Hi folks... my 6 months service is coming up. Do you think I can trust one of the run-of-the-mill places to change the oil/filter, or is it important to use an authorized Mazda place? I wonder what your experience is. Thanks!

 

I would suggest doing it yourself. It is not too difficult on the 8. If you join MSCW, they have tech nights at local dealerships about every other month. For $5 you can put your car on a lift and the oil change is trivial then.

 

^ maybe a DIY here, too.

but anyone can do it.

try & get it done at a place where you can watch the work. and have some oil handy (if you don't already) in case they don't have the correct weight.

 

Hmmm... I didn't even think about this option. Sounds interesting. Thanks!

 

You can find the MSCW website here. We meet the first Wednesday of the month at Fudruckers in Tysons Corner. If you are not sure about how to change the oil at a tech night, there is always somebody around to help out.