I don't drive my cars very hard. My '94 Corolla took over 3000 miles to break-in. The 2003 Corolla took over 4000 miles. The 2006 Ford 500 (V6) took 8000 miles.

You are correct in saying 7000 miles for for the engine to be completely broke-in. I did notice with some of these cars of seeing a little improvement in power and gas mileage at about 1500 miles, some again at 300 miles. It's that final break-in thats best, full power and improved gas mileage of 2 or 3 mpg.

Our new THC should come in week. I will simply drive it and allow it to break-in slowly. I will be cautious of any highway speeds. I'm a gas mileage person so i'm easy on acceleration and the brakes.

Gee, I usually start my break-in by driving a hour or so on city streets. I get tired, I let the wife drive. With the hybrid my method won't work. Here were I live there it not much traffic on the 4-lane. I can do it there allowing the engine to run a while then let it shut off. The heating and cooling of the engine also is part of the break-in.

I have seen guys complain of no power on a new car test drive. What do they expect with a brand new engine that still tight from the factory.