I have been surprised to find that my older diesels do fine with synthetic (Rotella 5w40). I wouldn't choose to use it due to price except for the harsh Michigan winters. They don't use any more synthetic than they do dino.

I would add though that I've purchased all my vehicles with the number one priority being.....that they don't use oil. This tells me about the maintainence history of the other areas of the car.

Don

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DAILY DRIVERS:
'84 300DT 298k (Aubrey's)
'99.5 Jetta TDI IV 251k (Julie's)
'97 Jetta TDI 127k (Amber's)
'97 Jetta TDI 186k (Matt's)
'96 Passat TDI 237k (Don's
'84 300D 211k Mint (Arne- Undergoing Greasecar Conversion)

SOLD:
'82 240D 229k (Matt's - Converted-300DT w/ 4 speed