Mazda service... worth it??

[CSVT#49]

OK so almost exactly a year ago I came on these forums looking for advice on a new Mazda3. As of 11/25 my wife bought a new 09 Mazda3 i-touring value 4-door

So here is my question I've always taken care of my own cars and performed the routine maintenance myself. The Mazda dealer is giving us free oil changes throughout the warranty with a catch... we have to go there for all routine check-ups and maintenance. The first one coming up is the 15k check-up. I was told this will run me about $300. Plus when I asked for the details on the oil changes they told me they use a regular non-synthetic Valvoline oil and standard oil filters.

When I change oil on my cars I use Motorcraft or Napa gold oil filters and run Mobil1 5000 synthetic blend oil. I'm thinking I'm better off continuing to do my own oil changes and avoid the cost of their service fees. I'm pretty sure I can handle my own routine maintenance. On that note are there service manual CD's available for these cars?

What are your guys thought/comments?

 

[mhrebin]

you should be able to track down what is done for the 15k service and most of it can be done yourself. i have a protege and has the 60k service done and it was a waste of my money. like 450 bucks for them to do s*** i could have done. at the time i felt like the dealer should do it, but i learned quickly.lol

 

[L3vzoomzooom]

Go to http://www.eautorepair.net thats what I use when I work on my 06 MZ3 hatch. I like it better then ALLDATA

 

[CSVT#49]

Is there a factory service CD that you can get for these cars?

 

[flash75]

I assume they are going by schedule 2 in the scheduled maintenance list in section 8 of the owners manual. The 15,000 maintenance calls for changing the oil and filter and inspection of the following, engine coolant level, function of all lights, brake an clutch fluid level, disc brakes, tire inflation pressure and tire wear, power fluid level, lubricate all locks and hinges and check washer fluid level. Tires are also rotated. I would think the entire job could be completed in 30-45 minutes or less. $300 sounds much too high to me.

I have the same car and they gave me a 3 year oil and filter change program. It wasn't on the invoice and they never mentioned it was contingent on having them do the scheduled maintenance. I guess I'll find out in another month. If they do require all scheduled manitenance be done by them, I'll do my own oil and filter changes as I do on my other two vehicles.

Clifton

 

[skylar2ups]

I get EVERYTHING done at Mazda dealerships and I have never paid more then $100 at any one visit. They are pulling your leg big time! My '07 has 37k miles on it now I bought it new and they have never tried anything like that! The dealership I bought my car at had oil changes for life... with no catch but I moved to Florida and this dealership doesn't give it free but they let me drive one of their used cars while my car is being worked on. I've never heard of a Mazda dealership being so 'sneaky' is this the only dealership in the area?

 

[chrissor]

15000 mile or 24000 km is oil change, check all fluid level rotation, front and rear brake service. lube hinges and so on its 1.7 hours of labour as per mazda.

i'm a mazda tech and if on your 3rd service interval they say it needs more than that they are bullshitting you big time. now it isn't uncommon for the front pads to be s*** at this point the original pads are worthless

 

[Reyan]

you can service the car yourself, just keep all your reciept's in a folder, you may have to use them to prove that you maintain the car if you had a warranty claim. There is no law that states you must go to a dealership for service.

 

[jazzman]

I let Mazda handle the oil changes since they were covered in the warranty, but I was able to opt out of the 15k check, etc. 300$ is way too much to just check some fluids. Once the warranty runs out, I'll go back to changing my own oil, etc.