Mazda3 owners chime in

[Dacalo]

My 2006 3 is due for 30k maintenance and a local dealership is asking from $390 to $700 depending on the package.

Is this a normal price range? Seems really pricey and a total ripoff.

 

[Danman]

Ripoff. I have 61k miles on my 2006 Mazda 3 and I didn't do any of that bullshit. I've changed the oil every 5k miles with synthetic and it's been running great.

 

[Riverhound777]

Only thing I did different at 30k was change the air filter.

 

[fbrdphreak]

What does the manual say is required for the 30K?

 

[Juddog]

That's because the stealership charges $150 / hr where I live. $300 to them is like a couple hours work plus 30 bucks in parts.

 

[StageLeft]

That's all total bullsh*t. Do what your manual says. I bet it says nothing more than change the oil (as you normally do), change air filter, probably not even change coolant at this point, inspect belts, etc. those 30k maintenances are a huge scamtastic ripoff.

Stealerships always upsell and foment fear about a future without their expensive and useless maintenance packages, but the manual will give you the truth.

 

[mooncancook]

I've never done any major maintenance on my Mazda6 (now close to 70k mi). I read the list of major service items they perform and I think the price is rip-off. Most of the services are just check this inspect that, which should be very cheap and unnecessary for a relatively new car.

At 30k mi for sure you don't need to replace spark plugs. Not sure how the Mazda3 auto transmission holds up, it might be beneficial to do a flush. You can change air filter and cabin filter easily on your own.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Even if it does call for spark plugs at 30K, it's a damn inline four - they're sitting up top waiting to be plucked like a college coed's virginity. Then put some of the longer life plugs in and call it a day.