I have been told by Volvo that using a synthetic blend in a 1999 GLT (light turbo) is fine as long as one changes oil and filter every 5,000 miles. Any feed back? I have used Valvoline Synthetic blend in a 1995 850 for four years and a Passat turbo for two.

The synthetic blends are probably a good value, but not knowing how much synth is in there, I'd just stick with full synth.

I *very* much disagree that full synthetic is a waste of money....change every 5000 miles with full synthetic, and at least you'll know you are doing the very best you can putting off maintenance and getting a little better gas mileage in the mean time.

Synthetic lubricates better than dino oil...it's a simple as that.

Full synth would be even more highy recommended if you live in a cold climate...it stays fluid in cold temps where dino oil gets very thick.

I use sythetic everywhere I can...engine, transmission (I think it makes a big difference here), differentials, etc, I also use synthetic grease.

Sure, a synthetic blend is acceptable, and in most cases will have some advantage over non-synthetic. Since there are no standards for blends, they could have as little as 1-2 oz of synthetic in there. They certainly help the oil company markup.

I wouldn't use anything but a good synthetic, with PAO base stocks. The other stuff is good, but can't equal the protection from the better base stocks.

I am one of those religious doers. However, I follow the book, which states oil changes at 5000 miles. They know, they made the car. My owners manuel states that it is preferential to use synthetic oil. I asked a Volvo mechanic which was better. He said "If at all possible run pure synthetic in the car, it doesn't break down like the dino does".

Otherwise--to each his own.

My 2 cents
Rick in Denver, 97 850-R

Don't bother with the synthetic blends. They're actually no better than dino oils. Go with true synthetic.

If you are a religious maintainer of your vehicle......you are waisting your money!!! The synthetics are for the sluff offs that change there oil once a year before summer vacation, the synthetics can stand up much longer during long abuse! My brothers 850 turbo went 190K on pure Dino oildbefore it needed a turbo! What can I say! He is also a religious 3500 mile oil changer!!!

A full synthetic is the only way to go im my book. I have pulled engines apart that had 120,000+ miles that had Mobil 1 in them for 100,000 miles and the cam lobes and bearings looked new. I have seen the same motor with 30K miles and the cam lobes looked mared, and were discolored from the oxidation from the peterolium base stock. All three motors were from an SHO. For a Turbo you should never coke up the lubrication points with a synthetic, and they should last for well into the 250,000 mile range with oil chankge every 5000 miles.