I've just done my first oil and filter change, used this vacuum pump to take out over 2 litres from the dipstick hole, with no mess.

http://www.force4.co.uk/7760/Seago-O...cuum-Pump.html

Then drained the remainder using the normal plugs.

This pump has been really useful for draining oil or fuel with no mess also handy if you overfill a bit!