I too would change the oil, but i'd grab a genuine filter from the parts dept and a 5 litre can of the proper oil if its not stupidly overpriced, then DIY the job and say nothing to the dealer, saving some £65 or more, keep the receipts with the documents.

Until I finally got to the point of having to give up DIY car work, that's what I used to do with all my cars - even the company cars as I sometimes bought them at the end of lease.

Now I use VW's Time & Mileage Service schedule (10,000 miles or 1 year) rather than their Flexible schedule (up to 20,000 or 2 years) - it increases the costs but increases peace of mind.

Totally agree, change it yourself ...oh and don't forget a new sump plug washer!

I intend to have the oil changed in the next couple of months (nothing else). This will probably be a car to keep long-term, so I think an oil change every year is worth it.

The main dealers effectively have us over a barrel (of oil) because one mustn't give them any excuse to quibble if there is ever a warranty claim.

I'm sure it's a good idea (but maybe not essential) to insert an extra oil change without involving the dealer or recording it. Technically the correct oil should be used to comply with the warranty, but if it's an 'extra' who is to know ? :-)

An increasing number of models have no engine oil dipstick, relying totally on an electronic sensor in the sump.

Our Peugeot 2008 1.2 puretech turbo engine has been treated carefully since new and has done only 3000 miles in seven months. The oil is still honey coloured and looks about the same level, certainly no more than 1mm below the level (the max mark) I observed it to be when new. I have no intention of changing it in November just because it will be a year old. I'll be interested to hear what the dealer says when we eventually go for our post-purchase follow-up appointment.

Our old Focus (>145,000m) has had its oil changed about twelve times. The sump plug and its washer (if it has one - I can't remember) are original. In over 50 yrs of changing oil on old cars I have never felt the need to replace the washer. I can think of no good reason to do so. None have ever leaked. But I always carefully tighten to around the recommended 20 ftlb, which is not a lot - about a quarter of the tightening strength for a wheel nut.

No the £125 is on top of what was included in the three year service package she paid for in advance.

But remembering HJ S advice we went ahead.

Pleased to report that it’s been totally reliable as well as being comfortable and nice to drive. But I’d stick to the 1.3 Turbo engine which it shares with the MB A Class .Very impressive in every way .

Ive been the biggest critic of French cars in the past after suffering so many electrical glitches on my partners last car Peugeot 207 SW but this Captur is simply brilliant . OK it hasn’t the street cred of the CHR or CX3 which were her first choice but being so much cheaper and with the additional five year warranty at £300 I’d totally recommend the Captur.

I note that new Renaults now come with a 5 year, 100,000 mile warranty. Although I too have a longstanding prejudiced view against French cars, I must say that the high spec Renault Kadjar we hired 3 years ago had the most comfortable front seats I've ever experienced in a car. Lane departure warning system that subtly imitated running over cats eyes through the L/R speakers was also something that I warmed to.

Might even consider one in the future.

Edited by Alby Back on 08/01/2021 at 20:04

SWMBO wouldn't be seen dead in a Fiat, even though this year is excatly 40 years after her first and last Fiat, which let her down three times in its first and only year with us.

It's sad hearing about unshakable and perhaps irrational prejudices. I guess we all have some somewhere, but I prefer a '3 Strikes before you're out' algorithm. In the days you mention, Avant, there were plenty of Friday cars, so it was quite easy to be unlucky. These days one has to be really unlucky, and buyers may be excessively swayed by league tables telling them Maker A is only 98.7% reliable while B is 99.1%. The real probability is that either car will be OK, so get the one you prefer - for whatever reason.

These prejudices are strengthened by the feedback coming back from overseas markets, Andrew ,

I take your point, Steve, but conditions in the countries you mention are rather different from the UK, where you might need to venture into darkest Sutherland or somewhere to experience any serious difficulty. SWMBO and I drove a Morris 1100 around the western States and the Canadian Rockies back in the 60s, so I have experienced isolation, sometimes in bear country. I once went off an embanked dirt road in a dust cloud and might have been in deep trouble if a tow-truck had not happened along and dragged us out without asking for a backhander.

League tables (of all sorts) should be interpreted to suit the enquirer's circumstances.