I just got the 2003 V6 Accord EX and the dealer told me that i should ease it in the 1st 600 miles then let her rip. Now three other people have told me I should wait at least 5000 miles. Which is it?

 

5000 is a little much... but I wouldn't drive it too hard within the first 1000 for sure.

 

I'd say 1000 seems about right, I would at least go to 800 before you start letting her rip!! Congrats!

 

lol 5000, some city ppl dont even drive that much in a year.

 

too bad it's not the 6spd - be easy the 1st 1000 miles, then go up against them V6 Altimas (not the 5spd) & V6 Eclipses.

 

Well basically this is what I follow for my break in:
1. dont stay at a certain speed/rpm for more than 15 minutes. Try to vary speed or maybe if speed allows it use a different gear
2. for the first like 400 mi try to stay under 3000 rpm then gradually over time increase the amount that you rev it up to. Like for the next 100 only up to 3500 or whatever. This isnt really that necessary but I do it.
3. Try to avoid hard braking for the first couple hundred miles.

 

Just FYI, every Accord that comes off the line in Marysville is run up to redline in every gear. So I wouldn't worry too much about babying the car. Break it in like you're going to use it.

 

really, I did not think that they would do that? Does that help break in the transmission??? or engine?

 

I was at the Honda plant in Marysville in June '01 for the "Honda Homecoming" motorcycle rally, and took a plant tour of the auto plant.

First of all, they make Accords and Acura TLs on the same line. That was really interesting. I was surprised to see that EVERY Accord and TL that comes off the line immediately gets driven over to a dyno and is run up to redline in every gear and reverse. They said that they make sure every car that ships makes the right amount of power. Any car that doesn't make the cut gets taken to the side and torn down for inspection.

The plant our guide said that modern engines are built to such tight tolerances that break in is fairly instant and these parts are built to take and thrive under such use.

So I won't worry too much when I take delivery of my '03 Accord LX tomorrow. I'll just drive it normally.

However, I always feel it's not a good idea to beat on machinery it you want it to last. Running smoothly up to redline is a lot easier on parts than on/off jerkiness and abrupt throttle inputs.

 

Just RIP IT NOW!!! Hehe, jk.. I think 600-1000 sounds about right.. oil change around then too.