I've taken to buying made in japan mazda rx8 filters for my 2015 impreza.
The Mazda filter has a higher capacity and larger design compared to the OEM Subaru filter. So, it will hang down slightly lower than OEM. The anti-drain back pressure seems to be similar, but I have never verified myself. I ran this filter on my 2005 Impreza WRX STi for a few years.
I’d high recommend doing an oil change with 10w30, putting on a factory oil filter (they’re about $10 at the dealer and come with a crush washer), and seeing how it behaves then. I recommend factory filters because for some very odd reason, I had less (or no) lifter tick when I used factory filters vs. aftermarket.
I use Pennzoil 0W-30 Euro Platinum, and a Castrol CAS3593 filter every time, and change my oil every 6000kms which is about 3728 miles. I have heard good things about the efficiency of the Castrol filters.
Use full synthetic Mobil one or Castrol Change every 7k miles. And the oil filter too.
Mazda oil filters are good but there are aftermarket filters equal and some are better than Mazda filters. Call the independent shop and ask what oil and filter they use then research it.
In my Turbo, I use what many consider the best oil for gdi engines, pennzoil ultra platinum 5w/30 with the oem mazda filter. Although some aftermarket filters have better filter media, none meet the 22 psi bypass valve specs on the turbo engine.
Yes, Castrol gtx and a KN oil filter
Since I change my oil every 3,500 miles, the OEM is the best choice.
I went through the same thing, I believe the part number that they gave you is the made in Mexico Mazda value oil filter. It worked on my 2.5 NA. Though in my opinion, the quality of the filter is subpar compared to the OEM made in Thailand filters.
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If choosing oil filter across many manufacturers, check the part ranking. If your choice is down to two brands, the PartReview part comparisons help.
We compare oil filter across these categories:
In March 2026 on PartReview, oil filter OEM Mazda were overall better than Castrol.
In March 2026 on PartReview, oil filter OEM Mazda were overall more popular than Castrol.
By vote balance, oil filter OEM Mazda surpassed Castrol:
By number of reviews, oil filter OEM Mazda surpassed Castrol:
In March 2026, according to PartReview, oil filter OEM Mazda led more car-specific ratings than Castrol:
OEM Mazda are chosen by owners of cars such as: Mazda 3, and others.
Oil filter Castrol have not yet taken leading positions in car-specific ratings. You can help by adding a review and specifying your car.
If this comparison didn’t fully answer your question, there are many others on PartReview.
For example, comparisons of oil filter Castrol with: Fram, Mann, Wix, Mobil, K&N, Bosch, OEM Toyota, Motorcraft, OEM Volkswagen, OEM Honda.
Also available: comparisons of oil filter OEM Mazda with: Fram, Mann, Wix, Mobil, K&N, Bosch, OEM Toyota, Motorcraft, OEM Volkswagen, OEM Honda.
You can also see who is better among other oil filter manufacturers: Fram or Mann, Fram or Wix, Fram or Mobil, Fram or K&N, Mann or Wix.
