Planning first oil change @ 500 or 1000mi

[Loren]

Oil preferences and oil changing habits are one of the "holy wars" of every automotive forum. You'll never get a concensus.

I doubt that the factory fill oil is anything special, just bulk oil of the correct spec. I also doubt that there's any benefit to changing it before 5k miles, but do it if it makes you happy.

I DO have an opinion on synthetic oil, however. Every engine needs to break in for optimal performance. If you switch to synthetic oil too soon, you stop or at least greatly hinder the break-in process (yes, synthetic oil is that good). If you're going to use synthetic oil, wait until after 5k miles to switch. Then (holy war point again), aside from the warranty requirement to change the oil at 5k, you can get away with 10k synthetic oil changes if you want.