From memory the 80k service includes new spark plugs (at Mazda pricing there's $400+ alone).

Cheers.... Otto

Nah, the plugs are on the 60K service.

Black-8, the 20K service is a two hour service. You've been charged $121 per hour for that service. I'd have to question whether you actually received a discount.....looks like you've paid a premium for the privilege of having your car serviced there.

I hope the chick at the counter was a looker!!

bah, no chick at the counter :(

Iggy, I hate to spoil the illusion but I agree with Gomez. I'm going to be calling the Service manager I know there to find out the logic behind that price. I might have to reconsider recommending people there if thats what can be expected.

Cheers

Andrew

In the fourth post of this thread, I mentioned that Brighton Mazda quoted me $390 for the 20K service.

At that time (March 2005) City Mazda charged me $219 for the 20K service.

You've gotta give Brighton Mazda kudos for something.......at least they're consistent!!

From memory the 80k service includes new spark plugs (at Mazda pricing there's $400+ alone).

Cheers.... Otto

I had to have them replaced at 60k ... and then again at 70k service (under that warranty thing that happened) so I won't have to do them again thank god!

I got my car serviced today (at Brookvale Mazda) and damn it was expensive! I'll give you a shortened list of what they did:
Total Labour: $256.50
Total Parts: $515.01
*Seals
*Drain Plugs
*Oil Filter
*Air Filter
*Spark Plugs x2
*5L Rotary Oil
*Fuel Tank Treatment, and Engine Oil Flush

It all added up to around $901.45 :S

But the good thing to come out of it is I've noticed better Standing Starts and Better Acceleration. And hopefully I'll get better fuel economy and overall performance. Next time I'll probably service her somewhere else. Any suggestions?

Umm ... this is in the wrong thread, but thanks for sharing anyway.
EDIT: Post moved *~TAKA

But while we're talking about it, is this for the 60000km service?

Umm ... this is in the wrong thread, but thanks for sharing anyway.

But while we're talking about it, is this for the 60000km service?

Whoops...Sorry mate!
Yea it was the 3 Yr/60000km Service (Even though my '8 has only done 50026 km's). Would you say thats a fair price for that type of Service at that interval of the cars life or did I get ripped off?

I paid around the same price for my 60K service. 4 spark plugs replaced though, not 2.

Hi guys....due for 20K/12Months service, Mazda Liverpool told me $450. I think it is a bit expensive..what do you think??

Any other cheaper in Sydney?

Thank you

Im taking my car in for the 30k service. Mazda quoted me at $409. That has to be wayyyy too much for it.....seriously!

Cincinnati is in USA isnt it?

I am waiting when USD$ = AUD$... not far off haha.

Yes it is expensive for 30K mile service! :haha:

FLYN - ring around. There is not much done for $20k KM service.

I am due for 50K km soon (say another 3 months)....

There is not much done for $20k KM service.

I am due for 50K km soon (say another 3 months)....

$20000 service?!? :Eyecrazy:

haha smart ass, but it can happen hehe.

I've been lurking around in the RX8club.com.au forum and I am seeking some wisdom from the other RX8 owners here about servicing

My 40,000km service is coming up
I was scheduled to do it with Tom Kerr at Ryde, but I've read some unpleasant experiences by other RX8 owners
So I rescheduled it with John Newell Mazda at Waterloo instead
Are they a pretty good mob to deal with? And indication of pricing that I might be looking at?

I am on the lookout for cheap genuine mazda rotary oil as well if someone's selling in Sydney.

my clock just ticked over 50 000km

does anyone know whats done to it and how much it costs?

i also need them to look at the thermostat because when im on the track, the radiator light lights up prematurely

Maybe your cooling system just needs a flush.

Use this, it'll stop it burning (http://www.mylanta.com/)

my clock just ticked over 50 000km

does anyone know whats done to it and how much it costs?

i also need them to look at the thermostat because when im on the track, the radiator light lights up prematurely

For what it is worth maybe have the coolant level sensor (integrated in the overflow bottle) checked as this was a problem with mine that caused me to look for a problem in the wrong area. It was replaced under warranty and no problem since. I have read similar problems elsewhere.

^^ I had that problem, the sensor was faulty.

60000 km/s

Labour = $180
Parts = $350.41

2 x Spark Plug (2xLeading done previously as part of hard start recall)
1 x Element Air Cleaner
1 x Oil Filter
1 x 5l Oil

Total= $583.45

Also got all 4 disc rotors machined as car is shuddering on slight brake pressure when going over 70km/h, major shudder at 120km/h

Radiator leaking at top hose that I have to go back and get done.

You should've got them to replace your rotors ... there's a TSB for them, they have to replace them under warranty (providing your car is still covered by warranty).

Going back for the radiator hose after next week and will state its still shuddering, which it is. Got a link for the TSB?

40,000km - $484.55

Labour - $231.68
Parts - $131.53
POL - $77.30
Tax - $44.05

Includes a premium car wash and 5L Mazda Rotary Oil

Check how much they charged you for the rotary oil and if they left the left over oil in your boot........

Check how much they charged you for the rotary oil and if they left the left over oil in your boot........

They charged me $69.50 for the rotary oil.
They also left the left over oil in the boot.

Thats good, and the price is about normal. Most dealers are charging $65-75 for 5Litre.

Reason I mentioned the left over in the boot is because a lot of ppl dont get it .....

Thats good, and the price is about normal. Most dealers are charging $65-75 for 5Litre.

Reason I mentioned the left over in the boot is because a lot of ppl dont get it .....

I think the price is reasonable, MissyK

I wasn't too happy about the service outcome though.
A few issues that I mentioned before the servicing didn't get resolved (more like ignored IMHO) but I am willing to give the dealer another go to resolve them.

I think the price is reasonable, MissyK

I wasn't too happy about the service outcome though.
A few issues that I mentioned before the servicing didn't get resolved (more like ignored IMHO) but I am willing to give the dealer another go to resolve them.

I'm sure they'll bend over backwards for you.

Going into John Newell for my 50k service this week. Anybody else had the 50k done yet, and approximately how much did it cost? Had my last 2 services done there, been very happy so far.

Going into John Newell for my 50k service this week. Anybody else had the 50k done yet, and approximately how much did it cost? Had my last 2 services done there, been very happy so far.

Read through this thread, if you go back a few pages you're sure to find something!

Just had my 50,000km service and all up it cost $220 (including 5L of MRO for $72).

They also did the hard start recall (change of spark plugs and ecu flash). The car feels so much more responsive.

That's wonderful news. Where did you have it serviced?

Whoops! left out some details....

I had the service done at Paradise Mazda in S.A. I've got a 03 Ti Gray RX8.

That's good, I've heard good things about them

Firstly, good on you Gomez on getting this sticky going, its taken me nearly an hour to read and dissect it properly.

Anyhow, I'm up for my 40,000 km service, and the prices below go back to 2005. With labour costs now around $105 per hour, and the service scheduled for 2.1 hours these costs would be now higher....

$260
$266
$277
$300
$322
$360
$366
$398
$400
$470
$484

It was interesting to see some getting a new flash, Cabin filter and Royal Purple oil and some not.

I'll do a ring around for quotes tomorrow, but I suspect it will be around the $400 mark. I'll let everyone know the outcome...

Well it pays to ring around. Heres the breakdown of service costs for the 40,000 km service from the below areas.

Grand Prix Aspley - $352
Grand Prix Caboolture - $352
Mazda Centenary Taringa - $390
Mazda Tweed Heads - $395
Sunshine Coast Mazda - $410
South City Mazda - $420
Eagers Mazda - $424
Gold Coast Mazda - $450

All the others I rang were on their holiday break.

Interesting exercise with the Sunshine Coast dealership. I was quoted for the 60K 'killer' service and he came up with $730.

When I explained I didn't need the plugs (got them done with the hard start recall) the cost came down...wait for it....$460.00

Theres no doubt Mazda in Queensland look after you pretty well.......

Apologies first as I have not read any of this thread, BUT, has anyone done a
D.I.Y Schedule thread with all the "tricks of the trade" for RX-8 servicing. (where are you DAVE).

I know you can follow your service manual to a degree, and it is probably in the workshop manuals, but, I for one know that Dealerships are a RIP OFF, having spent most of my working life at quite a few.

I for one would appreciate a concise thread with ALL the do's and dont's that are peculiar to the RX-8.

I have a spreadsheet of what needs to be done for each service. I produces a checklist of what needs doing by service type, ie 10,000k.

I was slowly adding comments to it for each item like "Buy spark plugs from XYZ, need to order 1-2 weeks prior." Also added a few things like inspecting coils and a more rigorous spark plug inspection, air filter cleaning and coolant inspection/change regime.

Was also trying to add things like links to the DIY's and cost of parts, etc but havent figured how I am going to do it yet.

A great idea and perfect for the car handy-mechanic, where can I get a copy?.

I am sure many here would also like your plan 'auzoom'.

Perhaps even incorporate a list or recommendation on what tools are neccessary for a peticular fix.
Genuine Mazda Special Tools for the RX-8 are a ridiculous price for major/minor work.

Can we help to finalize your spreadsheet?
Ash

I can guarantee it would be a best seller!

I am sure you don't want my input coz I will tell you to change oil every 2000km! :hahano:

Every 2,000 KM...:eek: Let me know when you're doing your next oil drop and I'll send someone around to collect...:naughty:

Just had the 40,000 km service done at Grand Prix Brisbane and we had our Mazda 2 serviced as well. Once again they looked after us, and the service included the usual 24 point checklist...5 x litres of oil ($69.17 - didn't leave me any), brake fluid ($19.15), Filter cleaning Unit ($45.20) and of course the windscreen solution ($1.09)...WTF:Eyecrazy:

Overall, I was happy with the job, it was cleaned inside and out and total costs came to $355.00.

My only question is when I asked about the transmission oil they said it didn't need to be done until 60K. Is that right?

$312.50 for 20,000 @ South City today, including wheel alignment/balance/rotate. Would have been $70 cheaper if I remembered to take one of my bottles of MRO.:banghead:

Taka = oil marketing man's dream :spank: :lol:

Cheers,
Hymee.

2000km for me = 6 months + plenty of track days

I just had my 80K service today and was charged over $600 - seemed very steep to me.

I just had my 80K service today and was charged over $600 - seemed very steep to me.

Impossible to comment unless you itemise what they did and what they charged for it. See the earlier posts in this thread for what to do - it works best if people give more detailed info.

I just had my 80K service today and was charged over $600 - seemed very steep to me.

My 80k service was about that much from memory.

Didn't I post it up?

Have a look at page 20.

RXP33D had his 80000km service done, quoted around 400 mark then as service was done it went up past 600.

Depends what needed done DrGonzo.

and Cromax, no you didnt put up your 80000km service, it was the 70k one.

Ok, I should do it next time I'm home.

Sorry, here's the itemisation. Looks fairly standard except the pollen filter and gear and diff oil.

Oil Filter 13.50
Fuel Injector Cleaner 12.44
Motor Oil 69.78
Brake Fluid 19.43
Coolant 1L x2 43.24
Filter Cooling Unit 45.60
Gear Oil 18.00
Brake Cleaner 11.00
Labour 323.00

I have excluded the smaller things such as wheel weights, sump plug, enviro disposal, workshop supplies, etc.

The costs all add up, they just seem very excessive, especially the labour cost - even my BMW mechanic charged only $70 p/h.

I think once the warranty expires (May 08) I will start taking it to a rotary specialist than a dealer. What are people's thoughts on that? Anyone here use someone like Promaz for their servicing?

I think once the warranty expires (May 08) I will start taking it to a rotary specialist than a dealer. What are people's thoughts on that? Anyone here use someone like Promaz for their servicing?

I would be happy to take mine to a rotary specialist but nobody on here seems to be able to recommend someone in Sydney.

I like Promaz, Simon is very good, hes helped me out in the past, only thing is I live over an hour away from there and I need a hire car :/ So for me its merely time issue, however if I do come across anything major I will go to him only.

I just called him for a quote ...

... I don't usually get quotes :S

people like simon will firstly use products other than mazda rotary oil. Instant savings on those. I have also been speaking to him recently about sourcing coils and so on from places other than mazda. So when you combine that with cheaper labour costs, more knowledgable labour and I will never go back to a Mazda dealer.

I have dealt with Simon in the past he he seems liek a nice and honest guy. I live in Glenroy so it's only a 10 minute drive as well.

If I was to get my servicing done from him prior to warranty expiring, will it void my warranty?

The situation is that if they follow the service schedule and use approved or equivelant parts they (The manufacturers) aren't allowed to void warranty.

I have been bugging Simon for a while to get a standard pricelist for servicing 8's up but he is so bloody busy.

Cheers

Andrew

Im with Revolver, been holding out for someone to recommend a Sydney Rotory specialist.

Have you tried Mazsport? Bill Nabham.

Bill built the 4-rotor 26B in the BMW drag car I sometimes get to work on / crew for, and he drives it as well.

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=114202&stc=1&d=1201398811

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=114203&stc=1&d=1201398811

Cheers,
Hymee.

mdr/revolver, check out http://www.ausrotary.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=144457

Hey thanks Hymee/Auzoom. :)

I'll check some of those out. Maybe we should start a sticky of member recommended mechanics, auto-electricians, etc?

No worries Rev. Make sure when you speak to Billy, you mention me so he can charge you double. :rollingla

Cheers,
Hymee.

Ok, 40K service with Crookvale (booked in before getting leads from Hymee/Auzoom). Deep breath, here goes (my comments/queries in red):

Labour

Replaced engine oil and filter
Carried out 'MMDS' check for codes and pcm update would be nice if they bothered to tell you what's been done here
Replaced brake fluid and bleed hydraulic system I know they actually did this because they replaced the brake lines (see below)
Replaced engine coolant checked and bleed cooling system
Replaced pollen filter
Inspected fuel lines hoses and all connections
Checked battery electrolyte and fluid level
Checked brake booster and all lines
Checked all oil levels
Topped up all fluid levels
Inspected and adjusted parking brake had been adjusted before but good to see they're on to this common problem
Checked power steering fluid, lines, hoses and connections
Checked front and rear brakes
Tightened steering and suspension components
Tightened bolts and nuts on chassis and body
Checked interior and exterior lights
Inspected all drive belts and adjusted if required
Secured door check straps and lubricated
Inspected all tyre pressures including spare umm, no spare - confirmation that this guff is straight off the word processor
Lubricated locks, hinges and latches
Inspected and aligned washer jets
Carried out fill vehicle inspection and report
Carried out road test to manufacturer handbook so that's what those burnout marks were from? lol

subtotal - 247.00 (i.e. 40K service labour charge - extras below)

I always wonder just how much of this stuff they really do in dealer service centres. I'm betting it depends on how busy they are. Comments on the price for labour please?

Rotate and balance - checked tyres, rotated best to front - 28.50

Fitted Mazda Speed stainless brake lines (supplied by customer) - 95.00 this seems fair to me - comments?

Fitted Magnacore spark plug leads (supplied by customer) - 57.00 ditto

Fitted Whiteline end links (front and rear) (supplied by customer) - 114.00 seems exxy but am I being too tough?

All OEM parts left in boot

total labour - 541.50

Parts

Seal, drain plug - 0.45
Oil filter - 7.78
MRO 5 L - 47.81 seems remarkably cheap
Filter cooling unit - 31.24 what's this?

total parts - 87.28

Petrol, Oils, Lubricants and Supplies

Dot3 brake fluid - 26.40 Is Dot3 a brand? Comments?
Anti-freeze/boil - 44.00 a lot for green water
Fuel tank treatment - 15.00 what's this?
Engine oil flush - 15.00 ditto

total POL - 100.40

Workshop supplies and enviro levy - 18.00

GST - 74.72

Total - $821.90 :uhh: :banghead:

Service was hopeless. I had to ring them after 5pm to find out if the car was ready or not. Dopey at the other end of the phone asked for my credit card details without even telling me the total cost. Spare litre of MRO not left in boot (had been done previously without having to ask). No attempt at wash or vacuum.

Bye bye Brookvale. I won't be back. Couldn't even be bothered complaining to them.

'Geez' is only word that can come to mind atm Dave lol

My comments are in blue ... sorry if I seem a bit arrogant, I'm doing this in between doing work...

[QUOTE=Revolver;2269347]Carried out 'MMDS' check for codes and pcm update would be nice if they bothered to tell you what's been done here It would be nice, but I'm sure they're just telling you this because it looks like they're doing work when they really aren't

Replaced brake fluid and bleed hydraulic system I know they actually did this because they replaced the brake lines (see below) If they did it properly I'd be very surprised

Inspected and adjusted parking brake had been adjusted before but good to see they're on to this common problem Isn't this a part of a regular service?

Inspected all tyre pressures including spare umm, no spare - confirmation that this guff is straight off the word processor Just goes to show they'er just trying to make it seem feasable for you to hand over your wallet at the end of the transaction...

I always wonder just how much of this stuff they really do in dealer service centres. I'm betting it depends on how busy they are. Comments on the price for labour please?

Rotate and balance - checked tyres, rotated best to front - 28.50

Fitted Mazda Speed stainless brake lines (supplied by customer) - 95.00 this seems fair to me - comments? Sounds expensive since they already had the wheels off to rotate the tyres

Fitted Magnacore spark plug leads (supplied by customer) - 57.00 ditto A guy leans over into the engine bay and plugs in four leads ... sounds expensive again

Fitted Whiteline end links (front and rear) (supplied by customer) - 114.00 seems exxy but am I being too tough?WHOA! ... they had the car up already, and it would've taken them all of 10 minutes!

Parts

Seal, drain plug - 0.45
Oil filter - 7.78
MRO 5 L - 47.81 seems remarkably cheap Whoa! (again)

Filter cooling unit - 31.24 what's this? No idea

total parts - 87.28

Petrol, Oils, Lubricants and Supplies

Dot3 brake fluid - 26.40 Is Dot3 a brand? Comments? Dot3 is a type/regulation name/rating
Anti-freeze/boil - 44.00 a lot for green water Normal
Fuel tank treatment - 15.00 what's this? Wynns Spitfire!
Engine oil flush - 15.00 ditto As if they ever do this!

booked in before getting leads from Hymee/AuzoomWhat did I do?


Carried out 'MMDS' check for codes and pcm update would be nice if they bothered to tell you what's been done here
I agree but I doubt half of them understand what they are doing.

Replaced brake fluid and bleed hydraulic system I know they actually did this because they replaced the brake lines (see below)
Guarantee you they double dipped on this one and the lines as the brake fluid is supposed to be changed on the 40,000k service


Inspected and adjusted parking brake had been adjusted before but good to see they're on to this common problem
Note they havent checked the Brake and Clutch Pedal. Handbook says to do it every service.


Carried out road test to manufacturer handbook so that's what those burnout marks were from? lol

Would love to see the details of this


Rotate and balance - checked tyres, rotated best to front - 28.50
Save your money and get it done at a specialist

Fitted Mazda Speed stainless brake lines (supplied by customer) - 95.00 this seems fair to me - comments?
Assuming $120/hour that 45 min to change Brake lines. Remember they were changing the fluid as part of the service anyway.

Fitted Magnacore spark plug leads (supplied by customer) - 57.00 ditto
I think 30 min to change 4 plug leads is a bit much! like.. twice as much

Fitted Whiteline end links (front and rear) (supplied by customer) - 114.00 seems exxy but am I being too tough?
This would take me an hour with 4 jack stands and 1 jack. They have hoists so no way it took them an hour.

MRO 5 L - 47.81 seems remarkably cheap
Thats trade price. Good deal!!!

Filter cooling unit - 31.24 what's this?
I think this is the cabin air filter

Dot3 brake fluid - 26.40 Is Dot3 a brand? Comments?
Dot 3 is the grade of oil used. WHile its "acceptable" use DOT3 in the 8 I would be disappointed they didnt use a DOT4 oil.

Anti-freeze/boil - 44.00 a lot for green water
That is an INSANE amount of money for (2litres?) Antifreeze

Fuel tank treatment - 15.00 what's this?
This is an OPTIONAL extra and they should have asked if you wanted it 1st.

Engine oil flush - 15.00 ditto
As above

Service was hopeless. I had to ring them after 5pm to find out if the car was ready or not. Dopey at the other end of the phone asked for my credit card details without even telling me the total cost. Spare litre of MRO not left in boot (had been done previously without having to ask). No attempt at wash or vacuum.

Bye bye Brookvale. I won't be back. Couldn't even be bothered complaining to them.
I always get a time from them and inform them that I will be there at their designated time to pick up. I also inform them that if the car isnt ready 10 min after that they will have a car for me at no charge or they wont touch my car. I had a bad run in once which cost me a days pay (In theory) and so I never let them forget it. But then again its all talk now as I wont go back to a Mazda Dealer.

Thanks guys - very helpful responses, particularly Andrew's. Confirms some suspicions. I'll follow up those leads and find another workshop for all future servicing, etc.

Edit - couldn't help myself. Have fired off a comprehensive complaint to Brookvale Mazda. Doubt it'll do much good but I feel better getting it off my chest. Suppose I was stupid asking a dealer to do anything beyond standard servicing in the first place but it really shouldn't have to be so hard to get reasonable pricing for extra work.

I found out today that the creeps at my mazda dealer have NEVER changed my gear oil since I've had my car ...

... I've done 90000km, which means (I believe) it was due for its THIRD gear oil change.

I now have a noisy gearbox and the possibility that I'll have to buy a new on in the near future ... I'm not happy!

Welcome Dave. Post back your experiences.

Nate, its scheduled for change every 50,000k.

Stony silence from the thieving shitheads at Crookie so far. Probably don't check their emails... :spank:

Follow it up by faxing it to the Dealership AND Mazda Aus' requesting acknowledgement . Make sure you place a CC on the Fax stating its going to Mazda Aus'.

Cromax - how did you find that out?

I will hazzard a guess he went back over his service recipts and its not on there.

[QUOTE=auzoom;2270350]


That is an INSANE amount of money for (2litres?) Antifreeze

/QUOTE]

this was just the straight antifreeze not just 2L of pre-mix. so it isn't such a bad price for a dealership. sure you can buy it cheaper elsewhere but you pay the premium for 'mazda' just like I payed a premium for 'motul' gear oil.

It's on my receipt.

As the tranmission oil was being drained it was sludgy and excessively sparkly.

After the change, 2nd and 3rd gear crunch more noticeably, I have much louder "thrust bearing" noise ... which isn't a thrust bearing btw mates, it's your main shaft in the gearbox ... and very hard to change gear when it's cold.

Also ... my engine mount wasn't replaced with the updated version ... it was replaced with a standard one.

Sooo ... we'll wait and see what happens to the dealership.

Excessively sparkley?? We call that "Panning for Gold". You know what that means...

Cheers,
Hymee.

rotarenvy, its still an insane price.

cromax, I am confused. Did they change the transmission oil or not?

Andrew, no his transmission oil was never changed. I think Simon changed it though.

Excessively sparkley?? We call that "Panning for Gold". You know what that means...

Cheers,
Hymee.

Yes, something I'd rather not do if I can help it!

Andrew, no his transmission oil was never changed. I think Simon changed it though.

Yeah, Promaz changed it. They're very thorough and very honest.

I definitely recommend them!

Hi all,

I have not read the 24 pages of this thread, so apologies if I repeat issues.

I have noticed an upward trend in the cost of servicing and it is becoming quite unpalatable.

50km = $560 (Tom Kerr West Ryde)
60km = $1077 (Tom Kerr West Ryde)
70km = $638 (Rockdale)

I am not savvy with certain items and it I find it hard to say know when the service person is there telling you "it's optional but should be done". I love my car, and why would I not want the "recommended" stuff to be done?!

Here is the itemised list from my 70km service today:

Job 1:
Labour as per manufacturer's schedule $142.51
Oil Filter $11.94
Rotary Oil (10L) $146.62 (I never remember it being this expensive)
Gasket Sump Plug $1.20
Oil System Clean $10.50
Oil Disposal $8

Job 2 Fuel injection clean
Labour $64.60
Injector cleaning solution $25.40

Job 3 Air conditioning Sanitiser (this was "recommended")
Labour $53.20
Fluids $26.80

Job 4 Power Steering flush (Also "recommended")
Labour $45.50
Dexron III fluid $14.50
Flush and conditioner $30.00

The total labour was $305 + GST.

I run the risk of sounding like a tight ass, but it is working out at >$1500 per annum in servicing costs for this car. I was also shocked when the service manager told me that the 80km service would be even more expensive. It is bordering on BMW/Merc costs.

Not to mention all the "non recall" work that has been performed. Imagine if the car was out of warranty and problems arose with those items.

I have owned Nissans in the past (200SX and 350Z) and even the "big" services were no where near the 4 figure mark. Please correct me if I am wrong.

The 8 is a great car make no doubt, but it's long term ownership is becoming a bit hard to wear.

10 Litres of Rotary Oil! WTF???

Power Steering Flush?? WTF??? It is electric, not hydraulic FFS!

Sorry, but they have reamed you badly. No way do I spend $1500 per year in servicing, but then again, it does depend on the km's.

They actual service costs weren't too bad (apart from the oil). $8 for oil disposal is a bit rich, and I have no idea what an "oil system clean" is - It shouldn't really need it if it is serviced regularly, and it is not like it is a really old car.

Fuel injection clean is a little on the expensive side, considering they just pour some stuff in, and I'm sure they don't physically touch the injectors. That would take way too long. I doubt the solution ought to cost that much.

They have taken you for a ride.

Cheers,
Hymee.

As Hymee says, they have taken you for a ride.

Only 3.75L of oil needed for a change. AND they should leave the balance from a 5L --in you case + another 5L -- bottle in the car.

Injector cleaning via the various additives is also close to voodoo stuff, more so the air conditioner 'sanitiser' and the power steering 'flush and conditioner' (did you get additional curls and highlights??:eyetwitch )

There's at least $160 in that service which worthy of being described as a rip-off :rant:

Hymee and Timbo,

Thank you for your input. It served to confirm my worries about being ripped off.

I needed an extra 5L of MRO for periodic top ups, hence the 10L total. But it works out at $74/5L which is kind of expensive.

It is unfortunate that servicing has come to this.

I guess the fact of the matter is that all that is required is the manufacturer's service schedule. All the ancillary stuff is a pure money-making exercise.

Regards,

All the ancillary stuff is a pure money-making exercise.


Exactly. And $75/5L MRO is about a 50% premium. More like $50 I thought. I'll sell you a bottle for $60. LOL!!

Cheers,
Hymee.

Mate I would be going back to the service dept and asking for an explaination with an upfront comment to the service manager that you will be taking their feedback to Mazda Australia (and I suggest you actually do this).

As a dealer they are obliged to discuss with you UPFRONT any non standard work they do. If you went in there with the intention of a standard service being done and they did more than that without your permission then they are in the wrong.

Hope that helps.

Cheers

Andrew

I'm sorry to see this happen to you, but they have a bit of explaining to do.

For example if you do your research (and rang around) you'd find the 50k service cost should be between $300 and $350.

Slaven Mazda in Phillip, Canberra charged Timbo $187 for his 50,000 km service a couple of years ago....

Labour $88.00
Workshop supplies $15.00 (??)
Oil disposal $8.00
5L Rotary Oil $49.50 (1.25L in the boot)
Oil Filter $8.76
Sump plug Gasket $0.75
TOTAL (inc GST) $187.00

.....and a free loan car (Mazda 2 auto)

Prices haven't gone up that much since then....good luck and let us know how you go pursuing a credit.

it seems the idea tis to have done some reseach before you go and get a service and agree on prices before they start work. If you drop your car off and let them do a 'service' of course they will charge like a wounded bull as its a business and they are there to make money at the end of the day.
I have been burnt so many times just saying do what you have to on the * and my previous cars and no in heinsight should have done reseach before hand to see what actually did need doing and how much it should be cost.

The funniest bit was the "power steering fluid"

ask them to show you where they put it in because im having an extremely difficult time finding the resevoir...



OH WAIT THERE ISNT ONE!

Good point, Drew...I had forgotten :o:

Send the police in. These people are fraudsters and thieves :uhh:

Hi all,

It has been illuminating reading your comments. It is my fault for being a dumbass and feeling pressured by the service guy into having all the optional rubbish done. But I have learnt my lesson. It always happens the hard way.

And I will enquire on Monday about where precisely the power steering fluid reservoir is.

Cheers,

I tried to point out the power steering fluid farce in my initial response :)

You should get refunded a bunch of money, or more.

Cheers,
Hymee.

As Auzoom suggested i would raise this with MAzda Australia especially the 'power steering' point . You never know they may throw in a free service?!....but unlikely

Had my 40K service done yesterday.
When I picked up the car this is the real conversation I had with the service adviser.

Me: What kind of oil did you put in.
SA Mazda Rotary Oil 5 liters here on the bill, extra oil will be in your boot. Mazda says to only use rotary oil in the RX8.
Me: OK do you sell it in 1 liter bottles? I hate carrying 5 liters around.
SA yes over at the parts counter you can buy 1 liter bottles, I always suggest to RX8 owners they should buy a bottle and keep in the car. When the light comes on the dash put a liter in and the light will go out.
Me: Are you kidding me? Wait until the Oil light comes on? I always check my oil every fill up and add if needed.
SA that is best but lots of people do not know how to check oil.
Me Shaking my head.

And I check my boot today no oil.

Arghh..

They'd probably know all the answers as they probably have been edumacted by Lock!

Cheers,
Hymee.

I just got quoted $235 for the 50,000 km service. Does that sound like a reasonable price to you guys?

That doesn't seem that bad. I had a 6 monthly service @ 54k km and that cost $200.

Whats the cost of Rotary Oil these days? I needed some spare to top up the engine and 5L cost $80.. I thought that was a bit steep....

On to the 60k service of death... I better save those pennies now!

Hmm...and in my mad rush to go to the GC on Friday, I didn't check the bill and saw I got charged $72 for 5 litre container of oil....wheres the other 2?

Too late to do anything now....

Hmm...and in my mad rush to go to the GC on Friday, I didn't check the bill and saw I got charged $72 for 5 litre container of oil....wheres the other 2?

Too late to do anything now....

The new RX-8 GT uses 4.4 ltr of oil instead of earlier RX8 using 3.7ltr , so Mazda wont be able to rip people of as much as before .:) by keeping the difference .:lol: :lol:

Cheers
Michael

I just got a quote for the 20K Service:
$380 + $70 if I want my tyres rotated.

Does this sound about right?

You're in Canberra aren't you Nick? Some of the local guys might know but it sounds about right for Sydney pricing.

The tyre rotation is a rip off though. Only takes them 10 mins when it's on the hoist. You could do it yourself for nothing if you have two jacks and some patience...

I've been quoted $886 for the upcoming 36 months / 60,000km service by John Newell Mazda in Sydney

The main items are:
2 sets of spark plugs (NGK OEM - 2 leading, 2 trailing) - $400
Engine air filter - $116
Mazda Rotary Oil (5L) - $75

Standard items are:
Oil filter - $12
Sump plug
Labour cost
Oil disposal

LOL at the spark plugs.
I am thinking the engine air filter and rotary oil can be sourced cheaper, any suggestions?

Yeppoo I'm in Canberra - I just wasn't sure if that sounded right because I know ppl on here have paid a lot less but that was agesssss ago!

I figured $70 was a rip off but may as well get them to do it while they are doin the rest! Just sucks, cos I got it done for free (as far as I'm aware) on the 10k service.

Thanks heaps :)

I'll buy one or two 5l Rotary oil if anyone else is getting some??

I'll buy one or two 5l Rotary oil if anyone else is getting some??

I smell another group buy. :lol:
I am interested, but which supplier(s) are we going to approach?

I've never been able to find somewhere that sells it other than over the counter at Mazda which I have never liked!

I've been quoted $886 for the upcoming 36 months / 60,000km service by John Newell Mazda in Sydney

The main items are:
2 sets of spark plugs (NGK OEM - 2 leading, 2 trailing) - $400
Engine air filter - $116
Mazda Rotary Oil (5L) - $75

Standard items are:
Oil filter - $12
Sump plug
Labour cost
Oil disposal

LOL at the spark plugs.
I am thinking the engine air filter and rotary oil can be sourced cheaper, any suggestions?

Andy if you find out a cheap price on the engine air filter let us know....cheers

Andy if you find out a cheap price on the engine air filter let us know....cheers

just get a K&N washable air filter and a recharge kit

Just had my 90K service done by Promaz. It was my first time taking the 8 there. My warranty expired in May and I wasn't happy with the service (and price!) I had received from my previous Mazda service centre.

The cost was $179 which pretty much consisted of labour, oil (Penrite HPR 5) and oil filter. I was happy with this considering Mazda would have charged well over $200 (assumption based on previous experience). Great guys and great customer service, no issues so far except they could have washed the car! ;)


Now that I have switched oils it means I have about 1/3 of a bottle of MRO free to anyone who wants to pick it pick up from Burnside (AH) or Hawthorn (BH).

Just had my 50k service at John Newell - total cost $264.

This included the Rotary Oil at a bargain price of only $72 for 5 litres :(

My remaining prized 1litre was left in the boot.

I did get them to flash the PCM to the latest version. Not sure if this has made any difference but for the time being the engine appears more responsive.

PCM reset I believe resets KAM and Long/Short Term fuel trims so it will generally feel a little more snappy!

Fed up with Crookie so went to City Performance Centre (2/39 Hotham Pde, Artarmon - 9437 6077 - www.cityperformancecentre.com) for my 50K service (at odo 46,710), to have some parts fitted and prep the car for the Nats.

They had fitted my fire extinguisher and rear MS tower brace previously. General reputation from RENEW guys, etc is that they do a thorough job but you pay for it.

Summary of work and cost is as follows:

Vehicle service (incl replace oil and air filters supplied by me), bleed brakes and replace fluid, rear suspension check (knocking noise), fit new water pump (supplied by me) and fit front MS tower brace (supplied by me) came to $597.56 including all consumables (engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, sump plug, misc workshop consumables, freight = $197.56).

Breakdown of labour costs as follows:

Service - $80
Brakes - $40
Suspension - $40
Water pump - $200
Tower brace - $40

Reasonable? Servicing cost - definitely shits all over the dealer charges for that kind of thing. Does the other work reflect the time actually spent? Brakes probably but the rest probably/definitely not. But would Crookie charge less for the same work - no way in my experience of having them fit aftermarket gear. So if you're time poor and tool shy like me, you'll be paying someone for the privilege, so I don't worry about it.

Service was excellent, including follow up call re: brake pad life, etc. However, car was not washed and a sticker was added to rear screen. To me, if you're going to put a sticker on the thing, spend 15-20 mins to give it a quick tub!

Short answer - general servicing a lot cheaper than a dealer and you'll pay similar prices for 'extras' like fitting aftermarket parts.

Wow we almost did the same thing Dave!

I went to my mechanics today for 55000km service. But I changed oil at 53500km so I leave it alone. I did it at Racing Project, Thronton crescent Mitcham.

I also supplied $135 of oils (brake fluid $25; Redline 80W140 diff $38x2; Redine Lightweight Shock proof gear oil $34 + left over from last time).

Water pump installation and check the resistor of bucket seat for the air bag signal.

Labour $180 + Washer $8 = just to make it a very Chinese sum of $188 :). I prob say it is mate's rate.

Just a heads up for those approaching the service when the cabin filter is changed (50K, 60K??).

MikeyR and I did these in our cars yesterday with some replacements purchased from the USA online (MUCH cheaper than Mazda Australia pricing). It is literally a 2 minute job - no tools required and even a bumblefuck like me could manage it all on my lonesome.

So save yourself some cashola and DIY...

So within the last week I've replaced air, oil and cabin filters. Breathing should no longer be a problem... :)

Quoted $820 for the upcoming 60,000km service by a Mazda Dealer in Adelaide

4 spark plugs @ $98.50ea - $394
Engine/element air filter - $116
5L Mazda Rotary Oil - $75
Oil filter - $10
Sump plug
Labour cost

Thinking of getting diff oil and transmission fluid changed aswell... Looking at redline MT-90 for trans and 75w90 for diff....

Ouch....

Hehehe, so glad I've already got my replacement plugs ready to go and have already replaced the air filter and cabin filter. Should make the 60K a LOT cheaper...

Where did you get the cabin filter from Dave?

Where did you get the cabin filter from Dave?

onlinemazdaparts.com.

Very easy install - no tools required. Even I could do it.

it's a pitty about excahange rate... hopefully it come up again soon... but i guess it's still cheaper then gettin mazda to do it... $120/hr vs diy - nothing..

Are there any rotary specialists in Adelaide? Surely you should get it serviced at one of those instead!

Just had my 30k service done - it was $300 (including the oil)

Are there any rotary specialists in Adelaide? Surely you should get it serviced at one of those instead!

will to going to either Mildrens or REVS here in adelaide for servicing in the future.. sick of the dealership scam... a lot of money for just a log book stamp...

$380 for 50,000 km service @ Brighton Mazda (VIC)

What did they do for $380???

What did they do for $380???

All the usual 50,000km service job. Whether they do it all or just list it on the service paper is a different matter.

Minor service today at City Performance Centre at Artarmon.

55K on the clock. Fluid check and oil change, etc to ensure all is ok for this Sunday's track day.

Cost - $279.90.

That also included spanner check of suspension for noise (see my thread on that); brake fluid boiling point temp check; intake system smoke test; cooling system pressure test; air filter check; engine drive belt check...so a bit more for your money than an oil change and a kick of the tyres.

I recommend them for northside dwellers - ask for Alessio.

Hi I'm new here I pick up my gt with 30500 on the clock next week out of curiosity I rang up my local service centre penrith in western Sydney for a quote on the 40k service I was quoted $560 there abouts , can anyone confirm this is a reasonable price for this service? reading through the previous replies this seems extreme thanks