Should I do the following scheduled maintenance?

vrsick

Mazda CX-5 2024 S Premium
My 2018 Mazda CX-5 with 57,000 miles is approaching the typical recommendation of 75,000 miles for transmission oil and radiator fluid replacement. While these maintenance tasks are generally needed around that mileage, I'm considering whether the car's age makes it necessary sooner. The vehicle’s performance is normal and there are no issues. Any advice is welcome.
 
Change the tranny fluid now.
Mazda upgraded the coolant to inhibit rust but I don't know what year they started using it. Somebody here will probably chime in.
 
At nearly 60Kmi, I'd probably do transfer case fluid, rear differential fluid, and the transaxle fluid and filter. Couldn't hurt to do the coolant as well.

In the owners manual for my 2016.5 CX-5, the recommendation for transfer case and rear differential fluid change is spoken of, specifically with regard to "tougher" conditions. If towing a trailer, using a car-top carrier, driving in dusty/sandy/wet conditions, extended periods idling, extended periods low-speed operation, repeated short trips of <10mi, in which case it's recommended to swap new fluid in both of these at 30K miles. If neither's been done yet, it's time for both.

The transaxle fluid+filter swap isn't specified by Mazda, of course. But many recommendations from others, here on the forum, suggest changing in the 50-60Kmi range makes sense. If at nearly 60Kmi, I'd do the transaxle fluid+filter change as well.

Some swap all three as early as the "tougher conditions" Mazda suggestion of 30Kmi, and at every 60Kmi doing the transaxle's filter (requiring dropping the pan). In another 25Kmi (just past 150Kmi), I'm due for all three again, including the transaxle filter.

With the coolant, after the first swap it's recommended to change every 60Kmi or 5yrs. So, doing your first coolant change at that interval couldn't hurt. Probably a bit early, if going by Mazda's guide, but I also changed out mine "early." If nothing else, it helps give an indication as to the coolant system's effectiveness relating to corrosion; if the fluid looks cruddy or has clear evidence of contaminants in suspension, the coolant might not be doing it's job, and I'd want to know that prior to 120Kmi of usage. But, that's me.
 
you can see the coolant for impurities and also test its Ph.
Usually doesnt have to change it at that mileage. Mazda days 120k miles or 10years first change.
 
I finally got the transmission serviced, and the total with tax came to $523. I didn’t get the coolant done since it’s fine for now, but I’ll take care of that myself once the weather warms up.The transfer case and rear differential, I will also do this once it warms up.
 
I finally got the transmission serviced, and the total with tax came to $523. I didn’t get the coolant done since it’s fine for now, but I’ll take care of that myself once the weather warms up.The transfer case and rear differential, I will also do this once it warms up.

What exactly did they do for $523?
 
Replace transmission oil and replace internal filters.

The trans pan was removed, the internal filter changed, and the pan resealed along with how many quarts of FZ? They did use FZ right?

Seems like a high price for this service.
 
The trans pan was removed, the internal filter changed, and the pan resealed along with how many quarts of FZ? They did use FZ right?

Seems like a high price for this service.
I agree, very expensive.
Here's an attachment of the receipt.
 

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The receipt looks good, the right fluid and the right amount are both listed at least.
 
Actually, $500+ is about what dealers charge for ATF drain-n-refile in CA. (SF Bay Area)
10 yrs ago, it was about $250.
Cost of living is very high here. Everyone needs to make a living.
 

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