Value of free maintenance
 

Has anyone calculated exactly how much the free maintenance offer is worth? I saw an estimate of around $1000, but I don't know. I would expect to follow the 2nd (every 5000 miles) schedule in the owners' manual.

I read in one of the new article on the buyback/free maintenance issue that the estimated value of free maintenance is $1200 US.

1200$ US for 8 oil changes and an air filter... Sure!

I am looking at Schedule 2 maintenance. It says to use this schedule if you drive repeated short distance or extremely humid climates- (these 2 apply to me)

Engine oil - every 5000 miles (about 3X year)
Oil Filter - every 5000 miles
Air Cleaner - replace 2 1/2 years
Spark Plugs - replace 2 1/2 years
Cooling System - replace at 4 years
Brake Fluid - replace at 2 years
Transmission Oil - replace at 2 years
Rear Differential Oil - replace at 2 years
Lubricate Locks and Hinges - 2 years
Cabin Air Filter - replace every 2 years

The only difference in this schedule and the standard one is primarily the oil and filter, the brake fluid and the trans and differential oil.

I will be following the schedule and also getting in my 2nd visit of the 2 year items right before the end of 4 years.

I think the manufaturers try to convince us that we all qualify for "severe duty use" with the higher-frequency maintenance, but I always follow it to be safe. A good investment for not much cost difference, usually. Thanks for the info!

Want to bet? I'm sure that Mazda will say that the free maintenance is only for things that meet the period, and there is no way that you can schedule two "every two years" items within a four-year period. It would be interesting to see what happened with the 2000 Miata owners during their make-good.

Besides, I think that most of us are going to blow through the milage long before blowing through the time period.

my dealer said he'd throw in tire rotations every 7500 also.

free maintenance
 

My dealer says he would follow the "severe schedule" for the free maintenance deal. He said that Mazda is going to be very liberal with the owner's intepretation of needed service...that includes the dealer's service schedule, which is way more comprehensive than Mazda's (and includes tire rotations). He said, "brakes go...Mazda fixes them, battery goes....Mazda gives you a new one, windshield wipers need replacement...no back talk from Mazda to give you new ones...."

Service Manager also said that to be sure to get the car in for the 60K service before the 4 years are up because they will charge that to Mazda, too.

All at no charge.