[Nearsite00]

I've been trolling these forums for the last couple of months researching everything I could regarding opinions on the 30K service and finally decide to ask a mechanic myself. So I went to the local Wheel Works in my hometown of Sunnvyale, CA and inquired how much it would cost to do a 30K service for my 2007 Mazda3 GT. The manager looks up the factory requirements and informs me that all I really need is an oil change, air filter change, tire rotation, and a bunch of inspections and that's all! I then asked about changing the tranny fluid, but he said something about Mazda's being a sealed tranny and I wouldn't need to do that until probably 60K.

My question is, why do so many people on here post so many things to do for the 30K service when it's not even mentioned in the Mazda manual itself? Are people here maybe, just maybe, a little overzealous with their cars?

 

[danger mouse]

I'd still go ahead and do the tranny flush at 30k.

 

[Nearsite00]

But why, if the manual doesn't call for it?

 

[jay rockz jz]

i just hit 30k recently. what is required for me to do at this point?

 

[i2ice4m3]

hey nearsite,

I was thinking the exact same thing. I've concluded dealerships and shops have incentives (profit), and the engineers at Mazda probably don't (not the same incentives, anyway). I would go with the engineers : P

Recently I went to Hayward Mazda to ask about their 30k service (and to buy an air filter), and the service center guy instantly gave me a "deal" for $450 instead of the regular $600 (shady, IMO). I've typed the list they gave me verbatim. (wasn't on their website, and I figured I'd do the Mazda community a small service :nsmile Also, he said all that would take about 2 hours - a little fast, I thought. They do have the tools, experience, and manpower, so mayyybe they go through each one with quality?

It was funny because I mentioned my car felt a bit sluggish lately, and miraculously he knew i needed their injector cleaning service :whistle2: . I concluded he was full of it, although the injector service does look like a better alternative than fuel additives. But in the bigger picture, 30k miles and the fuel injectors need cleaning? I didn't think so..

By the way..has any of you ever been to Hayward Mazda? Did you get the same feeling as I did, where you think they're trying to rip you off the moment you step foot into their dealership?

Hayward Mazda
25891 Mission Blvd
Hayward, CA 94541
510-865-2000

Change engine oil, filter, and replace drain plug washer.
Inspect for fluid leaks
Check wiper and washer operation
Inspect and record amount of rear and front brakes remaining ___________mm
Inspect and record amount of rear brakes remaining __________mm
Adjust parking brake and lubricate cables
Inspect exhaust system
Inspect suspension system and steering complementary. Check control arm pivot bolts.
Check wheel bearings for play
Check constant veolocity joints & boots ______noisy_____torn_____
Check and top off all fluids (including power steering, brake, clutch, transmission, washer, and battery.
Check hoses.
Check and adjust timing
Replace air filters
Replace spark plugs (60k only)
Replace fuel filter, if applicable.
Replace coolant
Replace transmission fluid
flush brake system
lube all doors hood and trunk hinges
check and set tire pressures including spare to factory recommendation
rotate and balance tires front and back
check throttle cable free-play
road test vehicle for performance
complimentary mazda full circle report card
complementary car wash.

 

[Nearsite00]

I've also reviewed the list of needed service based on the Mazda 3 manual itself and it's mostly just an oil change, and air filter change with a tire rotation. Everything else, they just check for you, which they would do anyway with a regular oil change. This is what I made up my mind to do for my 30k service:

Oil Change
Air filter Change
Tire Rotation
Flush Tranny fluid
Flush coolant

I think when the mechanic does all those things, they'll also check the other things which the manual indicates need checking. I found a place that will do all of this for around $200.

Yes, it seems like Hayward Mazda is a ripoff. A total complete rip off. I'm no longer going to the dealership to get any sort of service if I don't have to.

 

[Nearsite00]

Office Lube is going to do the below service for me for $259.00 + tax.

-Transmission fluid flush
-coolant flush
-oil change
-air filter change
-tire rotation
-Cabin Air filter replacement

 

[Wayfarer]

That sounds like a good price for all that stuff.

I was thinking of doing the coolant flush soon, I'm at 32k.
I did the tranny flush around 27-28k. I need to inspect my plugs and belts too.

 

[3 for the money]

Just had the Mazda 30k done and I was surprised how much better the ATX trans felt after the flush.
My Mazda dealer has a free oil change plan that is included with purchasing the 30k-60k-etc.
Total cost, $380.
Felt it was mostly worth it, especially for the free doughnuts on Sat. mornings.

 

[bearda]

The dealer's 30K service is different from the manual's 30K service, that's all. The dealer wants you to get a lot of extra work done, because they're the one that profit off of it. Every dealer I've ever been to does the same thing. It seems to just be so when people who don't really know what needs to be done to maintain a vehicle come in and ask for the "30K Service" they can sell a LOT of extra work.

The list of items in the manual are basically the requirements for you to keep your warranty. If the manual says you don't need your coolant replaced for 60K miles and it's part of the dealer's 30K list the dealer cannot deny your warranty claim based on that as long as you got it done by 60K.

Just list the specific work you want to be performed. If the manual says you need an oil/filter change, some items inspected, and a tire rotation tell them that. Don't mention the mileage at all.

 

[Cozmo85]

When i had an oil change done at 30k they told me how terrible my coolant was, how dirty it was and how it didn't smell sweet anymore, i declined the $300 30k service, got a $3 coolant tester, and everything looks perfectly fine and tests fine.

 

[3 for the money]

Didn't know your coolant had to smell good to be effective..


:bolt: Dang I better get out to my car and sniff it to make sure it's still sweet

 

[Ramza21]

Does it matter if the transmission is auto or manual for the fluid flush or can it be done with both? When do we switch over to a different viscosity oil from the 5w-20?