So I just comnpleted 3k miles in my new Clubbie - I LOVE THIS CAR!

My question is - should I do an oil/filter change (like I've always done for other cars I've owned at this point) or should I follow the computer-driven maintenance schedule program?

BTW: the computer says I don't need to do anything until 2012 - at least that what it said last night

~ Manu

 

your computer is whacked! Mine says 2010. Once a year is fine if you only keep it a few years. If long term, id do it more often 2-3 times per year.

 

Some people (like me) like to do "break-in" oil changes on new motors. Others don't give it much thought and pefer to rely on what the manufacturer or car says.

For me it's cheap insurance. $25 for a 5qt jug of Castrol 5/30 Syntec, $10 for a filter, o-ring, crush washer, and then $5 of shop rags to wipe up all the damn oil I spilled. (learning curve) After the break in, I'll probably run oil changes out to 7.5k or so, depending on what we have been doing with the car.

 

You'll find many opinions. However, most agree that an early oil change after the break-in period is highly advisable due to the metals that wind up in the oil as the moving parts break-in. Of course, this is not covered by the maintenance plan. Your next decision will be whether to follow the MINI recommended 12K mile/1 year oil change schedule, or add your own oil change at the mid-point (~5-6k miles). If you plan to keep your car for many years and miles, the extra oil changes are advisable.

 

read your manual.....I know I did my last car at 1000 miles for break-in and then again at 3000 miles...synthetic in both times...then every three till the 4th change and from there on out every 5 k...every 10k do the auto trans oil..follow the schedules from there on out...tires every 5k rotate...live by it...did it with my 84-tbird and someone has a very nice 150,000 mile thunderbird...