can follow the 2008-2011 scheduled of 5k oil changes if I choose to use synthetic (since I personally believe that it's wasting money to change full synthetic every 3k) and to also confirm they're now using conventional oil. Here's the reply:

"Dear STEPHAN:

Our Reference: Service Request Number: 1-237660690
Prod Inq/Tech Specs
Date Opened : 2/18/2013 10:59:21 AM

Thank you for contacting the Mitsubishi Motors Customer Relations Call Center. Your Mitsubishi dealership is correct, in that the 2013 Lancer Evolution does not require synthetic oil. You may also review this in your Owner's Manual beginning on page 7-7. Whether you decide to use conventional or synthetic oil, it does not alter the maintenance interval indicated in the Warranty & Maintenance Manual.

Thank you again for reaching out to Mitsubishi Motors, and congratulations on your Mitsubishi vehicle!

Sincerely,

Customer Relations Department"

My MMCS came from factory still showing 5k oil change intervals though and I had to change that manually - insult to injury? ha ha - whatever, mods are planned so hell to the warranty

 

I never trust dealers. They're just another guy with a garage..

 

At least the guy with the garage, know not to use regular oil in a turbo charged car. Yea I could use regular gas & drive a fiesta but I don't. Dealers need to step up their game, no wonder no one uses them other than warranty work.

 

I know of a few people running regular oil in their Evolutions. However, they change the oil at 1k miles every time. I can't say that I agree with this practice, but it has been done.

 

Bimmers engines are also less stressed than ours, plus Mitsu specs the 3k intervals, so why not follow the manufacturer specs?

 

So do the 2012's/13's come with synthetic or conventional oil in it from the factory?

 

They come with conventional oil from the factory.

 

Use full synthetic- it's only a few bucks more

 

Open your hood and take a look at your red and black engine cover. Look on bottom black part. On past Evo X's there is a little silver Mobil 1 label next to the dip stick that recommends the engine only being used with fully synthetic oil. if you don't have that label then maybe the guy at the dealership is right. However I would still only use fully synthetic no matter what he says. it's worth the extra money over **** conventional oil.