i know a handfull of poeple with well over 100k miles on their engines that beat the heck out of it soon as they got the car. from mustang owners, to neon owners, to truck owners.
then again, ive seen people blow engines while being easy on them within 5k miles of brand new.. heh.

 

There are exceptions, I know some one who drove off the lot and a week later the motor was seized. I would still follow the suggested break-in schedule.