I think it really depends on how often you plan to change the oil. Synthetic is better in general, but where it shines is in long intervals, which won't be the case until the warranty expires. So...for the 5,000-7500 interval it may be a lot less significant. I, for one, plan to use Penn Plat in the winter every 5,000 and switch to German Castrol for summer use, which while a 30 weight gives hot temperature protection more like a 40 weight....