What kind/brand of oil do you use?

[Wurf]

Dealer did mine for free ( first oil change is free ) at 2500 and they put semi-synthetic Ford Motorcraft oil in it. I think you would be fine with either conventional or full synthetic, but if it makes you feel better about it, run the conventional and just change it again at 5K. That's when I'm doing mine.

 

[SleekDJ]

I just had the first change done, free at the dealer, idiots. I told them the speed 3 takes 5W30 and they said they use 5W20 on the 3. I showed them in the book where it says 5W30 but they put in 5W20 anyway, said the tech checked with Mazda and it was okay, and in our climate it was better. I live in Phoenix and its already in the 100's here, wouldn't you go with a higher viscosity in extreme heat?
I think they did not have the Mobile 1 in 5W30. But they did Mobile 1 for free thinking I will go back to them.
Btw, I believe the 3K oil change only benefits those selling it and is a waste of money. The book states 7.5 K in normal conditions and 5K for heavy conditions. So running Synthetic for 5 7k should be very safe. The nice thing about synthetic is if you go past where you should, you have a little extra protection.
My .02 on oil, a fascinating subject by the way.

Hey SvenSPEED, I just got my first oil change at the dealer too (Showcase Mazda) and they put in 5W20 Mobil 1 synthetic. Did you go there too? Did you call them back and try to get them to put in 5W30?

Anybody other than MikeHTally think that 5W20 is bad for our cars?

 

[ericrapp]

might be kinda thin for the turbo seals. i would not consider it myself. i actually moved to a slightly heavier weight than suggested from the dealer. Mike knows what he is talking about.

 

[SleekDJ]

Just called the dealership and talked to the Master Tech there. He said that Mazda USA covers this under the warranty and for the Arizona climate, it's perfectly acceptable. Hmm....

Here is a graph of the weather in Phoenix, AZ:
http://www.wunderground.com/NORMS/D...Name=Phoenix&StateCode=AZ&Units=none&IATA=PHX

 

[ericrapp]

hmmm... i must agree on that. the hmmm..But if a Mazda master says ok, i am absolutely no position to argue

 

[TheMAN]

mazda master techs aren't engineers, and there's a TSB specifically stating the need for 5W30 oil, enough said

 

[cackalacky]

im about to do my first oil change at 2000 miles. should i use conventional oil or should i switch to synthetic. isnt 2000 too soon for synthetic tho??

I'm in the same boat and would like to know this, also...

 

[ericrapp]

These cars are not like the old days or a freshly rebuilt motor. If you are going to stay with the synthetics then now is as good as time as any. Two things though. Once you go synth, my understanding is you will need to stick with it. something about seals and such. But also, your warranty. Mazda will put synthetic in your car for you, and i would have them do the first change over. That way if there ever is an issue, i do not think there will be. But if so you can say "well you guys put synth in?" If you have your oil changed by others or yourself keep the receipts and jot down the mileage and throw all that into your New MazdaSpeed 3 file. Happy trails!