Unsettling Experience with Stealership: Transmission and spark plug service

[clownshoes2]

So I just called to have an oil change done at the stealership (They've been pretty good to me). I inquired about changing the transmission fluid and this service writer seemed pretty adamant to NOT changing it. He also said that it doesn't have a filter but "just a strainer". Also unsettling.

Second, I asked about changing the plugs and dude told me almost $500. This can't be real. Even if you had $200 dollars in parts, that's like 3 hours labour. The last unsettling thing he said was that "They had to lift the engine up to check the plugs". I'm really leary about even going to them for an oil change now.

I should prolly just find a good local mechanic at this point.

*edit* Just tried searching old threads and I can't find any on this topic

 

[Mazdiod2]

Plugs should last a really long time because of their advanced metal tips.

 

[sm1ke]

I had the same experience when I asked about the price of a new transmission fluid filter at one of my local Mazda dealerships. They were adamant that the filter was not a service item, which is true (to their eyes, according to the Owner's Manual). They still seemed very reluctant to even quote me a price for the filter, and said they didn't offer a transmission filter replacement service. I just ended up buying the ATF FZ from them to do a drain and fill myself.

I'm not familiar with the OEM plug prices for the 2.5L N/A engine, but you're right, even if the plugs were $50 each, that total price for the service is way too high. The first time I DIY'd the plug replacement on my CX-9 (2.5T engine), it would have taken me an hour at most. Now that I know what I'm doing it would take less than 30 mins with me being extra careful. A good independent would probably charge 1 hour labour at most.

 

[wlong01]

Had plugs changed on my turbo last summer at the dealer. $182.15.
Tell them to pound sand, buy the plugs and have a local mech. do it.

 

[dunhillmc]

Had plugs changed on my turbo last summer at the dealer. $182.15.
Tell them to pound sand, buy the plugs and have a local mech. do it.

$182 doesn't even cover 1 hour of labor at current prices

 

[jadmt]

Plugs should last a really long time because of their advanced metal tips.

40,000 miles for the turbo and 75,000 miles for non turbo according to the owner's manual.

 

[wlong01]

$182 doesn't even cover 1 hour of labor at current prices

Plugs were $142.76, Labor $39.95.

So it didn't take them long to change 4 plugs.

 

[ruthrj]

Plugs were $142.76, Labor $39.95.

So it didn't take them long to change 4 plugs.

That’s honestly not bad at all for a dealership. I do all of my own work but thats an offer id heavily consider if short on time: 1) OEM parts, 2) warranty on work, 3) no sweat on my brow.

 

[Jnclem]

A 4 pack of NGK plugs is around $40. This is the easiest car I’ve ever had for changing plugs. This was the first time I did it and it took about 30 minutes start to finish.

 

[Mach1tosh]

Plugs were $142.76, Labor $39.95.

So it didn't take them long to change 4 plugs.

$35+ per plug

PY8V18110 - Genuine OEM Mazda Spark Plug 2.5L Turbo - Mazda Swag

We carry only Genuine Mazda® Parts & Accessories. All Orders come with a Manufacturer Warranty. From the Dealership to your Door. Experts standing by.

www.mazdaswag.com

Next time go here, like getting 1 plug free. Or you could forego the Mazda brand and save even more with aftermarket NGK or similar.

 

[Jnclem]

$35+ per plug

Next time go here, like getting 1 plug free. Or you could forego the Mazda brand and save even more with aftermarket NGK or similar.

I looked into the whole, “Mazda plug” thing. They are NGK plugs. They even have both the Mazda number and the NGK number on them. I don’t understand what anyone would pay that much for what is essentially a logo.

 

[minnesotaart]

I just bought 4 of the NGK plugs (94124 - ILKAR7L11) for $38.88 on Amazon (they arrive today). It's the same supplier I bought my last set from in 2018. I installed those at 66K miles and I now have 135K miles on my CX-5, so time for another change. The NGK plugs have performed flawlessly.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

I don’t think the OEM to NGK spark plug debate is settled yet.

Recent example

Spark plug dilemma (2014 CX-5)

I know this subject was discussed many times but I feel like there is a new development and I need an advise. So my wife's CX5 from 2014 2.5L engine is due for the spark plugs change. I went to the local dealer here in Canada. I asked for quotes knowing it is going to be pricey. Well they...

mazdas247.com

 

[theblooms]

I just bought 4 of the NGK plugs (94124 - ILKAR7L11) for $35.53 on Amazon (they arrive today). It's the same supplier I bought my last set from in 2018. I installed those at 66K miles and I now have 135K miles on my CX-5, so time for another change. The NGK plugs have performed flawlessly.

>Amazon

OOF. Look very closely at them when they show up, make sure they aren't counterfeit. Amazon and eBay spark plugs are full of counterfeit garbage.

NGK counterfeit spark plugs. How to tell the difference. (ILFR6B 6481) — Blingstrom

Hey!... Welcome to the first #modmonday of 2020! Today we have a interesting topic about spark plugs. We touched on this a month ago but now with an interesting twist. Counterfeit NGK 6481 spark plugs run rampant online these days and I want to give you my insight to help you keep these out of you

www.blingstrom.com

 

[minnesotaart]

OOF. Look very closely at them when they show up, make sure they aren't counterfeit. Amazon and eBay spark plugs are full of counterfeit garbage.

Oh I definitely will. I did check the ones I got in 2018 and they were legit, so I'm hoping the supplier is still selling the legit ones. If not, back they go.

And by the way, this video is excellent on how to spot the difference.
https://youtu.be/vpH4O14EBxA?si=GoD4I6SelELwiaEu

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

Frankly.. the epidemic of counterfeit parts these days is what makes me generally just leverage OEM parts from certified vendors…

 

[theblooms]

Frankly.. the epidemic of counterfeit parts these days is what makes me generally just leverage OEM parts from certified vendors…

Amazon is selling counterfeit "OEM" parts as well. Check this BS out:

 

[Mazdiod2]

Do you know what vendor was offering these fakes?

 

[theblooms]

Do you know what vendor was offering these fakes?

Not sure. I get my filters from Quirkparts, which is a dealership in Mass.

 

[Mazdiod2]

I bought a six pack of TOKYO ROKI PE01 14 302B from an Amazon vendor called WISECARE for a little over $60, so around 10 bucks each.

They look ok, although I haven't used any of them yet.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)