Post your scheduled service cost in this thread. List the dealerships name, and any positive/negative comments you may have regarding their performance.

Hopefully we'll find all the local dealers in your area perform satisfactorily :).

City Mazda (Melbourne) 20K Service...prices are discounted as I get a fleet rate.

2hrs labour.... $158.40
Consumables and Environment charge.....$11
Rotary Oil 5L....$36
Oil Filter....$8.58
Sump Plug Gasket... .82c

Total...$219.

Positives....Car was ready ahead of time, remaining Rotary Oil was in the boot as requested, Flash update C/O as requested free of charge. Didn't wash the car, as requested. Tyres rotated front to rear as requested. Engine wash C/O (not part of the scheduled service).....All excellent!

Negatives....failed to change the cabin air filter, I had to point out it hadn't been done (I checked). Said they'd do it straight away, turned out they didn't have one! (actually, they come in pairs). Didn't vacuum (they asked me if I'd like it done when I dropped the car off!). Didn't stamp the service book..initialled it, but didn't stamp it until I pointed it out.

Overall, fairly happy. Annoyed that stuff got missed, happy they offer free flash, free wash, free vacuum, free engine wash. Not good enough that parts were not in stock for a scheduled service.

I'll give them another chance.....

Gomez.

Oh yeah....all those prices are inclusive of GST.

Edit: (27 March 06)......Some may find the following tip helpful. To search for a good dealer near you, type the dealers name (get it from your phonebook) into the search field in the drop down box at the top of this page and review the results.

Happy Hunting.

Hi guys,

Just had my 20K service done at Ringwood Mazda (Melbourne)

labour $165.90
sump plug $1.57
oil filter $11.23
Motor Oil Rotary 5L $48.76
Windscreen Cleaner $2.10
GST $22.96

Total $252.50

Engine re-flashed free under warranty following short 'discussion' with the service advisor, they wanted to charge me initially. He had no idea what flash it is but they've just received the upgrade from Mazda last Thursday.

Remaining rotary oil left in car as requested.

I've also complained to them about brake squeal, they've de-glazed the brakes but said that chances are it will come back, apparently it is a common problem among the 3s & 6s as well.

Overall, I am happy.

Penfold Mazda in Burwood quoted me $330 over the phone for the same service, the main problem is that the person I talked to had no idea what an engine re-flash is.

So they didn't do your cabin filter either? Seems the dealers think it's optional!!

My windscreen cleaner was topped up....probably included in the consumables charge. 8000rpm, Brighton wanted $390 for the 20k service....that was a discounted price!

...the person I talked to had no idea what an engine re-flash is.

That is because it is not called that. And they don't even touch the engine.

My dealer calls it "check the download". More correctly, it is probably best known as a PCM or computer re-flash or calibration.

Cheers,
Hymee.

It would be interesting to ask my service center to check the "history" of my car, and ask when the cabin filter was replaced. :)

Cheers,
Hymee.

Gomez,

No they didn't do cabin filter. I did not specifically ask them to myself, I wasn't sure if it was a standard item.

It's part of the 20k service.....it's in the owners manual.

I just got my 6 month 10K service done (despite only 5500 on the clock) at Hornsby Mazda (Sydney). What a waste of $227. They changed the oil and filter (5 mins work maybe) and didn't do much else it seems other than kick the tyres.

Checked belts - What the f&*k does that mean. No kidding there still all there are they. You sure any haven't fallen off? Its just one wank thing after another on the invoice. Checked brake pads, checked coolant yada yada.

Got in the car and saw the piece of cardboard advising me my tyre pressures were checked and set at 34 and 36. Great, well i set them at 38, so you let them down did you? Now i'll have to go to the servo and pump them back up.

They weren't even going to do a reflash until i told them to(first explaining what it was). This was the only worthwhile thing they did. I must admit the car feels alot smoother with the new flash.

It just pisses me off that they charge $227 for this. If they charged a reasonable figure for less than an hours work, like say $100 for changing the oil and kicking the tyres (without letting them down) i would be fine with it.

By the way do they wash peoples cars when they service them? They didn't wash or vacuum mine.

I know servicing is just one of those rorts that goes with buying a new car. Doesn't mean i can't get pissed off about it but. I guess i could always not do it, but people are anal and it may make it harder to sell when that time comes.

My 2 cents worth (or as Mazda service would say $20 worth).

That's about full retail for a 10K service....depending on the dealer. The owners manual states what should be checked in the service. You'll find nothing mentioned in there about getting engine software for free, so you can't tell them to do it. They were quite within their rights to tell you to take a long jump off a short pier, if they wanted to.

Washing the car is an added service some dealers provide. Shop around if you want special care....it's one reason why I started this thread. The dealer I went to offered extra services. Your guys seem to have charged top dollar for the service, but that may be just Sydney pricing for you.

I suggest keeping an eye on this thread and see what others report about the dealers in your area.

Gomez.

Liverpool McGrath 20K

Decided to change service centre. Asked to fix drivers door trim rattle, fix the squeal and leave me the remaining oil. Nothing was fixed.
Door trim was not noticeable (WTF). The friction point sets the thing rattling. Brake pads are getting replaced with superseded brake pads as my pads havnt worn out to 4mm front and 5mm back so all under warranty though they arent in stock. And remaining oil was only "DRIBBLES" so no go there. How much oil does it take to fill from empty to full on our 8?

285 all up. No cabin filter replaced. IMO this place stinks and was eager to have found another customer but back to westend parra for me. Theyre more no bull and straight to the point.

BTW Livo can't afford recycling water system so no free wash. Parra offers washes.

How much oil does it take to fill from empty to full on our 8?




Okay, it's 3.5 litres for oil & filter replacement.......3.3ltrs for oil only......Dry engine rebuild capacity of 4.7ltrs. Total system capacity of 5.8ltrs for single oil cooler model (Australian model). 6.7 litres for the US cars that have two oil coolers.

Gomez.

I just had 60k major service and it cost me $1000 rounded. How's them k's for a pre-order customer heh? Most of my regular services were around the $220 mark.

My dealer is Penrith and these boys pride themselves on providing the best service in NSW and my money says they do!!! Yep, car washed everytime together with courtesy phone call 1 or 2 days later. They greet me as I drive into the dealership and virtually greet me before I get out of the car. The service book is stamped there & then and I am outta there.

Ozzie8
For $1000.00 they should call you SIR :D

I know that the 60,000km service is the big one but i was told $600.00 by Goldcoast Mazda .

Could you itemize the work done and the cost charged .

cheers
michael

I've got the sheet at work...will detail 2morrow for you

The big item ($600???) is the "fuel filter". It is infact the an integrated fuel pickup, pump, filter, sender. It even cycles the fuel between the 2 halves of the tank.

Cheers,
Hymee.

What gets me is the US owners change this fuel pump/filter every 100,000 MILES....YES, 100,000 MILES (160,000km) :eek: :eek:

Why do we have to change it every 60,000km?

Gomez.

What gets me is the US owners change this fuel pump/filter every 100,000 MILES....YES, 100,000 MILES (160,000km) :eek: :eek:

Why do we have to change it every 60,000km?

Gomez.

Is it possibly a upgraded version of our fuelpump/filter that the Americans have dont forget they get 2 oil coolers to our one . :eek:

Gomez we have to find out the type and make capacity of both fuel pump filters. :)

cheers
michael

The big item ($600???) is the "fuel filter". It is infact the an integrated fuel pickup, pump, filter, sender. It even cycles the fuel between the 2 halves of the tank.

Cheers,
Hymee.

Mark also known as Hymee (...Hymster ) :)

Werent you going to upgrade this with an aftermarket part for your up and coming Twinscrew supercharger . ;)

cheers
michael

i too goto Hornsby mazda primarily because that's where I got my car from and they offered extra 3year warranty if i get serviced by them..
however, I too don't have much good things to say about their servicing..
i also have to get hire car because they don't provide pickup service (Tom Kerr does..) which means extra $38 on top and they don't wash cars because they don't have permit to wash cars??.. (why then are their cars in dealers look so clean?..) well, at least this time I got them to give me the remaining engine oil they used but during 6 month service they also failed to do this..
basically i think they treat the 8 owners just the same as someone who might bring a mitsubishi for servicing to them (they operate under hornsby automotive group i.e. hornsby mazda, mitsubishi, kia etc..)
i.e. no special deal for their flagship model.. maybe my expectations were too high for a lousy servicing department. and like idolo I hope they stop removing the air from my tyres down to 34psi from 40 psi..... grrrr. :(

I just got my 6 month 10K service done (despite only 5500 on the clock) at Hornsby Mazda (Sydney). What a waste of $227. They changed the oil and filter (5 mins work maybe) and didn't do much else it seems other than kick the tyres.

Checked belts - What the f&*k does that mean. No kidding there still all there are they. You sure any haven't fallen off? Its just one wank thing after another on the invoice. Checked brake pads, checked coolant yada yada.

Got in the car and saw the piece of cardboard advising me my tyre pressures were checked and set at 34 and 36. Great, well i set them at 38, so you let them down did you? Now i'll have to go to the servo and pump them back up.

They weren't even going to do a reflash until i told them to(first explaining what it was). This was the only worthwhile thing they did. I must admit the car feels alot smoother with the new flash.

It just pisses me off that they charge $227 for this. If they charged a reasonable figure for less than an hours work, like say $100 for changing the oil and kicking the tyres (without letting them down) i would be fine with it.

By the way do they wash peoples cars when they service them? They didn't wash or vacuum mine.

I know servicing is just one of those rorts that goes with buying a new car. Doesn't mean i can't get pissed off about it but. I guess i could always not do it, but people are anal and it may make it harder to sell when that time comes.

My 2 cents worth (or as Mazda service would say $20 worth).

What gets me is the US owners change this fuel pump/filter every 100,000 MILES....YES, 100,000 MILES (160,000km) :eek: :eek:

Why do we have to change it every 60,000km?

Gomez.

I think it may be a case where the quality of our fuel is worse than the US, together with dustier environmental conditions...

i too goto Hornsby mazda primarily because that's where I got my car from ..........
i also have to get hire car because they don't provide pickup service (Tom Kerr does..) which means extra $38 on top........ :(

I forgot to mention I got a Mazda 2 loan car for both the 10K and 20K services.....

.. or it could equally be a simple rip-off!

I think it may be a case where the quality of our fuel is worse than the US, together with dustier environmental conditions...

Ya reckon? It'd get fairly dusty in the country music areas of the US, too! They've got weird winter and summer fuel, and they fill from 7-11's just like us (well, not me actually) so I'm sure they have fuel quality issues too.

Something smells of fish......

.. or it could equally be a simple rip-off!


Sniff...sniff....sniff.....PHEEEEEWWWWW :)

And there are only two things that smell like fish. Fish is one of them.

You can't say that!

Oh OK. Sorry I said that. I'll type it instead.

There are only two things...

Cheers,
Hymee.

I'm calling your wife and telling her to check this thread......

Hey - that sounds a bit fishy. And the Gomez "french accent" won't work on her either. Down boy!

Cheers,
Hymee.

Ok, here is details of my 60k service costs:
Labour: $247.50
Rotate & Balance wheels: $18.84
Rotary Oil 5L : $54.00
Gasket Sump plug:$0.42
Oil Filter: $11.59
Element Air Cleaner:$95.50
W/Screen wasker additive:$2.20
4 spark plugs:$327.00
Environmental waste disposal:$5.00
Fuel Treatment:$17.00 (what the hell's this!!)
Workshop supplies:$8.50
Engine PCM recalibrated to latest programme

Total: $787.55

I mentioned initially that the cost was around $1000 but I forgot that I had front brake pads replaced (136.84 + labour $123.75) and rotors were machined.

Plus GST $100 on top

No fuel pump replacement?!!

Err just to annoy the crap out of everyone......free everything for three years!

How the hell do i get 60k up in 3 years to get a free filter...thats about 40 laps right round the outside!!!

Correct, no fuel filter replacement....I think it comes at 100,000 after all

Correct, no fuel filter replacement....I think it comes at 100,000 after all

No...it's meant to be changed at 60,000km. And you were meant to have a cabin air filter change too. Page 4-2 of the owners manual states no fuel system additives should be used, BTW.

Ok, here is details of my 60k service costs:
Labour: $247.50
Rotate & Balance wheels: $18.84
Rotary Oil 5L : $54.00
Gasket Sump plug:$0.42
Oil Filter: $11.59
Element Air Cleaner:$95.50
W/Screen wasker additive:$2.20
4 spark plugs:$327.00
Environmental waste disposal:$5.00
Fuel Treatment:$17.00 (what the hell's this!!)
Workshop supplies:$8.50
Engine PCM recalibrated to latest programme

Total: $787.55

I mentioned initially that the cost was around $1000 but I forgot that I had front brake pads replaced (136.84 + labour $123.75) and rotors were machined.

Michael.........(ozzie8 )
Fuel treatment means they properly cleaned out your fuel pump/ filter with an additive
Better than the $600 suggested to replace the fuel pump /filter by the Hymster :D
What type of sparkplugs did they use?
Element air cleaner seems expensive ?

cheers
michael

Don't get me wrong....I'm all for putting this fuel pump/filter change off. I think 60,000km is too soon, especially since it occurs at 160K in other markets.

Gomez.

Lol, No explanation re spark plugs but I understand they are ceramic...would that sound right? What should air cleaner element cost?

Michael

HERES SOME INFO ON SPAK PLUGS

http://www.sparkplugs.com/default.asp

[check out the NGK ($19.95 each) and the denso ($35.30 each) they are in US
dollars
cheers
michael

Brake pads were cheap. I put some good proper ones on that were about $800 for the set.

BTW - How are the brakes? Smoothy told me his dealer replaced ones were not as good as the originals.

All the things Gomez pointed out..... WTF. It makes me sick.

For around $100 or so you can get a washable element air cleaner. But the Mazda training guides recommend against it.

Cheers,
Hymee.

Hymee

Brake pads were cheap. I put some good proper ones on that were about $800 for the set.

Hopefully they give you 8 times the stopping power and last 8 times over the others :eek:

cheers
michael

C'mon Lock. You know it doesn't work like that. I guess if they pull me up 1m shorter than the concrete wall, or the semi, then they have paid for themselves!

Cheers,
Hymee.

Hymee,
The new front pads feel the same...they said they might feel spongy until they bed in but I couldn't pick the difference really.

http://www.densoiridium.com/

DENSO IRIDIUM SPARK PLUGS

2004 MAZDA RX-8 Leading 1.3 L - R2.. IRL01-27.... 0.000 Leading
2004 MAZDA RX-8 Trailing 1.3 L - R2 ...IRT01-31..... 0.000 Tailing

Cost is a mere $ 35.70 each in US DOLLARS

cheers
michael

Lock,
The spark plugs are platinum tipped heat range plugs. It looks like its cheaper to source these myself in future...eh?


Michael (Ozzie8)

The standard plugs are Iridium tipped. Iridium is a precious metal that is six times harder and eight times stronger than platinum. It has a 1,200deg F higher melting point than platinum and conducts electricity better.

Lock,
The spark plugs are platinum tipped heat range plugs. It looks like its cheaper to source these myself in future...eh?


Michael (Ozzie8)

IRIDIUM PLUGS ARE THE ONES DENZO RECOMMENDS ON THEIR SITE they last far longer than platinum and are all round better FOR OUR RX8.

Dealers not only ripp us of on the cost but also give us far inferior parts that are readily available elswere :mad: i will no longer be servicing my car at the Dealers i will outsource the best parts for my RX8 AND PURCHASE THEM TROUGH MY MECHANICH AT A DISCOUNT FOR TRADE AND GET HIM TO SERVICE MY CAR .

Far better parts better service and certainly a lot cheaper and as i have realised most of the Mazda mechanicks know F@#$K all about our cars :mad:

Imagine the savings on group buys for oil , spark plugs filters etc

cheers
michael

What oil should we be looking for when buying for the 8 (or do we have to stay with Mazda secret formula)?

The oil type castrol penzoil mobil would not be the biggest problem but the storage and distribution between the states :D

cheers
michael

What oil should we be looking for when buying for the 8 (or do we have to stay with Mazda secret formula)?

Without going in to this too much......the Mazda Rotary oil is readily available now and costs the same as a good synthetic. City Mazda had 35 litres on the shelf at the parts desk, it was very hard to find twelve months ago. Mazda don't recommend synthetic as they are unsure of it's long term effects on the o'rings in the Renesis, but many long time rotary users say it's ok. Stick with 5w-30.

Gomez.

Oil wars again :) Does anyone read the note on the back of the special Mazda Rotary Oil?

Cheers,
Hymee.

Lol, No explanation re spark plugs but I understand they are ceramic...would that sound right? What should air cleaner element cost?
If you have ceremic you have been ripped off. Stock comes with the car is iridium.

Told you Australia have inferior plugs for their car. You have to seriously sort this out cost there maybe able to tell them off (majorly) if they use cheap plugs and cause engine damage.

If they don't have it... then f them. I want iridium plugs and nothing else.

Without going in to this too much......the Mazda Rotary oil is readily available now and costs the same as a good synthetic. City Mazda had 35 litres on the shelf at the parts desk, it was very hard to find twelve months ago. Mazda don't recommend synthetic as they are unsure of it's long term effects on the o'rings in the Renesis, but many long time rotary users say it's ok. Stick with 5w-30.

Gomez.
If you ever comes to Dandenong way, the Mazda there have a lot of stock they will ever use. Have you seen an RX-8 other than mine in that area?

:eek: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGG GGGGGGGHHHHH !!!!! :eek: :mad: :rolleyes:


I was quite overcome.. the great thing is, I can edit at leisure :p

FFS, just use any old oil... or fuel... or tyres .. sparkplugs...exhaust...suspension bushes...mats...keyring...foxtail .....after all, WGAF!

Timbo

You sound totally stressed" Dont worry be happy ":eek: quick Taka :) prescribe the man some Happy pills :D

cheers
michael

It is called mid life crisis or man menopause :rolleyes:

Oil wars again :) Does anyone read the note on the back of the special Mazda Rotary Oil?

Cheers,
Hymee.

You know I have. Just giving the cold, hard, newbie suitable, indisputable facts. Timbo....relax mate!

Gomez :) .

...sorry.... don't know what came over me ... must be the menopause Taka mentioned ... one thing, though ... it's definitely oil-related :D

If you have ceremic you have been ripped off. Stock comes with the car is iridium.

Told you Australia have inferior plugs for their car. You have to seriously sort this out cost there maybe able to tell them off (majorly) if they use cheap plugs and cause engine damage.

If they don't have it... then f them. I want iridium plugs and nothing else.

Chill pill, Taka. We all have ceramic plugs....that's the white insulator bit of the plug. Our plugs have a bit of steel, a bit of ceramic, and a bit of Iridium.

oh ic.... the dealer still carry the SAME NGK iridium plug that we have in our cars right?

I'd say so....

So did we ever get to the bottom of the dealer not following the "handbook service" in the case if the 60k service and the fuel filter?

Cheers,
Hymee.

Just to butt in. I'm booked in for the 30K service and got a price for $145. I hope that sounds about right. I'm checking my invoice to see if the Pollen filter thingy was replaced at 20K. I also had some problems with the stereo about 2 months ago as the CD was skipping all the time. I had it replaced and it doesn't sound the same. I wonder if they replaced the head unit (from the 300w Bose system 6 stack) with the standard one. Anybody know if this is possible or am I just imagining it?
Cheers,
rx88er

Just to butt in. I'm booked in for the 30K service and got a price for $145. I hope that sounds about right. I'm checking my invoice to see if the Pollen filter thingy was replaced at 20K. I also had some problems with the stereo about 2 months ago as the CD was skipping all the time. I had it replaced and it doesn't sound the same. I wonder if they replaced the head unit (from the 300w Bose system 6 stack) with the standard one. Anybody know if this is possible or am I just imagining it?
Cheers,
rx88er

$145 is a good price. I believe the 6 stack is a six stack is a six stack. Shouldn't be any diff between the Bose and the standard, as far as I'm aware.

Why is this page so wide? Timbo, I think your mad red post did it......

Wassup! My feeble contribution had a lasting effect. Oh well, I have made amends.

Actually, I had my radio and CD replaced a few weeks ago, and I reckon I now have a Bose unit. Two reasons: first, it says something about an "Autopilot' setting, and I never had that before; second, it operates at just on half the volume of the previous HU -- which is to be looked at by dealer in a week or so -- methinks they gave me the Bose HU, but no amp. Now, if I can just get them to give me an amp, rather than swapping out the Bose.... ;)

88er, what are your symptoms??

AUDIOpilot, timbo....and thanks for the edit. Maybe the Bose unit has a lower line out level.....

I jus had my 30k service and was charged $298.00.

That included tyre rotation.

I thought I was ripped off.

What other prices have people paid, I was thinking of complaining.

Thanks,

Gibbo

I jus had my 30k service and was charged $298.00.

That included tyre rotation.

I thought I was ripped off.

What other prices have people paid, I was thinking of complaining.

Thanks,

Gibbo

Look at the owners manual and see what you get @30K. The 10K is the same as the 30K with the exception of an air filter change at the latter service. Check what your 10K service cost......

Post up your full invoice as I did in my first post, then we can compare apples with apples.

rx88er

Where in Brizzie did you get your service ?

Laurence

Just to butt in. I'm booked in for the 30K service and got a price for $145. I hope that sounds about right. I'm checking my invoice to see if the Pollen filter thingy was replaced at 20K. I also had some problems with the stereo about 2 months ago as the CD was skipping all the time. I had it replaced and it doesn't sound the same. I wonder if they replaced the head unit (from the 300w Bose system 6 stack) with the standard one. Anybody know if this is possible or am I just imagining it?
Cheers,
rx88er

Wassup! My feeble contribution had a lasting effect. Oh well, I have made amends.

Actually, I had my radio and CD replaced a few weeks ago, and I reckon I now have a Bose unit. Two reasons: first, it says something about an "Autopilot' setting, and I never had that before; second, it operates at just on half the volume of the previous HU -- which is to be looked at by dealer in a week or so -- methinks they gave me the Bose HU, but no amp. Now, if I can just get them to give me an amp, rather than swapping out the Bose.... ;)

88er, what are your symptoms??

Well actually mine is similar. I still get the 'Autopilot' setting but it seems to be not as loud as it used to be. Unless I'm going deaf, which is a real possibility, but I now have to turn it up to 20 instead of the 15 it used to be, to get some decent volume out of it. Maybe they removed the amp as well. Does the HU incorporate the amp or is it a seperate unit? :confused:

I jus had my 30k service and was charged $298.00.

That included tyre rotation.

I thought I was ripped off.

What other prices have people paid, I was thinking of complaining.

Thanks,

Gibbo

Gibbo, I was quoted $145 for my 30K which is booked in for this Thursday 7 April.
Sounds like you paid for someone elses Rx8 service as well. :eek:
I'd be making some noise about that.

rx88er

rx88er

Where in Brizzie did you get your service ?

Laurence

hey jambo, done any weddings lately? :D

I have it booked in at Grand Prix Aspley for this Thursday. They're pretty good on the service and the prices. I changed from Oldmac at Springwood cause their service sucks. They treat you like you're just another customer and don't do anything they say they'll do. Example, I had the stereo replaced as it was skipping and said it would take about a week. After many calls and about 2 1/2 weeks later they replaced it. I noticed a mark on the surrounding dash which looked like they used a small flat head screw driver to pry the acrylic surround on the stereo off. When I confronted them about it they initially denied it, then said they'd replace the part, which I have been recently told that that would involve pulling half the dash off. I said to them not to worry about that but to get a Vinyl Doctor in to fix it as it would be cheaper for them and quicker for me. Well I have contacted them on many occassions, even had my 20K service done there in the mean time, which the repair was to be done then, and have still to this date (4 months) had nothing done or had a call from them. I have since done the repair on it myself and it looks ok but still spewing.
To top that off, I had some wanker back into my car and shagged up my mag on the front driver's side. I had it quoted from these morons at Oldmac for replacement. Again I asked them how long would it take once they received the go ahead. 10 working days was the answer. Try 20 working days. And when they unwrapped the mag it was for a 6 not an 8. I found this out when I went to pick up the car, believing that the service was already done. Could of given me a call. Then within an hour they had another mag. I lost the whole day's work and got no apology. Love your work Oldmac Springwood.

rx88er

Well actually mine is similar. I still get the 'Autopilot' setting but it seems to be not as loud as it used to be. Unless I'm going deaf, which is a real possibility, but I now have to turn it up to 20 instead of the 15 it used to be, to get some decent volume out of it. Maybe they removed the amp as well. Does the HU incorporate the amp or is it a seperate unit? :confused:

That's it! I could never use 20 before -- 15 was even a bit antisocial. And, with due deference to Gomez, it's Audiopilot...methinks we have both been given Bose Head Units...but not the amp(s) that go with them (I understand these are separate units)???

Thats the way '88er! Why don't you tell us how you really feel ;)

Cheers,
Hymee.

Interesting thread and great post from Gomez to kick it off. Always interested to hear what people demand from their service centres (and as we know "demand" is often the operative word). ;)

For what it's worth, Brookvale Mazda charged me nothing for the 10K service :p because I bought the car as a demo from them. They wash and vacuum the car and provide a courtesy vehicle to drop you off in the local area.

They also extended the warranty to three years from the time of my purchase (it was 6 months old) so long as I get it serviced there.

Have asked today whether they're prepared to fit a Hymee exhaust kit - will report back on the answer and estimated cost if anyone's interested.

Didn't know about the re-flash at the time of the 10K. Will definitely ask about that as well.

Thats the way '88er! Why don't you tell us how you really feel ;)

Cheers,
Hymee.

I think I was having 'a moment' And to really hang them by their balls the bastards .............. (take a deep breath) :D

Got a call from the lovely Rita at City Mazda late last week....my cabin filters were waiting for me. Dropped in today, they fitted them in 5 minutes and I was outta there.

Supplied and fitted gratis, on the house, free, libre, nix, nil, zip, nada.......gotta love that kind of service :) .

I checked my 20K service and saw that they didn't replace the Cabin Air Filter. I rang them today and they said that all Mazda dealers are inspecting them and if they look like they don't need replacing then they don't. He also said to me that it would cost me another $80 to have it replaced. I find that rather rude when I should have had it done as it is mandatory in the scheduled services manual. I already paid them $245 for that service.
Can anyone advise me what to do as this mob seem to do what they want and it seems like they get away with it.
Nojooc you're a dealer...what's up with this??????
For your info......the dealer is Oldmac at Springwood in Brisbane.
I should have just taken it to Grand Prix.....they do look after you there.
rx88er

rx88er

Sounds like you have had a bad time with Oldmac, let me know how you go with Grand Prix Aspley, I am using Eagers at Newstead because they are conveinient for drop of to the city for work, their service is okay nothing too special, but always ready on time and all work done as schedule.
If you get on okay with Grand Prix Aspley I may try them.
We should get together with Hymee for a Beer and Steak at the Caxton one lunchtime soon, let me know if you are interested, I will set it up with Hymee.

Jambo...
just had the service done and they were fine. Charged me extra for the Cabin Air Filter as they had to replace it and they said that if its in the Service Manual then it gets done. So I forked out an extra $55. Not happy that I had to pay, but at least I can be confident with them that its done properley.
Are you listening OLDMAC SPRINGWOOD.....your service is crap and for you to suggest all Mazda dealerships are adopting your inspect only and not replace but charge the customer still is all bullshit.
BTW....running late, gotta get to that Anger Management Course :mad:

I checked my 20K service and saw that they didn't replace the Cabin Air Filter. I rang them today and they said that all Mazda dealers are inspecting them and if they look like they don't need replacing then they don't. He also said to me that it would cost me another $80 to have it replaced. I find that rather rude when I should have had it done as it is mandatory in the scheduled services manual. I already paid them $245 for that service.
Can anyone advise me what to do as this mob seem to do what they want and it seems like they get away with it.
Nojooc you're a dealer...what's up with this??????
For your info......the dealer is Oldmac at Springwood in Brisbane.
I should have just taken it to Grand Prix.....they do look after you there.
rx88er
If the manual says replace and they didn't at least the should do it for only the cost of the parts.

I remember when I was buying my car Oldmac cancelled a test drive on me twice.... so I'm not surprised by this service.

The cabin filters can be replaced in less than 30 seconds....there is no labor cost involved.

Yeah - 30 seconds worth of workshop consumables. :)

I posted earlier in the thread re: Brookvale Mazda and what they do for you.

Dug out the invoice last night for the 10K:

Service and safety check (whatever that means - airbags I guess).
Brake condition checked.
Wheel balance and rotation.
Castrol XT 1030 (must talk to them about the rotary oil).
Enviro levy.
Touch-up paint.
sump plug seal.
oil filter.

All no charge for reason previously mentioned. Car was ready on time and service book stamped and intialled.

Downside - no engine wash or re-flash but maybe I need to ask for those.

BTW, they have agreed to fit Hymee's exhaust kit when I can get the cash together to order one. They reckon about 1-1.5 hours to take off the stock parts and fit the new one. Sound about right Hymee??

Those guys who have been unhappy with Hornsby might like to give these guys a run. Of course, I cannot comment on cost yet but the service is good.

really? i thought Mazda wouldn't install third party parts like exhaust...
they are in effect voiding their own warranty terms.

really? i thought Mazda wouldn't install third party parts like exhaust...
they are in effect voiding their own warranty terms.

The service manager raised the warranty issue with me and effectively said it was my risk to check whether the parts breach warranty, which is fair enough.

It is also important to distinguish between Mazda Australia (or Japan for that matter) and your dealer. They're different legal entities and your warranty is with Mazda not the dealer.

Of course, an argument would be available that the dealer is effectively the agent of Mazda for servicing and warranty purposes but the fitting of after market parts could not be described as servicing and I think the dealer would only be voiding the warranty if they fitted parts without your approval.

If my service guy changes his mind for any reason, I'll post something about it. I might also dig out the warranty and have a closer look at this issue before I proceed with the work.

It is common for dealers to fit new exhausts to cars, even for delivery. Expecially in the V8 crowd.

At the end of the day, the more chargeable hours they get the boys to work, the better. They are in reality like most workshops, but with Mazda acreditiation.

30 to 45 minutes for an experienced "Hymee Enhancer" to do the job. Centenary Mazda had a bit of a problem with the first one - trying to get the factory slip joint apart. The instructions are quite detailed in what needs to be done. I got an email today from a happy customer in Scotland who got his local Mazda dealer in Edinburgh to fit his new Hymee exhaust.


I had the CAT BACK fitted this morning at my MAZDA dealer in Edinburgh. It looks fabulous on the car and sound just the way I wanted, not too loud, no drone but a richer deeper real quality sound.

Also the standard MAZDA item looks like a real afterthought. The car definitely deserves better.

Many thanks for your help, I am pleased to have the first HYMEE in Scotland.



Cheers,
Hymee.

10K service - $153 including oil.

20K service - $212 including oil, but no cabin filter replacement. Doesn't even say on the invoice that they checked it.

30K - $159, but I supplied the oil this time. They were going to keep my oil bottle and the dregs from the oil change, but when I asked for the bottle back with the left-overs, they 3/4 filled it for me again for free. Cheers!

I go to Regal Mazda in Newcastle. A free car wash is standard, as is a courtesy car for the day if it's available, or a lift home (I only live around the corner).

Overall their heart is in the right place, but their knowledge about the RX-8 is poor. Never heard of Mazdaspeed, pretty vague on the whole ECU flash thing, didn't know about the oil sump replacement until I told them, etc. I try and keep the instructions as simple as possible when I leave my car with them. You'd think that people who work in the car industry would have some passion and interest in cars, especially the ones they service? :rolleyes:

You'd think that people who work in the car industry would have some passion and interest in cars, especially the ones they service? :rolleyes:

For some of them it's obviously just a job. How many mechanics do we know that couldn't be bothered to look after their own car properly let alone someone else's. Obviously a generalisation and there are some great ones out there. That's why this thread is such a good idea.

Just got my my 10,000k service done at Mellville Mazda here in Perth.
Labour $112 - Included wheel rotation and balance, PCM upgrade and recal
Parts & Oil $78.29
Service Products and Waste Disposal $16.77
Total inc GST - $231.30

Service was great, they supplied a courtesy car for the day - no charge! They actually offered to pick up car from home and drop off when service completed. The left over oil was also left in the boot for me with no prompting. I think these guys are reading this forum and learning a bit about the service we all expect.
Washed and vacuumed free! All in all I'm pretty impressed with their service.

The PCM upgrade made some interesting changes. I own an auto and the shifting was a hell of a lot smoother. 3rd to 4th at high rpm was pretty snatchy. Its much smoother now. It also idles a lot smoother. As for the pedal response, I was a tad dissapointed. Very flat now. I'm hoping its just re-learning my driving characteristics and will adjust as it learns I like to get up and going quickly.

Cheers
Steve

Picking up on Zoom RX8's comments, I wondered if my service guys have read this thread.

Rather than wonder further, I just sent it to them via the service enquiry screen on my dealer's website.

Perhaps if we all did the same we would all enjoy a more consistent level of service and pricing. Can only hope.

We have fitted not one but two of hymees exhausts now.....
I think we qualify as an approved Hymee exhaust fitter !

Happy Customers are as follows...
Tonym
alfredfroz
xatnep
jeffneil
kanen8

Regards Daz

Perhaps I should send a Hymee Certified sign for one of the workshop bays. :D Then you can up your charge-out rate, just like HSV. Hehehehehe.

Cheers,
Hymee.

Then you can up your charge-out rate, just like HSV. Hehehehehe.

Cheers,
Hymee.

Bad Hymee! Bad Hymee! :D :D

will be getting my brakes replaced with new 'superseded brakes' all under warranty at all four corners. This is due to the squealing that had occured from braking everytime.
Question, what are superseded brakes?

Superseeded maybe?? Brake pads that are impregnated with some noise reducing material :confused:

Superceded means old part number. They are saying that the current pads are the trouble, the pads that were available a while back had no problems.

I wasn't aware that we'd had a change in pad material in the newer RX-8's here in Australia.

Gomez.

Not sure but was told that the rear pads are in melbourne while front had
to be shipped from japan.
ALso remembered someone mentioning that htey were getting these pads aswell due
to squealing. Well, can't complain about new pads!

No but it means that the rest of us are likely to be stuck with the dodgy pads when ours wear out through normal wear... I really hate squeaky brakes!!!!! :mad: :mad:

Just serviced my car under supervision from Ken my rotary mechanic .

.Decided to give Mazda the flick :p i Used Royal Purple oil on the transmission and Differential,75-w90 ,the oil in the transmission flowed like dirty water it had very little viscosticy , and the colour was greyish with plenty of metal shavings :eek:

My car has only 36,000km so i was quite suprised , the differential oil was in far better condition .

The Mazda dealer on my last service told me that i had used up 75% of my front brake pads , this i found was totall bullshit :mad: , i still had 40% pad wear left , but decided to change them anyway both front and rears .(replaced them with BENDIX SEE writte up at bottom of page)

Also replaced the brakefluid and bleed the brakes :cool:

They also said that they needed to machine my discs also total bullshit :mad: my discs are like brand new , any how they have totally lost me , being here and on a daily learning curve has given the confidence to go beyond my mechanical threshold

Royal Purple oil has given a Definite improvement on the gears smooth i believe it has also decreased noise level , i have the RP short shifter .

From now on i will change my Engine oil every 5000km after seeing the condition of the oil

Next service i will change the coolant and replace the spark plugs :D

Dont take for granted what your Mazda dealer tells you i have caught them out many a time . :p

Replaced brake pads to Bendix from repco between you and me these pads are just as good as the Mazda ones IMHO in fact i would not be suprised if mazda used the same pads in a mazda package , these pads are reasonably priced at $95 fronts and $70 rears shop around .

These pads are great for everyday driving , if you go on the track obviously EBC REDS OR HAWKS , FERODOS ,Endless are more suited however dont forget that unless they are suitable to your discs they will chew them up :eek:

cheers
michael

Isn't that a repost, Michael??

Isn't that a repost, Michael??

Added part referring to Bendix brake pads :D good to see you reading my posts Tim :p

cheers
michael

For the 10k service..

MuGrath Sutherland is $312

Rockdale Mazda is $250

I bought my 8 at McGrath Sutherland so that I would be going there for my 10k service though it is more expensive and the staffs there were not friendly enough..
Having the service tomorrow and will let u guys know how is the service..

$312 is a pretty full on price. Why reward this dealer with your custom when they overcharge and their staff are not friendly? Sometimes you just have to make a stand. If people keep going there and happily accept these prices, then there is no pressure being applied to drive costs down. I know I have been too polite and accepting in the past when I've been overcharged for something, now I'm becoming a grumpy old man :) .

Regards,
Gomez.

"becoming a grumpy old man"??????? :D :D :D

Were you on that series Gomez?? :p

If you young bastards could just learn how to spell and stay off the drugs, then this country would be just peachy.... ;)

$312 is a pretty full on price. Why reward this dealer with your custom when they overcharge and their staff are not friendly? Sometimes you just have to make a stand. If people keep going there and happily accept these prices, then there is no pressure being applied to drive costs down. I know I have been too polite and accepting in the past when I've been overcharged for something, now I'm becoming a grumpy old man :) .

Regards,
Gomez.

The reason I pick McGrath Sutherland is because I bought my 8 there and they offered my a further 3 years warranty with the fixed price of $215 for every 6 months serivce if I have my car serviced at their place. This is my 8's very first service (except for the 1k) so I didn't really know what is the standard of cost..
well.. I had the service this afteroon and I guess the service was fine, $299.80 GST inclusive. basicly everything has been done according to the service booklet. handbrake was adjusted, car wash withhout asking for it and the middle speaker in the front will be replaced in 2 weeks time b/c I mentioned that the speaker sometime has buzzing noise..

So the warranty costs $215 every six months, or did I miss something....?

So the warranty costs $215 every six months, or did I miss something....?

Well after the 3 years warranty expired, I would enjoy their 6 monthly/10k fixed price service plan (Mechanical Protection Plan), which is $215. the condition of that is my car must be serviced by McGrath Sutherland at all time during the Manufacturer's Cover.

OIC, 6 year warranty and each 10K service costs $215 after the first 3 years are up...... as long as all services are done by them. Doesn't sound like too bad a deal seeing as that would include the 60K $1000 service. As long as you don't hit and pay for that service in the first three years.....

Make sure they do all that is listed in the manual after the first three years are up, we are seeing a few dealers skip stuff.

Gomez.

AS per request from Gomez. An FYI

Did my 30000km service at Eurocars in Artarmon and it costed about $215ish, but initally wasn't very happy as I felt they didn't check everything, namely the air filter.
At the time I also reported that my brakes were pulsating. (This was about 4weeks ago) they test drove it and confirmed that indeed the brakes were pulsating and they machinded my fron discs.
Everything was good until about 2 weeks ago when my brakes started to pulsate again. I gave them a call and was asked to bring the car in. Once again, a test drive confirmed that My brakes were indeed pulsating. But his time they decided to replace my from discs. in addition to this, the service tech also checked my flash as I had mentioned that my fuel was going thru the roof (14ishL/100km) and that was not normal. Well as it turns out they had received a new flash a few weeks back so they updated the flash on my baby.

All this was done for free / warranty.. so happy days :D:D:D

my better half took her '8 to get serviced at Brookvale today.... 430 bucks and 4 hours later, (after being told repeatedly 2 hours max! and hence waiting for it!) she gets it back....

Labour $198
parts $125 ( oil,oil filter, pollen filter, wiper refills)
rotate and balance $25
wheel align- 45 - she curbed the car badly a coupla week ago..

to add injury to insult, they broke the cigarette lighter socket AND her portable GPS power adapter, left big dirty marks all over the paintwork, and said nothing...

needless to say they copped a mouthful and a 1/2 when she realised 1/2 way home. They accused her of breaking it herself, and then had the hide to think it was unreasonable that she wanted them to guarantee if she brought it back that they could fix it in a short space of time- given that it's a 30 minute drive each way, and if they lend her a car it's 2 hours out of her day travelling.

Needless to say, they've lost our business in a big way.. Massive cost, and zero service.

Rowds

Which service was it Rowdy?

...Needless to say, they've lost our business in a big way.. Massive cost, and zero service. ..

Dump 'em I say too... :mad:

Oh whaaaatttttt!!!!! :eek:

I've got my car booked in for a service with Brookvale on Monday!!!! :eek: :eek:

Now I'm gonna spend the next 4 days stressing about what they might do to me.

Sorry to hear about the drama Rowds. Here's hoping they just had a bad day with someone new.

They better not try any s#*t with me - I'll have them if they do!!!!! :mad:

12 month/20000 km.. - the car has only done 11000 though...:p.....

oh and when my partner booked the car in orginally, she asked if she could have a free loan car, and they said " no, we haven't built that into our costs like other dealers" - I guarantee on monday they are going to cop another serve about that too..

Apart from the Sales experiencewhich was great, Brookvale have been a bunch of complete arsemasters since delivery... for the 1st three weeks we had the car, they had it for almost too, because of scratches in the paint, which they then attempted to fix by adding some wanky coating which turned the paint milky, which then had to go to a specialist detailer to be removed.

Anyone recommend a dealership between Cremorne and Ryde that's any good at all??

Cheers

Rowds

Giving them a blast is fair enough too, Rowds. Over $220 in labour is highway robbery, IMO. My whole 20K service cost less than that...., oil, filter, rotate tyres etc included.

yeah I know 'mez.... just spoke to my g/f then, and she said there was a period of not less than 50 minutes where the car just sat and did nothing. so at most they did 3 hours on it.. which lets face it should be less than 160 bucks labour..

I recently have had a whole bunch of work done to my rally car- cylinder head machining, dis assembly and reassembly of the head leak down testing, oil, filter, new fuel pump, carby rebuild, wheel align, new tow points welded in, complete bolt check top to bottom and it's cost me less than double that..

Crazy..

Rowds

Oh whaaaatttttt!!!!! :eek:

I've got my car booked in for a service with Brookvale on Monday!!!! :eek: :eek:

Now I'm gonna spend the next 4 days stressing about what they might do to me.

Sorry to hear about the drama Rowds. Here's hoping they just had a bad day with someone new.

They better not try any s#*t with me - I'll have them if they do!!!!! :mad:

I reckon you should book your baby in else where, then ring up ask to speek to the service manager cancel the appointment citing the reason being the issues that Rowds had.

There are so many reports of bad Mazda service centers, that we should start letting them know that they can't get away with that kinda shite...

I reckon you should book your baby in else where, then ring up ask to speek to the service manager cancel the appointment citing the reason being the issues that Rowds had.

There are so many reports of bad Mazda service centers, that we should start letting them know that they can't get away with that kinda shite...

Yeah but LJ my problem is that a condition of extending the warranty to three years from when I bought it (it was a 6 month old demo) is that I have it serviced by them. Clearly they saw me coming a mile off.

Still, they will soon learn it is worth their while to look after me properly - I can be a very, very, very difficult customer!!! ;) :D

Yeah but LJ my problem is that a condition of extending the warranty to three years from when I bought it (it was a 6 month old demo) is that I have it serviced by them. Clearly they saw me coming a mile off.

Still, they will soon learn it is worth their while to look after me properly - I can be a very, very, very difficult customer!!! ;) :D

It comes with a three year warranty. You lost six months because it was a six month demo?

It comes with a three year warranty. You lost six months because it was a six month demo?

They reckoned the warranty commenced once it had been registered as a demo and were only prepared to extend it by 6 months (so I got the full 3 years) if I got it serviced with them. As I had not had any problems servicing previous cars through dealers during the warranty period I thought it would be okay.

Of course now, not only do I hear general horror stories of inept service depts not knowing jack about the 8, someone has bucketed my own dealer.

Actually, my first service with Brookvale after purchase went okay (although I do not know if they re-flashed it or not) so I'm hoping Rowds' problem is just a one-off case of bad attitude that won't be repeated.

So Gomez, do you reckon their story about the warranty having commenced on registration is a crock or what?

So Gomez, do you reckon their story about the warranty having commenced on registration is a crock or what?

No, warranty generally commences with first registration. They could have waived the reduction though. It's all swings and roundabouts, I suppose. While you saved by buying a demo, they clawed a little back by tying you to them for three years.

The thing is though, your not really a captive to them. If you go somewhere else for servicing, all you lose is the last six months of your warranty. In the whole scheme of things, I'd get it serviced where you feel comfortable and stuff the warranty. You save a fair bit going elsewhere if Rowdys price is any guide. The Oz cars generally don't have the reliability issues we see in the US (for various reasons).

I've had my car for nearly 18 months/26000k's without a single problem. Anyway, it's something for you to consider......

Gomez.

Thanks for the advice Gomez. :)

Will see how this service goes and then make a decision.

Well, so far so good.

Dropped the car off today and had a decent chat with the service manager. He was all over what needed doing. Knew what a re-flash was and said they did this every service as a matter of course. Also knew that rotary oil had to be used and would ensure the remainder would be left in the boot.

He owns a rotary himself and is currently building another. Can't remember the details as I'm not that au fait with the older rotaries but it sounded like he's into performance rotaries in a big way.

He was aware of RotorMaster's turbo 8 and reckons the Mazda Speed turbo is something else again. Suggested that a turbo kit may become a Mazda approved option, which confirms the mail in that other thread about a turbo model being snapped in public.

We had a chat about upcoming models. His mail is that an RX8 MPS is very likely. He's also heard that it is extremely unlikely that we will get the next RX7 in Australia as the 8 is selling too well. Obviously, an MPS 8 would rob sales from the 7 and the market would be too small to justify the expense of ADR compliance, etc I guess.

Will post again re: cost of service, etc.

Updatage time..

My g/f printed out this thread and took it down to the service manager this morning... he was extremely interested and is looking into it, and will be considering giving us a discount, she has told them she's not paying for the wheel alignment which did SFA, the car still pulls left- and it's not just me, I let a mate drive it on Saturday and he said the same thing. They also fixed the ciggie lighter (blown fuse) and are fixing her GPS power adapter for her.

Cheers

Rowds

oh and Revolver.. we got charged for the full 5 litres, and nothing left in the boot.... it's OK though ours uses almost no oil between services (it only sees 5000 km/ 6 months)

Rowds

As Rowds says - updatage time:

Just got the call. Work is done.

Changed oil and filter, checked all levels, etc. Confirmed tyres and brakes have plenty of wear left. Has left the remaining oil in the boot and checked to ensure the flash is current.

Have washed and vacuumed it. He commented how dirty it was (see my insomnia post :p :D ).

$148 odd all up.

Sounds about right going by earlier posts in this thread.

I raised the cabin filter. As I've only done 15k they will change it at 20K.

Will pick up the car after work tonight. Will report any problems.

wow that's good.. they told my g/f that they couldn't wash it cos of water restrictions.. .. ..

The service manager my g/f spoke to this morning is aware of this thread now,and is taking stuff up with the managers of the business ASAP regarding cost, and is attempting to change things around @ brookvale, but it's going to take time.. Kudos to him for taking the feedback onboard, but we won't be going back and he is aware of that. mostly cos of the lack of aftersales service we'll be going Euro ( Audi or BMW) for our next 'good' car...

Our Gti-6 was serviced by 2 dealerships over the time we had it, and nothing was ever too much trouble, if you dropped by with a broken light globe they'd replace it free in 2 minutes no charge, no problems....drop you off wherever, pick you up.. etc etc.. it was a much cheaper car than the Rx-8 too... go figure!

Rowds

The service manager my g/f spoke to this morning is aware of this thread now,and is taking stuff up with the managers of the business ASAP regarding cost, and is attempting to change things around @ brookvale, but it's going to take time.. Kudos to him for taking the feedback onboard, but we won't be going back and he is aware of that. mostly cos of the lack of aftersales service we'll be going Euro ( Audi or BMW) for our next 'good' car...

Was it Cameron your g/f was dealing with? He seemed like an okay bloke to me. Fair enough if you don't want to go back but I believe in giving people a chance to get things right.

As for euro cars, the new GTi has had good reviews but it's still a glammed up hatchback with FWD. What would you get instead?

Okay, final report on Brookvale's service.

The car was ready as noted previously and had been washed and vacuumed (after a fashion - but it was admittedly filthy when I dropped it off after a hard weekend away in the rain).

I was a bit out with the final cost in the previous post. It came to $158.40 incl. GST as follows:

Labour - $90 (oil change and safety check - no charge for checking PCM calibration)

Oil - $54 (rotary oil used and remainder was in boot as promised).

GST - 14.40

Service book was stamped and signed.

So, although you could say $90 is a lot for what was probably 30-45 mins work tops and the oil was a few bucks dearer than some people have quoted in this thread, allowances need to be made for the fact that there is always a minimum price for any service and they are paying for premises on the northern beaches, etc.

All in all, I'm happy so far and will go back again.

Revolver, it appears they haven't charged you for an oil filter, sump plug gasket, enviro levy, or workshop consumable levy. And that would be a good thing.....if they used them on your car??? ;)

Not quite the same as scheduled service cost, but a wheel alignment cost $65.. Not at my selling dealer - they were too busy to look after me.. Pretty happy with this dealer's (Centenary Mazda) work and the car is no longer pulling to the left.. We used to go to them when we had noddy many moons ago...

Of course, I have some private thoughts about the quality of the selling dealer's pre-delivery as this is the third thing that has been identified.. :mad:

:)

Revolver, it appears they haven't charged you for an oil filter, sump plug gasket, enviro levy, or workshop consumable levy. And that would be a good thing.....if they used them on your car??? ;)

Good point! :o

In fairness, this was not the official 20K service. It had been 6 months from the 10K service but I had only racked up 15,849 kms so the service manager said they would only do an oil change and safety check and do the rest at 20K. The warranty book was stamped above the boxes for the designated service intervals as an oil change service only, leaving the 20K service box still blank.

Do you think they need to/should replace the oil filter and sump plug gasket every oil change or only at the designated service intervals (i.e. 10K, 20K, etc)??? Apologies if this is in the manual, I don't have it with me. Apologies again if it is a stupid question but I'm no mechanic. :o

If your answer to the first question is in the negative, do you reckon it's just as easy (and cheaper) for me to change the oil myself every 6 months and only take it to the dealer every 10K? Because it's not a daily driver, I will probably only average 5-7K every 6 months. However, I was brought up with the principle that you get your car serviced every 6 months no matter how far you've driven it.

I guess my other concern is whether the safety check, etc should be done every 6 months or can be left to the designated services. For instance, I'm okay with changing oil and simple stuff like that, but I wouldn't have a clue about checking brake wear or other systems on the car.

Grateful for any advice on this kind of stuff.

Mate, the way I look at it is this. The filter is a tiny little bugger, so if there is some decent amount of crap in your oil (and there shouldn't be), it'll clog up pretty quickly. It costs $10. It's a crap shoot. 5000k's is bugger all on an oil filter....however this is a tiny one. Why not change it every oil change and be done with it?

By the same token, if the dealer is happy to leave it on and provide warranty for the car, why change it?

The service intervals are set at 10K/six months. The way the dealers generally read that is whichever comes first. I'd get the dealership to do the six monthly changes while it's under warranty....less hassles that way. All the maintenance is documented and you build a relationship with the Service Manager which may come in handy later if something pops up. They're happy it seems to change the oil every six months and then do the full service when the km's roll over. Seems like a good plan to me.

Gomez.

Revolver.. ours has done 11,000 km in 16 months.. it's had 2 filter changes and complete oil changes in that time. based on experience with my rally car I wouldn't skimp on changing filters or oil on anything I own. Clean oil and filters are good cheap maintenence.

Brookie have had 3 goes at getting something right for us since we had the car, and they've fucked up without fail. When you have to involve Mazda Australia to get a delivery issue with the car sorted , cos the dealership made it worse, you know the dealership is woeful.

The Pug 306 Gti-6 was a fantastic car, (and far more that just a tarted hatch! :p) as is the '8, but the RX-8 replacement will most likely be either an S4, RS3, or RS4, maybe an M3 I dunno.. We now have a couple of contacts at Audi and I should be getting a test drive of the new models when they come out, which I'm greatly looking forward to!.... :D:D

Rowds

The Pug 306 Gti-6 was a fantastic car, (and far more that just a tarted hatch! :p)

No it wasn't.....but we won't go into that here, Rowds ;) .

hahhaa....sure we can!! ;) I met a guy tonight that I was buying track tyres off, and he had a Gti-6, as did 2 other mates of mine at various ... everybody loved them beyond belief, and regrets selling!....you must have had the 1 bad one!!... like lexic's RX-8!

Rowds

Thanks for the feedback guys. :)

I rang the service manager and he said they generally only change the oil filter and sump plug gasket when the designated services roll around (i.e. every 10K) unless they obviously need replacing inbetween. He reckons the oil filter would probably last a lot longer than 10K but they change it then as preventative maintenance.

He was cool about the follow-up query and gave me the option of dropping the car back in and just paying for the parts if I really wanted them to do it now. He was also happy that I'm taking a close interest in the car and welcomed any further queries.

So I'm thinking they're on top of the situation and I'm happy to just let them do what they normally do as Gomez suggested. After all, it's under warranty and I'm thinking they wouldn't jeopardize the motor for the sake of an extra five minutes work and some cheap parts, that I'm paying for anyway. Naive??

I guess I'll find out if at 40K I'm suffering Lexic's dramas!! :eek:

The Pug 306 Gti-6 was a fantastic car, (and far more that just a tarted hatch! :p) as is the '8, but the RX-8 replacement will most likely be either an S4, RS3, or RS4, maybe an M3 I dunno.. We now have a couple of contacts at Audi and I should be getting a test drive of the new models when they come out, which I'm greatly looking forward to!.... :D:D

Rowds

I meant the Golf GTi. Haven't had any experience with the Pug but I guess I'm a little gun shy of frog cars after all the hassles my old man had with an older Pug 405 M16 or whatever it was. Went pretty hard but was always breaking something, etc.

I also think I'd have a hard time going back to FWD hotted up hatches after living with the 8. I did my time in those things and even test drove the Renault Sport Clio 182 when considering whether to stump up for the 8. While they're fun, there's nothing like RWD and a more distinctive shape.

I've just read an article about the RS4 - now that looks like a wicked bit of kit! :cool: Still, at well over 100K, I'm happy to live with a bit less power and fruit thanks.

The next person that mentions Peugeots in this thread will be reported to the Mods/Admins for foul language. CUT IT OUT!

The next person that mentions Peugeots in this thread will be reported to the Mods/Admins for foul language. CUT IT OUT!

Hahahaha...those scars must run deep 'Mez. :p :D

hehe...
Pu... Pu..... puh.... pleasee Gomez! ;)

nah I wouldn't get a Golf GTi.. too dull and not enough Grunt!!

Brookvale has got back to us, and is refusing to drop the price, although they will refund the wheel alignment as long as we get it done somewhere else!!

They still can't explain why the same service on Revolvers car is 100 bucks cheaper in labour!.... You're not on a fleet deal are you Revolver??

Rowds

Rowdy, Revolver didn't get a 20K service....he just got an oil change.

Hahahaha...those scars must run deep 'Mez. :p :D

Do a search on me and the "P" word if you want a laugh......all will be revealed :p .

Rowdy, Revolver didn't get a 20K service....he just got an oil change.

Rowds,

What he said.

Car is privately owned.

oil change and safety check is what he originally said. I can't see that it's that different from what's listed on the 20 K service invoice in front of me.....

Check drive belts *
Carried out WDS check for codes and PCM update*
check cooling system
check air cleaner element
check batter electrolyte and fluid level
check engine idle
check brake and fuel lines *
check steering and suspension*
check oil levels*
check brakes*
check parking brake *
check lights, tyre presssures, wipers *


all the aterisked items would be part of a basic safety check/ or what Revolver asked to be done

surely these 4 items isn't 2 hours labour!...

check cooling system - 5 minutes tops
check air cleaner element- 2 minutes
check batter electrolyte and fluid level 5 minutes
check engine idle- 5 minutes....

so that's approx 20 minutes.. and about 15 bucks labour.... and no car wash or vacuum... even though we requested it

I suspect if I'd dropped the car in, it would have been a whole different story...

Rowds

I suspect if I'd dropped the car in, it would have been a whole different story...

You could well be right about that. If your g/f was well dressed, etc they might have thought she had more money than sense - something my wife cops a bit.

Can understand why you won't be back but I'm tied to them for the life of the warranty so I'll just keep an extra sharp eye on what's being done and keep the fingers crossed.

Well she was in her work clothes, and spent the 4 hours she was there working on her splinky new widescreen laptop, add a blondeness factor and I think we have the answer!

They fixed her GPS power adapter yesterday and rang her to tell her to go and pick it up.. she asked them to post it and they refused. She then asked if she was able to charge them( she owns 3 sucessful business's) for the additional 3 hours she's wasted going backwards and forwards due to their incompetence. They shut up at that point, but are still unmoved regarding price.

Their loss..

Rowds

Rowds

I had my 40k service today and I queried them about the new flash and they said they didn't know what flash it was other than to say they used the latest disk, 'Disk 38'. Can anyone tell me what flash this is?
I also noticed that they used Mobil Type S 10W40 oil instead of the Rotary oil. I questioned them about it and they said they wouldn't use it if it wasn't suitable. I told them that it said in the manual to use the Rotary oil not Synthetic or Semi Synthetic as she put it. I hope this doesn't affect my car. Can anyone tell me if this oil is not suitable or recommended?
cheers,
rx88er

I told them that it said in the manual to use the Rotary oil not Synthetic or Semi Synthetic as she put it. I hope this doesn't affect my car. Can anyone tell me if this oil is not suitable or recommended?


It doesn't say that in the manual. It says nothing about Synthetic at all. Mazda Australia recommend you don't use synthetic. On the other side of the coin, plenty of people have been using modern synthetics in rotarys for years without problems. Make your own decision after reading this bulletin below.....

Gomez.

It doesn't say that in the manual. It says nothing about Synthetic at all. Mazda Australia recommend you don't use synthetic. On the other side of the coin, plenty of people have been using modern synthetics in rotarys for years without problems. Make your own decision after reading this bulletin below.....

Gomez.

Oh stop it, Gomez! This is like the Pug thread...oil just rises to the top
:rolleyes:

What Pug thread? I didn't see a Pug thread. Where's a Pug thread?

Hey, I kept it short and sweet. I didn't start it, he did...... :)

Ok, here's the deal...I won't mention the Pug, if you don't mention the oil ;)

What Pug thread? I didn't see a Pug thread. Where's a Pug thread?

Hey, I kept it short and sweet. I didn't start it, he did...... :)

:) Now now.....I realise there was a thread on this ages ago, I just got thrown by what I was told and had to let someone know. Never to be repeated. :D
cheers,
rx88er

Just had my 10,000km service at McGrath Sutherland. Check, check, check as per handbook. 1L extra oil. Updated PCM (PCM-N32K-18881). $291.25 inc GST. Seems a bit on the high side as far as price goes. But happy with the service. The idle seems a lot smoother and zero flat spot since PCM update. I travel a lot - 10,000km in less than 10 weeks!! Luv the car!

Richard

Just had 10K service (Melville Mazda) Perth W.A

TOTAL LABOUR $120 (checked all wank features, replaced engine oil and filter, PCM update, removed stones from under shield??, )
PARTS $78.29 (Gasket sump plug, oil filter, fuel treatment, motor oil rotary 5L)

clean and vacuum of car performed (LOOKS BACK TO NEW!!!)

TOTAL (including loan car -M2 NEO) = $261

Happy with service

Apologies if I missed some facts quoted above, but why would anybody get their car serviced on a time basis (i.e. every 6 months) rather than on the basis of distance and conditions?

In my experience, cars don't suffer from sitting in the garage, unless the weather conditions are extreme or the time between drives is particularly long.

There are good reasons to change engine oil reasonably regularly in terms of engine usage - particularly if the condition are poor - i.e. very dusty, prone to condensation, lots of stop/start city motoring etc. But time - what's with that? I've not heard that oil is likely to fail in less than a year, just on basis of time - it has no use by date on the can after all. ;)

I've always serviced my cars on the basis of usage alone, and ignored the time factor. I've believed that the time thing was due to manufacturers being extra cautious due to the wide range of conditions (and owner competence) that their cars will encounter. Perhaps some owners may not have the confidence, or experience, to trust their own eyes and ears to check for unexpected wear or developing failures?

Does anybody have any technical reasons why they believe that a car needs servicing every six months? Have I missed something?

I thought you answered your question above and elsewhere. Depends on the nature of the driving. If it's low use, city, stop-start, with lots of cold starts, you might want to do it on time basis, even though the mileage is nowhere near recommended. Why even risk the oil degrading to near failure?

IMHO, oil is cheap. Everything else being equal, a car with cleaner oil should last longer and perform better.

BVD, some manufacturers (and I don't know if Mazda is one of them...) run off the principle of "whatever comes first". Those dickheads at Peugeot, for example. Peugeot informed me that the services had to be scheduled at six month intervals if the km figure had not been passed, otherwise my warranty could be voided. Now with a car as crap as the Peugeot turned out to be, I was not going to do anything that might risk the warranty.

My Mazda has not had a single thing go wrong in the 18 months I have owned it, and I am unaware of the MA policy on this.

Gomez.

I agree with Timbo on this.

Mine gets a lot of city use and only occasionally gets out on the open road. For the sake of a $100 or so I'd much rather just do it every 6 months and not worry about it.

Depends on the nature of the driving. If it's low use, city, stop-start, with lots of cold starts, you might want to do it on time basis, even though the mileage is nowhere near recommended. Why even risk the oil degrading to near failure?

IMHO, oil is cheap. Everything else being equal, a car with cleaner oil should last longer and perform better.

Timbo, you say "why risk the oil degrading to near failure?" but my question is what has time got to do with oil degrading? In my experience - nothing! It doesn't degrade sitting in the sump any more than it does sitting in a can in the garage. Can you explain exactly how oil would "degrade" after six months and why?

I'm all for changing oil regularly because of conditions (i.e. type of driving or extreme climate) but I've never yet heard a convincing argument for spending money on services every six months if the car hasn't done the work.

I might be wrong - and if so I'll happily change my ways in the face of a persuasive technical argument - but I've always thought that owners are simply being conned or frightened into unnecessary visits to the service department for no really good reason. :)

I agree with Timbo on this.

Mine gets a lot of city use and only occasionally gets out on the open road. For the sake of a $100 or so I'd much rather just do it every 6 months and not worry about it.

So why not get an oil change (or whatever you think the useful factor is) every 3,000kms or 5,000, or whatever you think is appropriate?

Every answer I've ever had to this question smacks of voodoo belief. ;) I..e. "I don't know any logical reasons, but sacrificing this chicken (...paying this service cost...) might just appease some god or other.... :confused:

It's usage fellers, usage, not the mere turning over of pages on the calendar - unless you can come up with something a bit more logical than this "um... why not, it might help..." stuff. :D

Maybe it's because there were many years when I serviced my own cars, and also years spent on the "inside" seeing just how much (or little) gets done on unnecessary intermediate service visits.

Tightly held superstitions are hard to break down BVD! ;) :D

Seriously, there is a lot of force in what you say but during a warranty period I'm happier to go along with service requirements (within reason). As I said, a $100 or so bucks every 6 months is no huge expense for my ignorant but content state of mind!

.....but I've never yet heard a convincing argument for spending money on services every six months if the car hasn't done the work.


Hey, didn't I do that ? BTW, This doesn't affect me, I do the km's easily.

Hey, didn't I do that ?

Do you mean the warranty frightener aspect?

I say let them who are frightened by such things do the trembling. :p :)

BTW I’m not trying to encourage owners to flout their service recommendations just for the sake of it. If people don’t know much about cars, or don’t have the time or interest, then I’m all for them doing whatever they feel comfortable with (as I said above). And I'm a firm believer in adequate and appropriate maintenance.

I’m mainly referring to people with some knowledge of how their cars actually work. Perhaps I’m not the norm here, but I have had a fair amount of experience with automotive issues. Unlike many “weekend warriors” (or even the sort of inexperienced workshop apprentices who routinely get given the “change oil and kick tyres” type of service to do) I have, for instance, stripped engines down to bare blocks and done complete rebuilds, both privately and as a job. Ditto for gearboxes, suspensions and various other key components.

I’ve also worked as Area Manager for a large truck and machinery manufacturer - as the link man between the company and a network of ten dealerships. I was involved in all manner of things, from sales, parts, finances, and of course service and warranty issues. Naturally I did not have the final say on many of these matters, but I did gain a fair bit of experience. Unfortunately my memory is well out of warranty so I can’t claim to be razor sharp on all the detail.

To the best of my knowledge, basically time alone is usually a very low importance factor. Now some owners – for one reason or another – may buy a vehicle and then park it for an extended period of time (e.g. they might buy an exotic model as an ‘investment’ or be posted overseas, or whatever.). Under these circumstances seals may stick onto shafts, various “rubber” or plastic type compounds may suffer, some pitting or oxidation may occur in areas that haven’t seen any oil in months, etc, etc. As a manufacturer I might well decide to fight a warranty claim by someone who parked a car for two years and then complained of oil leaks, or whatever. I believe that, broadly speaking, it's this kind of 'abuse' that the time factor is designed to cover.

But for cars that are used regularly (i.e. at least several times a month) and serviced correctly with regard to the mileage and conditions, I would consider the time factor to be of no real relevance.

Some dealers (or even manufacturers reps) may try to bluff us into following every detail of their “recommended service intervals” but I doubt very much that they would take it to court unless the time factor demonstrably contributed to a problem. Warranties are there to protect us all – maker and owner alike – and the issue is taking reasonable care of the car, not just conforming to every detail purely for the sake of conforming. The set of service guidelines have been designed to cover a very wide range of circumstances. :)

Just my 2c worth - no wait - make that just my $5000 worth (a rough guess at what I've saved over 45 years of not wasting money on unnecessary "services") :D

Can you explain exactly how oil would "degrade" after six months and why?

I'm all for changing oil regularly because of conditions (i.e. type of driving or extreme climate) but I've never yet heard a convincing argument for spending money on services every six months if the car hasn't done the work.


I violently agree with you ;) My response was about the degradation of oil due to driving conditions, eg, stop-start, lots of cold starts. Hey, if it's just sitting in the garage, let it be!

The reality is that most low mileage cars are going through this type of stop-start driving, which typically results in faster carbon and other contaminants in the oil. So I would recommend oil changes at least in line with the time intervals if nothing else. As to whether the rest of the service items -- brakes, electrical, coolants and so-on...that might be another issue. But, as Revolver said, you'd need to keep warranty issues in mind.

Me? I do the k's, and I change the oil/filter every 5,000k :)

Do you mean the warranty frightener aspect?

I say let them who are frightened by such things do the trembling. :p :)



In the case of Peugeot, it wasn't a frightener....it was policy. Pure and simple. I'm sure they're not on their Pat Malone there.....

Might be worth a call to Mazda to find out their view.

Mate, in my experience policy is just another way of saying "this is what we want you to do". :) It is not law. Do you have any instances of Peugot actually making their "policy" stick in regard to denying a warranty claim on the basis of time interval? By that I mean a case where they successfuly defended a claim in court, purely in the time issue, rather than simply using it to scare off a potential claimant?

Alas, I have only one real world instance to offer. My one and only warranty claim - but it was with the RX8. No, I had NOT serviced the car every 6 months (and I still haven't). Was the claim denied - no. Was I ticked off and warned - no. Was the subject even mentioned - no. Why? because the issue had nothing to do with service intervals and it would have been frivolous and pointless to raise it. (At least that's the way it seemed to me :) ).

Had the issue been related in some way to time, and I had done something that might reasonably be expected to have contributed to the problem, then I would have expected some discussion or negotiation on that point. Otherwise not.

I'm not saying that no manufacturer would ever be bloody minded enough to try and refuse a warranty claim purely on the basis of time between services. I just have no specific knowledge of this happening. If certain manufacturers are prepared to go all the way on that point then I'd certainly like to take it into consideration when buying one of their cars. :)

However, all my real world experience (on both sides of the fence) suggest that the main aim of manufacturers is to reasonably protect themselves from dubious claims by people who have genuinely contributed to the neglect or abuse of their cars

I'm not an expert on Mazda's behaviour, but the RX8 manual is suitably guarded and apparently reasonable - with use of terms such as "recommended" , and words such as "could" and "may".

I regard warranties as a framework for negotiation rather than set in stone. Owners can (and do) claim for the cost of work at any time - including well out of "warranty" if it can be shown that the failure was due to a defect and not reasonable wear and tear. :)

And on the subject of 'reasonable behaviour'....

I recently asked a friend who is a car salesman for his opinion about honesty and 'reasonableness' in the industry.

He said that of course there were true stories about shonky dealers, dishonest salemen and harsh treatment from manufacturers. But he said that in general their behaviour paled in comparison to that of their customers.

He said that the frequency and degree of willingness to lie outright about the condition of cars they were selling, how they had treated cars they were claiming for on under warranty, and every other aspect of trying to shamelessly rip off companies was staggering!! :(

I remember an instance where one of our own dealers made a successful claim for a complete new engine for one of his own trucks. I later found out privately that the engine had failed because he'd negelected to tighten the sump plug and all the oil ran out, causing it to seize. Of course he refilled it, freed it up, got it going and then backed his own warranty claim!

Very difficult for a company to later successfully sue for the cost of being ripped off on that one, and a surprising number of people would just laugh at the story and think the guy had a good win there, or somesuch!

I've generally found that if I'm being honest and reasonable (and in these matters I am) then I get reasonable treatment in return. :)

Perhaps I'm old fashioned, or just rich enough now to be able to afford to have principles. :D

If Mazda were to get shirty with you for not doing your service based on elapsed time, they would win in court...IMO. Here is why I hold that opinion.

Page 4 of the yellow warranty booklet says....."You must maintain evidence that proper maintenance has been performed on your Mazda vehicle blah blah.... Claims made during the warranty term will not qualify under warranty if resulting from lack of maintenance......"

Now, referring to the Owners Manual page 8-6 Scheduled Maintenance Australia/New Zealand....table 1.

"Maintenance Interval (number of months or kilometres (miles), WHICHEVER COMES FIRST )....

The defence rests, Your Honour :D .

Now, having said all that, I agree it probably wouldn't come down to Mazda refusing warranty for a squeaky seat. But read the Tech forum as much as I do and see the horror stories going on in the States. Claims denied left, right and centre. Whole car warranties voided because of gearbox failures. Check Slims8 or abbid's warranty horror stories.

Hopefully Mazda Australia don't get that heavy at any stage.

Cheers,
Gomez.

Hi Gomez, :)

I bow to nobody in my admiration for the quality and quantity of your posts (and your sense of humour) and I mean that without any trace of sarcasm, or tongue in cheek. But I'm going to have to keep disagreeing - at least in part.

But first a concession (always a good tactic... :) ) You suggest that if Mazda did get shirty with me then they'd win in court. You may well be right. :eek: It has been said by others that "a court case is an event whereby two parties get together to see who can afford the best lawyer" and when crunch time comes I think that Mazda could outspend me fairly comfortably. :D

But to get back to the point of where I started with this, I still don't believe that Mazda would attempt to enforce the time part of their service recommendations in a warranty situation, unless it clearly had some pertinent contributing effect. As the wording also says, claims that "result from failure to execute the maintenance..." etc. with "result from" being the key point. I don't automatically see dealers or manufacturers as unreasonable bastards.

What we would be arguing about is whether the problem in any way "resulted" from my having a service at say eight months instead of six. In my experience, most problems that I might be claiming for would not fall in that category.

I repeat - I am NOT advocating ignoring the intents behind the terms of your warranty - I am especially NOT advocating spinning out the kilometres between oil changes or proper services. I AM saying that, as an engineer by training, I'm perfectly confident in making my own choice about when to service my cars in terms of weeks and months.

And if I'm wrong I'm prepared to pay the cost. Perhaps it's my age, perhaps it's my engineering background, or perhaps it's the fact that I've had many years of self employment in my own businesses, but making my own decisions and being prepared to live with the consequences is normal for me. :)

I don't believe that I'd ever be facing Mazda in court, simply because I believe that they and I are broadly in agreement about what sort of behaviour constitutes negligence or abuse, and what constitutes "defects in materials and workmanship". And, as I said, in my real life experience of a warranty issue with Mazda, they actually DIDN'T seek to enforce it. So "What - me worry?" nah.... :D

Cheers, Chris.
(And how about the cricket eh? Phoar....
Just trying to be non controversial and blokey... :) )

Well ain't this a debate and a half. I'm surprised no-one has mentioned the longer service intervals in Europe.

Well the services are definitely a huge money spinner for some dealers... my last 30k service (done at 20k because of the time interval and the fact I do lots of short trips in the city) was $154 - parts, oil and labour. I noticed the difference after the service, the engine definitely ran a little smoother.

So "What - me worry?" nah.... :D



Yeah, how about that McGrath spell??!!

Okay Alfred E Neuman....you win. I have crumbled under the sheer weight of your logic and experience. That, combined with the fact you charmed me with the first few lines of your last missive was enough for me to surrender :) .

Yeah, how about that McGrath spell??!!

.

Awesome! I stayed up half the night watching it live. Which probably accounts for my current bug eyed bout of frantic posting. It's some sort of sleep deprivation side effect. :o

Your pic of me is close but a little out of date - i.e lacking the grey hair and vacant stare. ;)

You're an officer and a gentleman, and a good sport sir, but then Gomez always was... :)

BTW - I rang up this afternoon and enquired about getting a service done - LOL. Still well short of the ks, but even by my standards well over the suggested time. :rolleyes:

Won't be using the dealer though - too many poor performances from them over the past couple of years - I'll use our local rotary experts instead. They already handle the services for several other RX8s, and a swag of RX7s and so on.

Still well short of the ks, but even by my standards well over the suggested time.


Oh c'mon BVD....make the trip East in October. She'll die of underuse at this rate, and we'd love to meet you ;)

Yeah, how about that McGrath spell??!! .

I guess that it is up to me to act the clueless one.. What is the McGrath spell???? :confused:

I guess that it is up to me to act the clueless one.. What is the McGrath spell???? :confused:

Not a cricket fan then xxup? :D

oh, I thought it might have been a central plotline in the new Harry Potter ;)

oh, I thought it might have been a central plotline in the new Harry Potter ;)

Me too... Sorry guys - never got into sport...

Oh c'mon BVD....make the trip East in October. She'll die of underuse at this rate, and we'd love to meet you ;)

You're right there mate. :) I just checked the odometer and then whipped out the old calculator to see how many kilometers I should clock up by October next year (when the car's warranty runs out).

If I maintain my current lavish rate of use, I'll do 9,677 kilometers in 3 years - not even due for its first proper service! :eek: Sad eh... :rolleyes:

I may be setting records for shameful underuse here, although I believe that some others (like AMG) also have several cars and clock up the ks pretty slowly on the "fun" one(s).

I just casually said to my wife "How about I take a couple of weeks in October and drive over to NSW? You'll need to take time off work and stay here and look after the house and family though..."

To my horror she said "OK, fine. You could even put the car on the train for part of the way if you want". What a treasure she is - 25 years together and she still loves me.... on second thoughts, maybe she meant "Yippee! Two weeks without the bugger cluttering the place up!" :D

Not really practical unfortunately, but maybe next year (after the car's properly run in :p )

42,000 KM IN UNDER TWO YEARS :D if you dont use it you loose it :eek: :)

Sold to many deceased estates with low kilometer cars left in the driveway :( .

Quote......... BVD"........Not really practical unfortunately, but maybe next year (after the car's properly run in )"

SOMETIMES NEXT YEAR NEVER COMES :eek: ;)


B...free
michael

You have a leave pass and won't take it - very sad...

I agree with Lock - next year never comes... :)

Plonk the car on the train to Melbourne.. Follow Taka and we'll all see you in Goulburn.. About time you had a real holiday... :)

(applies cunning psychology) Look mate, none of us will be better, more understanding people than your wife, but that doesn't mean we're not mortified by the fact you sound reluctant to take up this opportunity...! C'mon!

(note to self: next -- labrat!)

If I maintain my current lavish rate of use, I'll do 9,677 kilometers in 3 years - not even due for its first proper service! :eek: Sad eh... :rolleyes:

Aha! Now the truth comes out! :p :D

Now we know why you were so keen to establish the difference between and time and usage re: servicing. ;) :D

As for the Nats - I agree with the other boys - tomorrow never comes.

You've already overcome the biggest hurdle most of us will face (the marital negotiation). Mine still has a difficulty with tracking the car due to the lack of insurance cover but I figured if worse comes to worse (and assuming work allows me to get there) I'll just go for the social lubrication and spectate.

Aha! Now the truth comes out! :p :D

Now we know why you were so keen to establish the difference between and time and usage re: servicing. ;) :D



Sprung! :D

Do you think I want to service the car SIX times on the basis of time before ONE service is due on the basis of distance or usage? :eek:

A couple of times will do just fine. I follow the Timbo plan - every 5,000ks (whether it needs it or not... LOL... :p )

As for the kind invites to come to the Nats, it does sounds tempting. However, I've also got a long standing plan to drive across to see my brother in Melbourne. Among other things I want to do the Great Ocean Road drive. For various good reasons it doesn't look practical to combine the two objectives this year. :(

I believe that it will happen eventually, although I'm completely in agreement with Lock's general philosophy of "don't fart about - just DO it" in regard to most life matters. :D

just had 50k service. $212 all the usual oil/fluids and a wash, great service and loan car Werribee Mazda VIC

That is a great price.

I recently have a minor service with Ringwood Mazda for oil change, oil filter change (they supply), spark plug and gear oil change (me supply). It cost $130 (that is inc 5L of rotary oil, oil filter and 1 hour labour).

Nice people but slow in service. Everyone is busy on a Saturday perheps.

If Mazda were to get shirty with you for not doing your service based on elapsed time, they would win in court...IMO. Here is why I hold that opinion.

Page 4 of the yellow warranty booklet says....."You must maintain evidence that proper maintenance has been performed on your Mazda vehicle blah blah.... Claims made during the warranty term will not qualify under warranty if resulting from lack of maintenance......"

Now, referring to the Owners Manual page 8-6 Scheduled Maintenance Australia/New Zealand....table 1.

"Maintenance Interval (number of months or kilometres (miles), WHICHEVER COMES FIRST )....

The defence rests, Your Honour :D .

Now, having said all that, I agree it probably wouldn't come down to Mazda refusing warranty for a squeaky seat. But read the Tech forum as much as I do and see the horror stories going on in the States. Claims denied left, right and centre. Whole car warranties voided because of gearbox failures. Check Slims8 or abbid's warranty horror stories.

Hopefully Mazda Australia don't get that heavy at any stage.

Cheers,
Gomez.

well thats what you would belive ;)
I'm having this argument with my service department and mazda at the moment. my car dosn't do it's 10k km every 6 months so it is serviced on time interval.

since I over service my car :D every 3months it gets a oil and filter change. so at 3months the dealer did the 10k service and stamped it. I took it back at the 6 month interval and they did the 10K service and stamp again, then at another 3 months they did an oil change but no stamp.

then at the 12month 20k service the odometer read 10k so they did a 10k service and stamped the 10k service yet again! I had a go at them at the service desk and they said don't worry it is std practice and everything is ok. after pressing the issue I let it lie and went home and called mazda who said it was ok! now I'm about to do the 18month 30K km service and they sent me a reminder saying that it should be serviced even if it hasn't reached it's next 10 000km's :mad:

I called the service department and gave them a serving but it didn't resolve the issue. so I guess next week I will be doing battle to get it through their thick heads again :(

It has taken me 12 months to get from 20k to nearly 30k and I did not recieve a letter from my dealer. May be they are busy or lack systems.

But I am looking at booking my car soon. I was hopeing to get this recall letter and get it done at the same time but it looks like MA is taking its time with this.

I am also thinking of giving the diff and gearbox a flush and may be a spark plug change.

skc

I'm sure BVD will have an opinion about this....hehe ;) :D

But I am looking at booking my car soon. I was hopeing to get this recall letter and get it done at the same time but it looks like MA is taking its time with this.



The letter wont go out until the dealers get the parts involved in the recall.....specifically, the tank insulator pad. US RX-8 owners haven't got their recall letter yet, either.

Takes days before they can stock those parts I think. I am not worried since I know which batch of lower arm they are searching and they ain't mine.

Gomez, can you confirm that MA has not seen/recorded any heat issue like the in the US?

In that case it could be weeks and perhaps after Wakefield. I reckon I will tick over to 30k by next month so I will book in for service shortly.

I might start hunting around for diff and gear box oil from now.

skc

In that case it could be weeks and perhaps after Wakefield. I reckon I will tick over to 30k by next month so I will book in for service shortly.

I might start hunting around for diff and gear box oil from now.

skc

Royal purple is the way to go .

B...free
michael

Gomez, can you confirm that MA has not seen/recorded any heat issue like the in the US?

I don't want this thread taken off track, this isn't the recall thread......but I suspect there will be a few tanks replaced. I know of one local forum member who has melted the rear body grommets above the muffler assy by spending time on the dyno. His dealer may need to have a new tank ready.....

Hi all,
I just had my 20k service done & thanks for everybodies advice - incl the download - all done for $220, car was washed and ready on time too.

Which dealer Rick?

Recommendations.
Parra and Liverpool Mazda seem to be rip offs when it comes to servicing for my 20K.
They charged 280 + GST. Im up for my 30K service, anyone recommend any service places
within sydney that charge decent, give free washes, know what a flash is..?

Cheers.
Tuan

Ok....service time again. 30K this one. City Mazda.


Labour (1 Hour) $79.20
Rotary oil (10 litres) $79.20
Oil filter $9.45
Sump Plug Gasket $0.90
Workshop supplies & Enviro levy $8.80


Total........ $177.55 (with extra 5 litres oil supplied).

Car returned unwashed (as requested). Spare oil and remnant oil placed in boot. Recall done AOK FOC.

Cheers,
Gomez.

Recommendations.
Parra and Liverpool Mazda seem to be rip offs when it comes to servicing for my 20K.
They charged 280 + GST. Im up for my 30K service, anyone recommend any service places
within sydney that charge decent, give free washes, know what a flash is..?

Cheers.
Tuan
i have been more than happy with rockdale service centre.
they have fairest price, will wash your car, give you a loaner, and know what a flash is ;)

Cheers Ezzy!

Got it serviced there last friday. They actually have an office! Not a shack!
Total was $1200 all up for service. 950 for a pair of GS-D3 tyres, so,
about 240-250 including loan car. Got the wash,flash and a ROSE! :D
One problem, they didn't close the bonnet! I drove M5 home and it started rattling
like it was gonna rip off any second. But didn't wanna complain, best service by far!

Cheers,
Tuan.

Reading this thread got me thinking. My car is due for its 20K service so i rang around to get quotes off the dealerships in Sydney i could feasibly use.

Here are the quotes below:

$380 Hornsby Mazda
$330 Rockdale Mazda
$315 Eurocars Mazda
$300 Brookvale Mazda
$290 McGrath Mazda
$267 John Newell Mazda

It leads to an interesting question. What is their justification for such huge price differences? Its very obvious from this thread that those of you not in Sydney pay waaaay less for your services but these 5 dealerships are within 25km of each other so can't use cost of labour as an excuse.

Of course everyone knows that the real answer is that its just a blatant rort and they just charge whatever they think they can get away with.

Carried out 30 000 service today at Grand Prix Aspley
Cost....$172.70

They also carried out the heat shield recall but forgot the lower control arm. I will get this done when I go in for some new parts.

They have ordered the following parts under warranty; starter motor, spark plugs, battery, front head light assembly(left and right), new compound front brakes.

skc

Forgot???

FFS!

Cheers,
Hymee.

Carried out 30 000 service today at Grand Prix Aspley
Cost....$172.70
skc

Mate, got a breakdown of the service cost? That'd be handy so we can see what individual dealers charge per item.....

Cheers,
Gomez.

Mate, got a breakdown of the service cost? That'd be handy so we can see what individual dealers charge per item.....

Cheers,
Gomez.


Shure thing Gomez.

30 000km service........................................... $88 00
Workshop supplies and waste disposal.........$ 7.00
Oil filter............................................ ...............$ 8.64
Gasket sump plug............................................$ 0.38
TXT superperfomance oil (3.80l @$13.95........$ 53.01
Subtotal $157.03
GST .................................................. ..............$ 15.70
Total............................................. ..................$172.70

skc

I noticed 3.8L for 14$. Why's it add up to 53.01?? Spare? WOW!

idolo. I think you should try a bargain over the phone. Rockdale quoted me 330.

I told him 'but Dave only got charged 210?' LOL.

Sorry Revolver, had to let that one out!

I noticed 3.8L for 14$. Why's it add up to 53.01?? Spare? WOW!

idolo. I think you should try a bargain over the phone. Rockdale quoted me 330.

I told him 'but Dave only got charged 210?' LOL.

Sorry Revolver, had to let that one out!

Price for oil was $13.95 per litre (so 13.95 x 3.8 = $53.01).

Otherwise, hehe, your bargaining position might improve if I had actually taken my car to Rockdale before! ;) :D

I've had 2 services so far at Brookie:

10K - free, part of the purchase deal I struck.

Intermediate 6 mth service with 15K odd on the clock - $160 (essentially an oil change).

LOL

Alright, someone whos loyal to rockdale, cough up your prices! :D

Werribee Mazda 30k service cost $205.62. I've found Werribee Mazda tends to be more expensive for their regular services but I've never had any problems and they throw in a courtesy car (today is a Mazda 3). In fact the time I bought the RX-8 we got a showroom RX-8 to drive around while my MX-5 was being serviced. I haven't seen the break down of costs yet, but the oil usually isn't specified with a litre amount. Cost Breakdown:

30,000km Service $149.60
Consumables $ 4.40
Environment Levy $ 5.50
Mobil Oil $ 31.38
Parts Total $ 14.74 (Oil Filter & Gasket Sump Plug)

Total $205.62

John Newell Mazda, Sydney for 10k / 6mth service. $208 Washed and vacummed, ECU Updated, and remaining oil in the boot as per my request. They did however charge me $2 for washer fluid...

free loan car (mazda2) because of recall work (heat shield replaced, the other thingo was fine).

I asked my service guy about the starter motor when i booked my car (Aug 04 build date) in for the recall work, as sometimes it's very sluggish to start up, even if the engine is warm. Was told that because of my frequent short trips, it's the problem with carbon build up and NOTHING to do with the starter motor. I pointed out that I could have been driving for 20km and if switched off and restarted 10 min later the same problem, and that others with 8's that I know of had theirs replaced to which he replied with "we haven't had to replace any here, and it must of been an isolated incident".

After the recall work they did and the 6mth/10k service, they this time forgot to stamp the logbook (last time they forgot to update the reminder sticker). As silly as it sounds, I feel a bit let down by this as if they can't do reminder / log book stuff then what else did they leave out??? It's attention to detail that counts, and it gives me a bad feeling when the T's are not crossed or the I's are not dotted.

needless to say, I'll be going somewhere else in future. This is the second service for my 8 and the second time they have stuffed up. Very disappointing really as I really wanted them to at least have an ounce of respect for an owner who purchased from their dealer, AND it's a flagship model from them.

I am doing my starter motor and battery today.

Look at my loan car!@@@@!!! :D

I organised it in the last minute and it is all I can get... for FREE of course.

Very butch! ;) :D

Has it got rotary....? :D

Of course - that's Hymee's test bed for the S/C Renesis. He's doing some long distance testing and figured if it can survive Taka, it's bullet proof! :p :D :D :D

hehehehe, just made myself laugh. Think it's nearly time for bed. :o

I have found a SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE with what should be done on each service it could be out of date but not much would change Australias is about 1/2 way down page 2 the address for the PDF is http://www.gonedivin.com/PDF/maintance_Sched.pdf you will get a good idea of what should be replaced and what should inspected and cleaned.

I have found a SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE with what should be done on each service it could be out of date but not much would change Australias is about 1/2 way down page 2 the address for the PDF is http://www.gonedivin.com/PDF/maintance_Sched.pdf you will get a good idea of what should be replaced and what should inspected and cleaned.

Welcome cjs. :)

Your link doesn't work for me. Also a bit puzzled by the 'gonedivin' part of the URL? :confused:

I think he is hosting it on his site. Maybe a typo in the URL.

Cheers,
Hymee.

BTW - Welcome, CJS!

I only have 6,700km so I had an oil and filter change, and a wheel alignment at Grand Prix... Need the car in great condition before the Nats..

They also installed a power outlet in the boot so I can charge/run the squillion cadgets that hang off the car...

Got the wheels rotated and balanced for free.. :) :)

Oil & Filter change and fit power outlet $80
Wheel alignment $45

Oil Filer $8.64
Sump Plug $0.38
Superperformance Oil $48.83

What on earth is Superperformance Oil? They insisted that it was the same as the Mineral Oil sold by Mazda (I asked them to use the Mineral Oil when I booked and checked in - expecting that I would get the spare litre for top up :( ) - just a bulk version... :confused: :confused:

Apart from the oil thing I am very happy with their service department - it is just a pity that they are in the middle of nowhere...

They also installed a power outlet in the boot so I can charge/run the squillion cadgets that hang off the car...

Is the cig lighter socket and the other power outlet at the rear of the front console slide not enough??

BTW - just had the front console slide fixed this morning while I waited - the clips had fallen out. SM agreed they should have made more components of the slide metal so it could stand up to normal wear and tear.

The engine he is having built for his series 5 RX7 drift car is almost finished. He's fitting 9.5's at the rear to cope. Sounds like it will be quite a weapon.

What on earth is Superperformance Oil? They insisted that it was the same as the Mineral Oil sold by Mazda.....


skc had this oil used in his car too.....although he called it TXT Superperformance oil. The TXT bit leads me to believe that it's a Castrol product.

Castrol make a TXT Softec Synthetic oil in 5W-30 which is a bulk oil sold by Castrol for dealership use......can't find any reference to the Superperformance moniker though.

skc had this oil used in his car too.....although he called it TXT Superperformance oil. The TXT bit leads me to believe that it's a Castrol product.

Castrol make a TXT Softec Synthetic oil in 5W-30 which is a bulk oil sold by Castrol for dealership use......can't find any reference to the Superperformance moniker though.

If this is true then I am going to get VERY mad as I asked three times to ensure that the car used the Mazda Mineral Rotary Oil.. I have litre in the back for top up.... Can I still use this - something tells me that is this unlikely... :mad:

Mineral and synthectic oils are compatible. One is a hydrocarbon chain that comes out of the dirt. The other is a hydrocarbon chain made in a "test tube". Both long chain polymers consisting of hydrogen and carbon atoms. That is why I dislike the oil argument so much.

Cheers,
Hymee.

Had my 60,000 service done today. It was a little late, as the car has been involved in some "project" work till now. Even the engine light was flashing as she was overdue.

Here is the most incredible part... The cost. $334.29 including GST. That also included a wheel alignment at $30.

I thought this service was supposed to include the fuel filter, which is part of the sealed in-tank pump assembly. I thought that was going to be like $600. Need to check this out. Maybe it was the 80K?

Anyway, what else to report?... The actual service was only $149.50, plus the parts.

Oil Filter = $10.85
Sump plug gasket = $0.38
Air cleaner element = $86.34
Oil 3.6L @ 13.95/L = $50.22 (TXT)
Workshop supplies = $7.00

Got the SM's car for the day, an SP23 manual. More sluggish than I anticipated.

The recalls were done, and the battery, starter motor and plugs were done under warranty. I love the new starter. More keen for a starter button now ;)

Problems...

Wheel alignment is a poofteenth out, so I'll have to get them to adjust. I'm a particuarly particular sort of fellow ;).

They didn't reset the flashing engine light. In fact I doubt they even plugged the WDS in to check for the re-flash. Not to worry, it already has the correct flash, courtesy of a previous encounter with the flashing equipment.

Edit: I checked the DTC this morning, it was for "Rear rotor misfire". DTC read and cleared with sCANalyser, and will I can monitor it if it happens again.

Cheers,
Hymee.

Had my 50,000k done along with my recall, Slaven Mazda in Phillip
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

Free loan car (Mazda2 auto)
No wash -- we still have water restrictions; the lot cars are a bit dusty, too, so I'm ok with this


Oh, Ok, while I've got 'em

40,000 Service
Labour $272.80
Consumables $ 53.68
Parts $101.52 (inc the pollen filter)
TOTAL (inc GST) $470.80

20,000 Service

Labour $92.40
Consumables $12.00
Parts $52.62
TOTAl (inc GST) $172.70

Thought I'd have the others....will edit this when I find them

Had my 60,000 service done today. ... The cost. $334.29 including GST. That also included a wheel alignment at $30.


Very strange! My SM specifically said to me today "the next one (ie 60,000k) is the big one" :confused:

I thought this service was supposed to include the fuel filter, which is part of the sealed in-tank pump assembly. I thought that was going to be like $600. Need to check this out. Maybe it was the 80K?.....

No mate, it's the 60K as you thought. You're not the first who's missed out on having it done at 60K. Happened to someone earlier in this thread. The yanks get it changed much later than us.......

They didn't reset the flashing engine light for o'due service. In fact I doubt they even plugged the WDS in to check for the re-flash. Not to worry, it already has the correct flash, courtesy of a previous encounter with the flashing equipment.

Cheers,
Hymee.

Hmmm, I wasn't aware the engine light flashed to indicate an overdue service. How many K's over do you need to be before the light starts blinking?

Maybe it is something else. No DTCs show up though. Need to investigate more...

I'm talking 4,000 km o'due.

Cheers,
Hymee.

Perhaps it is the "engine has too much power" warning light.. :)

My appologies. I have just had a chance to look at it again, and I did infact have a DTC. Rear Rotor Misfire. Cleared it with sCANalyser and all is OK. It heppened at only about 1800 RPM from the freeze frame log.

It is wierd, becuase I had this situation prior to the service, and I checked the DTC's then and there wasn't one. That is why I thought the flashing CEL/MIL was for the o-due service.

I'll edit my post. My appology if I made the service guys look bad. The fact is, it still left the dealership with a DTC.

It wasn't the "too-much-power" DTC. She is stock. BTW - Never too much power!!!

I have my car booked for new front brake pads and the battery,spark plug and starter motor upgrade....I look forward to a quicker start. :)

I also hope it will iron out some of the rough idling I am getting since the last service. I also recently developed a flashing security light in the dash :( . This occurs after I take the key out of the ignition.

skc

Bugger, I started he up after clearing the codes, and all was well. Just went for a drive to Bunnings, and as soon as I started to get some vehicle speed, she starts flashing again.

Time for more sCANalyser!

Cheers,
Hymee.

Got the SM's car for the day, an SP23 manual. More sluggish than I anticipated.

Well, what a surprise! I'm sure most things feel a tad 'sluggish' compared to what you've been driving. :eek: :D :D

I also recently developed a flashing security light in the dash :( . This occurs after I take the key out of the ignition.

I think that's normal skc - at least mine's done that since I've had it. :confused:

Isn't it to act as a deterrent to prospective thieves?

Okay, I'll ask the dumb question. :o

What is DTC an acronym for? :confused:

DTC...Diagnostic Trouble Code.

Oops :) . Ta, Hymster.

Well, what a surprise! I'm sure most things feel a tad 'sluggish' compared to what you've been driving. :eek: :D :D

Maybe it might have been still tight at 2500km. But my s/c had been off for a week by this stage so patterns etc could be made. I was also making my comparisons to the wife's Mazda 6 which shares the same 2.3L engine. The 6 seems to pull better, although it is less lively up top.

PS - 6 is for sale... anyone ?

Cheers,
Hymee.

I had a little Mazda2 loan car, which had over 15,000 on the clock. That little thing howled. It had obviously been broken in by the 'prentiss on the burger run ;) :D

This rear rotor misfire has peaked my attention. Can you keep us updated as you find out more!

Cheers

Think you meant to say 'piqued' Stuart ;) :D :D

Hmm, maybe not. English is a funny beast. 'Peaked' probably works just as well.

<Struggling to get back on topic>

Yep, fill us in on the rotor misfire Hymee.

Is the 6 a wagon??

Think you meant to say 'piqued' Stuart ;) :D :D

YEP... Probably did :o :o ;)

Is the 6 a wagon??

Back off topic... Nope. A Classic Sedan 5-spd manual.

Cheers,
Hymee.

This rear rotor misfire has peaked my attention. Can you keep us updated as you find out more!

Cheers

Back on topic...

Well I'm pretty sure it is a result of our learning experience. I think I damaged the crank angle wheel or sensor during the early failed attemps with the toothed belt. Not hard to fix, and something that we know to pay attention to in the future. Going to poly-V drive has probably removed 90% or more of the cause.

Well - sort of on topic :o

Cheers,
Hymee.

i had my 20K service yesterday. they did the recall. suspension ok and they fitted the heat shielding. they checked the starter and battery and have ordered new ones for a replacement. i have to bring it in again for fitting. i mentioned a rattle in the right rear door and in the parcel shelf. a loose speaker screw and door clip were found. i also had a screw in the front right tyre which was repaired. the spark plugs were not changed though. they checked the ECU but did not mention if it was upgraded. all in all, $337. not bad. i was happy with the result.

cheers

mike

Had mine done on Friday. 30k service (oil change basically), and recall.
Also got my gearbox oil replaced (Redline MT90, noticeable improvement IMO).

Mentioned the cranking issue the day before the service (my car is early 04) and had battery, plugs and starter replaced on service day.

Total cost (inc gearbox oil change) $285. Satisifed customer. Good one Eurocars Mazda Artarmon. I have almost forgiven you for installing my rear swaybar upside down :)

Also - they readjusted my handbrake. Fairly standard anywhere else but they had never done it before. This just after our recent thread on how weak the RX8 handbrake was. Maybe the forums do get noticed!

The service notes stated a 'heat insulated pad kit' was used for the recall, no mention of WDS updates apart from the usual service notes but that doesn't tell you much anyway.

Had my 20K service done a couple of weeks ago by West End Mazda North Parramatta. Cost: $247.20. They also did the heat shield recall and tried to track down a rattle somewhere in the rear parcel shelf. Got a complimentary chamois in the mail this week as a thank-you.

10000k service Wood Bros Mazda, Perth

$110 service
$24 rotate and balance wheels
$5.50 hazardous waste disposal
$12.20 oil filter
$54.90 5l rotary oil

$238.50 all up

Not overly happy, really;

-No ECU flash done - mine is the "latest" (they haven't released one in over 6 months?? can someone confirm this?). I didn't ask what version it has.
-Compained about a minor rattle which they couldn't find after 40minutes of driving the vehicle (great, which apprentice gets that job??)
-Grease on floor mats
-Complained about "clunky" change from 1st - 2nd. Couldn't find anything wrong. If I noticed this as soon as I drove out, why can't professional car people??
-Charged for 5l of oil, excess oil nowhere to be seen

Positives;
-Replaced rear right tail light after complaining about water leaking - under warranty no questions asked
-Ordered a new gear shift knob (illuminated) as cap is rattling, under warranty, no questions asked
-They normally wash and vacuum as part of the service (even though I requested these NOT be done, which they obliged).

Overall, I don't think I'd go back.