OK. Still some weeks before I take delivery of my 1.9 Estate. Couple of questions....

1) I probably picked this up from my Dad from been about 2 feet high but he always changed the engine oil on his new cars after the first 1000 miles and I've done the same. I remember asking him why once when he was changing the oil on a new Celica. He showed me the magnetic sump plug which was covered in very fine metal swarf. He said it was due to a new engine bedding it. On the second change some time later the plug was clean. Is it still worth doing this. It's only the price of a can of oil and a filter after all ?

2) I've heard about fixed and variable servicing but don't really understand what it's about. Our car will be doing about 6k a year absolute tops. Which one should I use ? Will the car be setup for one or the other on delivery ? Should I ask the dealer ?

TA !

Mine is a petrol car but as I also only do about 8K I opted for fixed [annual] servicing using good semi synthetic oil, not the horrendously more expensive fully synthetic used for variable servicing but often getting well over 20000 K out of a fill. With variable servicing, engine sensors tell you when the oil has had it.

My service manager told me he doesn't like the look of either the oil or the engine when he drains it after huge mileages. He uses Morris oil in mine and it seems fine.

My personal opinion is go for fixed annaul service with a good semi synthetic. The traditional oil change after only 1000 miles or so is not reckoned to be necessary these days.

I probably picked this up from my Dad from been about 2 feet high but he always changed the engine oil on his new cars after the first 1000 miles and I've done the same.

I'm not sure about the change at 1000 miles with modern engines. If you read the advice given by Honest John on running diesel engines in, he suggests leaving the first oil in for 10,000 miles. The full article can be read here:

Honestjohn: Frequently Asked Questions

I would suggest using the best oil that you can as all turbo engines (diesel or petrol) can run very hot and put a lot of strain on the engine oil, so it makes sense to use a decent synthetic oil (Mobil 1 is good but pricey).

Also, a decent oil may even improve fuel consumption as they are often thinner at low temperatures and therefore circulate the engine more easily using less energy.