My wife bought a new 4 cylinder Escape. The dealer told her that her first oil change should be at 7k miles. She has 2.5k on it now. We're going to NC, 1600 miles round trip, next month.
It's my opinion she should get an oil change before the trip. She wants to wait until 7k miles.
Comments?

I would agree with you.

Back in the day, I'd have been on her to change it at 500 miles. But as near as I can tell, the manufacturing techniques are much better now. That is, no need to change to get out the burrs and metal bits.
But even though it's synthetic, I still think first change before a trip, better safe than sorry.

I had nearly the same experience (argument) with my wife when she bought her Suzuki SX4 a little over a year ago. She won.... The car has almost 15,000 miles on it now, and she's yet to do the second oil change. It makes me cringe...

But, it's her car.

Is it synthetic in there now?

I know that all the manufacturers have changed their recommendations for oil changes. I use dino in my xterra and change it about every 4000 miles. I'm kinda with you though - especially since it's a new car - what's it cost, a couple dollars for peace of mind? Look at the vette guys who change their oil every thousand miles. Is it necessary? No. Can you do it because you want to? Yes.

Matthew

Leave it. If you follow the manufacturers requirements, you will be fine.

Modern oil is not the junk it was even 10 years ago. It holds up much better. Less combustion junk gets in, too. 7k miles is fine.

don't waste the crude.