Time for 30,000 mile service maintenance
So it’s time to go in for my 30,000 mile service maintenance, the first major maintenance for the car (even though I’m approaching 36,000, ah well!). I call around to the two closest dealers to where I work. One quotes $365, the other, $540. The $365 one also offers a free rental car and gives the car a wash when done. Gee, which dealer do you think is going to get my business?
Sometimes I don’t understand dealers. It’s a simple thing to do a competitive market analysis and do one every quarter or heck, even just once a year. Call around to your competitors, see what their pricing and services are like. See the experience from the eyes of a customer, not a competitor. Then understand that even though the $365 dealer is about 15 miles further away, I will gladly take them anyday over the closer dealer. The $365 dealer is making an effort to win my business.
Mazda should take note. Not every dealer is the same, I understand that. But you should encourage your dealer network to have more standardized pricing on factory-recommended service intervals.
I’ll also get my front, passenger-side wheel squeaking taken care of when I go in on Thursday. It should be a minor brake adjustment that I shouldn’t be charged for.
Before winter comes, I’ll also need to get a new set of tires, as mine are wearing down. Any recommendations for good winter performance, low road noise, and more on the “touring” side than the “sport” harsh ride side (although I’ll happily take the middle)??? Post in comments or email me. Thanks!
August 5th, 2005 at 12:14 am
I just discovered your blog. I’m a current owner of a Mazda (1998 626) and will be looking to replace it within a couple of years. While I like the Mazda6, its design is a bit…bland. And while I LOVE the designs of the Mazda3, they’re a bit underpowered at 4-cyl. (Yes, I’m aware of their horsepower and all that jazz, but experience going up hills while the A/C is going full blast to deal with the 100 degree F outside temp has shown me I need the extra cylinders.)
The Mazda6 sports wagon or the Mazda5? Uh, no. I’ll get an SUV.
So that leaves the hatchback.
October 17th, 2005 at 9:50 pm
I’ve done some simple tips for DIY’s maintenance. Read more about it on The Driver’s Notebook. It’s a pretty cool list to help you save more for your annual car check up.
December 26th, 2005 at 3:16 pm
I have an ‘04 6S model.
I love it. Its got all the little things that make it really great.
Couple of querks though, transmission is not the best, sometimes it slips, and the
breaks need regular care on my model. Oh, and noise, noise is an issue. I got it used in early ‘05, 6 months old with only 7,000 miles on it. It was worth $27000 new, I would never pay that much for that, though. Not worth it, but for the 21 G’s, thats not bad.
January 17th, 2006 at 9:10 pm
I brought my 2003 Mazda 6 in for service at Mazda dealer. (Has 39,000 miles).He suggested to change trans fluid, brake fluid and power steering fluid. He quoted high price. Also seems to early to change these fluids. Any suggestions?