Tell the dealer's service department about your concern. I think it's highly
likely they will say that this 3000 mile oil change frequency begins *after
break-in* of the engine. From everything I've read this break-in period is, as
you say, something more than 3000 miles.

One can put in 2004 Civic at the American Honda motors site (no charge) at
http://www.hondacars.com/, click on "Owner Link," put in 2004 Civic, etc. and
the maintenance schedule says the first oil change is at 10,000 miles/one year
for "normal driving" and 5000 miles/6 months for "severe" conditions driving.
Googling supports this, but there is also a lot of commentary about the 7500
miles being the recommended interval for the first oil change for at least
post-2000 or so Hondas.

The American Honda Motors site is notorious for errors/incompleteness, so I'd
double check the specific break-in period for new Hondas. Maybe ask to borrow
the owner's manual and other info that comes with a new Honda overnight, and
look for what it says on this subject. Or have one of the salesmen locate the
page of the owner's new car information and show it to you.


"Moodfoul" <moodfoul@aol.com> wrote
> I noticed that the 04 civic I test drove at one dealer was much quicker to
> accelerate than 04 civics at several other dealers where I had taken the test
> drive.
>
> When I got out of the car, I noticed an oil change sticker on the windshield
> from the dealer stating to change the oil in 3000 miles. This was a brand new
> vehicle with about 100 miles on it. I looked at the other new cars on the lot
> and they had the same stickers - all of them.
>
> Doesn't Honda put in oil at the factory which is left in for the first 7500
> miles?
>
> Will dealer oil change void the warranty?
>
> Should I report this to Honda? Would it do any good?