Never go until you reach 15,000...that's crazy!!
Hi,
I haven't decided yet. I just got the truck on the 3rd of July and already have about 4700 miles on it. Almost all of it has been interstate/Hwy travel, so I might be inclined to wait that long.
From what I understand the motor monitors the longevity of the oil on the fly and will prompt you to get it changed early if it deems necessary.
In reality, I will not make it to 15,000 miles in 12 months. Last year I didn't put more than 6,000 miles on the family hauler. This year we had to large vacations planned and I may take it to the Land Rover National Rally in Moab, so it might actually get close to 10,000 miles this year. I don't use it for many short trips; I walk to work most days and ride my bike for other errands.
Rob
Rob,
My BMW also says every 15,000 miles. But even my service advisor tells me that if it was his BMW, he'd change it half point. That's what I've been doing for the past 45,000 miles. Instead of only three oil changes, I've done six. I'm sure my car appreciates it more and in return would probably get longevity.
Rule of thumb: On a normal car, it was always an unwritten rule to get the oil changed every 3,000 miles. Most car manuals actually say recommended milage for oil change is 5,000 miles. However, when you buy a brand new car, you have to break in the engine and transmission (nice and easy) for the first 1000 miles. That means no hard acceleration, no going over 80 mph, and try to utilize all 6 gears. Breaking in the engine creates metal filings inside the engine, therefore, every car buff knows to get the oil changed after the first 1,000 miles. After that it's every 3,000 miles.
On the BMW or Land Rover, it says 15,000 miles. So, you still need to break in the engine 1,000 miles. Nowadays and with today's technology, you can get by with 800 miles. I would DEFINITELY change the oil by 2,000 miles. After the first oil change, you should change it every 7,500 miles. There's no hurt in doing so, but there is more hurt in not doing so. There's a reason why Land Rover is decreasing the standard oil change mileage down to 7,500 miles. For a car that has very high maintenance to begin with, might as well be safer than sorry. The LR4 made it very easy to change the oil without any mess. Do it yourself, 15-30 minutes. Buy the oil pump, and get a good one that will last for years, and buy the oil filter from the dealership. I buy my oil from BMW since the U.S. Castrol oil or Mobile 1 has different consistancy from European Castrol or Mobile 1. They have the autobahn and we don't and that's the reason for different consistancy and tolerance even though the oil type/number is the same. You'll spend around $56-60 for the oil and $17 for the filter from Jaguar. Get the LR4 oil filter from Jaguar, b/c it is much cheaper (same filter...same engine). Or you can pay $200 at the dealership.
The prices are not exact...since every dealership charges different parts and labor. That's my two cents. Think smart and be safe...b/c it's an expensive car.
V/r,
Chris