400-500 miles? I've had some people say yes and others say no. What's the word?

Most cars break in after the first 1000 miles, but for the first oil change, some go anywhere from 3000 to 5000. It's totally up to you when you want to change the oil. I wouldn't go beyond the 5000 mile mark on the first one, after that you pick the intervals!!

every 3 months or 3000 miles which ever comes first.

No Every 3000 Miles.

On initially buying the car, there is a lot of wear that first 1000-1500 miles. A lot of metal from bearings, dirt particles, particles from rings settling in, blow by from the cylinders. Its good to change it after the first 1000, then 3000 after that.

well i can say that i would, i would also suggest to have them put syntetic oil in instead of conventional oil. If you do that then your engine will run better plus you wont have to change it as often. I would change it as soon as you can. I know acura doesnt put the good stuff in their new cars and you would have to change it every 4500 miles. if its synthetic around 12500 miles. which sound better to the wallet to you?? If your car is brand new, the oil should be changed withing 1500 miles cause the engine is basically forming to your driving style, and the oil is working to assist you in that. the engine plus the tranny and every other part gets worn in, so dont drive the car too hard, plus try to keep the RPMs under 4500 to 5500 for at least 1500 miles so the engine wont produce problems in the future( ie. knocking etc). the dealers will tell you its not required on a brand new car, but they want you to have problems in the future so they will make their money. So change the oil to SYNTHETIC at the dealer( so if they screw it up, you're covered), and drive safe.

Your best bet would be to read the owners manual and follow the procedure in there. The manual will specify exactly when to change the oil the first time, and will reccomend an oil change interval to follow after that. It is best to simply follow the manual regardless of what other people say.