I am due for the 56k service and after finding that the dealer (Kramer) in calgary wanted $500 for an oil change, plugs, and some inspections I told them to forget it. Anyone bought new plugs, changed plugs? I have a good selection of tools and will / can do most of my own minor maintenance, but is changing the plugs a pain?

 

Hey HarshJay

If you can hold off on doing the maintenance, I would order the spark plugs from the US (sparkplugs.com or one of the vendors here). I checked all over Calgary and everywhere wants to charge an arm and a leg. I unfortunately HAD to buy them from the dealership because my engine recently flooded due to the cold (cost me about 170 for plugs).

To change your plugs is pretty easy. It's a bit of a squeeze to get in there but doable with good tools. The best tool that I got recently is a "spark plug" wrench set from Canadian Tire for 15 dollars ... it consisted of 5/8 and 13/16 socket, extension and a 3/8drive flexible head wrench. So awesome.

 

I don't imagine the price will change much, but I have heard better things about Northills Mazda than Karmer.

BTW, when home to Calgary for a few days at christmas, and not a single 8 did I see?

t

 

spark plugs ARE EASIER than taking a **** on laxatives...take the left tire off, youll need a 13/16 LONG socket(you can get one at your local store for like ~10usd) and a LONG extenstion roughly 10in, unhook the wire, and get to unscrewing...whole job should take less than 20 minutes