blkswan

iTrader: (1)

I have a 08 - 8 with 67K miles. I had my spark plugs changed back around 35K.

This morning, I started my car and made my way to work. I felt a big sputter when I sat idle for the light, check engine light came on - keep flashing. My car lost all power. From there, I drove it to the dealer - halfway, the engine light went away and my car was back to normal.

I took it to the dealer for a $200 diagnostic. I did some research since then and people report it's probably the plugs, coils and wires.

Sure enough - when the dealer called, they want to replace the plugs, coils, wires and do a oil flush - something called a zoom zoom service for $200.

Total they quoted me was originally $1650 with tax. I talked him down to $1500.

Any opinions on this? My car is bone stock and I been taking it to the dealer since birth - no more than paying only an average of $50 per service.

I feel more comfortable leaving it at the dealer but want to get ideas if I'm getting ripped off - how long my car will last and if this is just a regular part of being a 8 owner?

Advice please. thanks.

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

$1500?!
yikes.
First question: where are you located? I only ask because in certain regions costs could be higher.

that's far too much for what they are offering to do.

• Spark Plugs - about $20 each (4), lets round up and call it an even $100
• Ignition Coils - $64 each from Rosenthal Mazda. $256 total. You can however get these much cheaper from your local auto parts store which will have OE quality replacements (with a lifetime warranty)
• Spark Plug Wires - $73
• Oil Flush - That's standard oil change which runs about $29
• Zoom Zoom Service - This is a method to attempt to clean out carbon in the motor. I doubt you need it, save the $200 for now.

That's $458 in parts and about $1,000 in labor.

are you mechanically savvy? Even with basic tools and a floor jack, you could do all of this yourself and save a good amount of money.

As for 'how long will it last'?
All of these are general maintenance / wear & tear items but I'd recommend changing them sooner rather then later as it could lead to further repairs down the road.

Hope that helps.

If the car is able to drive, I'd recommend ordering these parts and having someone else install them for you or doing it yourself.
The place I pulled the prices from and have used in the past: http://parts.arlingtonmazda.com/categories/RX%252d8/ (they used to be a forum vendor on here)

paimon.soror

iTrader: (15)

abso-frickinlutely-not

Plugs coils and wires can be had for like what, 400 from mazmart. And zoom cleaner i.e. seafoam can be purchased for $10 at your local autoparts store.

Oil flush....just change your oil for no more than 30 bucks tops.

200.mph

iTrader: (9)

**** ill do all that and change your trans/diff oil for $1499

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

I do everything u said for 1/2 price and I mean it. Waiting right here for u in NYC, will travel up to north jersey

blkswan

iTrader: (1)

I'm located in CA by Los Angeles. They are quoting me $700 for parts and $600 for labor.

So more importantly - Is this a normal service for 8's? Will I need to do this service again at another 60K miles?

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

There's plenty of Rotary shops in the OC / LA area that could do that work for you better and cheaper then the dealership.

in another 60k, I'd expect to replace spark plugs and possible an ignition coil (or 4). If you buy them from O' Reilleys they have a lifetime warranty so that wouldn't cost you anything.
As for the spark plug wires, those should be fine.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Coils plugs and wires are normal maintenance every 30,000 miles. Huge cascading failures possible if you ignore this, namely cat failure which leads to sensor damage, engine damage, and possibly car fires.

But $200-$300 every 30k is dirt cheap for a sports car.


I don't have a problem with dealers making money and staying in business, but effectively charge $1100-1300 for an hour of labor is fraud IMO.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

700 for Msrp parts price sounds about right. Cuz Msrp for plugs are like 50 each, coils around 70. Zoom cleaning solution cost 30 and it's enough to clean 2 engines.

Notice, that does not mean I will pay them Msrp for those parts, nor I will pay them 600 bux to do all of the above.

On a lift, it takes less than 20 minutes to do plug change, another 20 for coil swap, for the zoom cleaning, it takes 10 minutes tops to inject the stuff, walk away for an hour then just fire the car up, turn ids mop rate to max, leave for 20 minutes. Done

...

Ok, ignore whatever I said above, just get the parts ur self elsewhere and save

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

Never fear, Jedi is here!

blkswan: just sent you a PM.

200.mph

iTrader: (9)

good lookin out jedi.

blkswan

iTrader: (1)

Jedi - thanks buddy! appreciate it. I might just check out 7stock next week. i'll bring my car.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful feedback! I love the community on this forum!