What is included in the 30k-mile service...?

[CX7_Scott]

I am dropping my CX-7 off tomorrow a.m. for its 30,000 mile physical and the cost is almost $700 for everything. Is there a resource online that explains exactly what is being done for the 30k-service...?

I am not questioning the value... just curious as to what they will be adjusting, replacing, cleaning, calibrating, greasing, tightening, etc...

It'll make me FEEL better to see a list of things they are required to do. :)

Thanks.

[markmad33]

I am dropping my CX-7 off tomorrow a.m. for its 30,000 mile physical and the cost is almost $700 for everything. Is there a resource online that explains exactly what is being done for the 30k-service...?

I am not questioning the value... just curious as to what they will be adjusting, replacing, cleaning, calibrating, greasing, tightening, etc...

It'll make me FEEL better to see a list of things they are required to do. :)

Thanks.

Scott,
I just had my 30,000 service done last Friday. Cost was $575. My dealer had a long list of what they do but I have since thrown that away. Seemed like most of what they did was check things. As best I remember they did change my oil, antifreeze, air filter, fuel filter, rotate tires, put some additive in the oil and fuel. Maybe some other things but that is all I recall without looking at my paperwork.

Mark

[SuperStretch18]

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/pdf/maint_schedules/07_CX7_MS.pdf

[erhayes]

There isn't alot of changing much except the engine oil & filter, replace air filter, rotate tires and check fluid levels. All else is inspect which is a walk under the car and look for leaks, loose or missing bolts and stuff like that. Should be less than one hour od a mechanics time. I don't know how they can charge even $300. Coolent, Transmission and brake fluid changes are not on the schedualed maintance for normal driving.

[CX7_Scott]

Yikes... a bit expensive. I will re-type what my dealer brochure shows under the 30K-mile Service:

(re-ordering to group them by something the do, as opposed to something they check)

THINGS THEY DO:

- Change oil and oil filter
- Lubricate all locks and hinges
- Rotate tires
- Clean & adjust brakes
- Cooling system service (not sure what that means)
- Replace transaxle oil
- Replace transfer case fluid
- Replace manual transmission oil (Mine is automatic - irrelevant?)
- Replace rear differential oil
- Replace spark plugs (non-platinum) <--- what does THAT mean...?
- Replace air filter
- Emission service, clean throttle plate (no idea what that does)
- Wash car (big deal)

THINGS THEY CHECK:

- Inspect All lights
- Inspect Brake & Clutch fluid level
- Check tire inflation pressure and tire wear
- Inspect power steering fluid level
- Inspect washer fluid level
- Inspect coolant system
- Inspect coolant level (Isn't that dealt with in the Cooling System Service above...?)
- Inspect belts and hoses
- Inspect brake lines, hoses and connections
- Inspect steering operation & linkage
- Inspect front & rear suspension & ball joints
- Inspect driveshaft dust boots
- Inspect drive belt tension
- Inspect exhaust system

So - basically for $615 (what I was quoted)... they are changing my oil, rotating my tires, giving a tune-up and washing my car... (?)

Yes, I know there is "labor" involved in a technician "checking" all of those other things... but I have no proof that they are lubricating my hinges or adjusting my brakes.

I view the process of them "Inspecting" all those other things as an opportunity for them to find an issue that I should spend money on fixing. "We checked your drive-belt tension and it needed to be tightened. That's an additional $23.50 since the 30k service only covers CHECKING the tension, not fixing it if it's loose..."

Okay - maybe I'm a cynic... but it seems like a lot of $$$ to me. BUT... what can I do... y'know...?

[kleung]

what can you do? Do the service at a local shop instead of the dealer.
Seems to be a no brainer to me. I only change oil at the dealer, not the other routine stuff like rotating tires.

[astraelraen]

Yikes... a bit expensive. I will re-type what my dealer brochure shows under the 30K-mile Service:

(re-ordering to group them by something the do, as opposed to something they check)

THINGS THEY DO:

- Change oil and oil filter
- Lubricate all locks and hinges
- Rotate tires
- Clean & adjust brakes
- Cooling system service (not sure what that means)
- Replace transaxle oil
- Replace transfer case fluid
- Replace manual transmission oil (Mine is automatic - irrelevant?)
- Replace rear differential oil
- Replace spark plugs (non-platinum) <--- what does THAT mean...?
- Replace air filter
- Emission service, clean throttle plate (no idea what that does)
- Wash car (big deal)


You don't have to get any of that done if you don't want to :)

I doubt you really need the coolant flushed at 30k. Most modern coolants will last at least 50/60k.

You probably don't need to do the A/T, differential or transfer case as well. Most modern transmission systems will go easily up to 60-100k without changing. I dunno what the manual states as the changing interval. In my last car, a nothing fancy 1999 Dodge Stratus, I changed out the A/T myself at 85k and it was perfectly fine, judging from the color I probably could have easily gone to 100k+.

That said, I will probably change my A/T and differential oils between 30-50k. Maybe the differentials a little sooner as I'm a little paranoid about their life (AWD car)

I doubt the CX7's spark plugs really need changed at 30k as well, but maybe I'm wrong on that.

I dunno why they would have to clean the throttle plate, that sounds like BS.

If they are really doing all thats listed above though, 615 really isn't that bad of a price. It would probably take someone with average skill at least 2 or 3
hours +parts to do all that above in their garage.

At least around here for non-dealer shops a tranny (not differential) and coolant flush will run you 80-125 a piece. Spark plugs will be at least 100+ bucks depending on how much time/labor it is to get to them. So there is 300+ right there.

[erhayes]

My 07 service manual says my coolant is good for 10 years or 120,000 miles. There is no 30,000 mile service interval for the AT or brake fluid flush or coolant. Spark plug change is due at 60,000 miles.and not 30,000 miles I think anything over $300 is a joke and bet the most they do is check fluid levels of the AT, rear Diff and transfer case. If I was going to a dealer I would take my owner manual and circle just what Mazda recommends and nothing more. Some dealers have their own agenda which puts more money in the cash register and is of no value to the customer. A real shame on those dealers. JMO. Ed

[CX7_Scott]

One of the small things that bothered me - and for better-or-worse I'm not the kind of guy to make a big deal of the small stuff - was that after paying for it and going out to my car... they didn't wash it. It was just as dirty as when I dropped it off. Sure... I guess I could-have been a dink about it, but I knew we were getting a snowstorm today and it wouldn't have mattered.

Anyhow, it's all done. I'm moving on. :D

[mikomi]

That's how dealer make money. ^_^

[joevac10]

I am dropping my CX-7 off tomorrow a.m. for its 30,000 mile physical and the cost is almost $700 for everything. Is there a resource online that explains exactly what is being done for the 30k-service...?

I am not questioning the value... just curious as to what they will be adjusting, replacing, cleaning, calibrating, greasing, tightening, etc...

It'll make me FEEL better to see a list of things they are required to do. :)

Thanks.

I would recommend going to a regular mechanic, not the dealer. They will probably charge you 1/4 of that and not rip you off!!(moon)

[erhayes]

Just read the article in Car & Driver and their long term test of the CX. "Keep a tight rein on what the dealer is authorized to do" Here is their quote " Here is what not to do: flip the service guy the keys and say "gimme the 30,000 mile service." That is what we did and ***** Mazda took us for $450 ride........" " It included a ($140) transmission flush and coolant change ($130), an injector flush ($40) and the replacement of both air filters- NONE of which is required by the manufacture" I think Subaru (2004) wanted $169.95 for the 30,000 mile service and $79.95 for a 15,000 mile service. $750 for a 30K CX7 service should qualify as robbery.

[altaski]

CX7's don't have fuel filters-which is kind of odd
The dealer I go to says plugs at 70k
anti freeze at 100k

[erhayes]

Mazda does have a fuel filter integral with the fuel pump

[StickShiftCamry]

That list is a lie, exactly, how the dealer makes money.

[Benfolio]

Shhh.... :)

Granted the manual says A/T fluid will last XXXXXX miles, etc etc, it's best to do it when it's dirty. Most Mazdas (non-6 speed AT) use Mercon V and even though it's supposed to be 100k fluid, it turns really dirty and used up around 30k. That's just a fact. I'm not too sure about the T-IV fluid we have in our 7's, but we do see some 6's coming in now that need a A/T fluid change somewhere around 30-45k.
Fact is, some of the services some dealers do is just to make them money. Some do what Mazda recommends. Some go in between.
Think about it though, is MAZDA going to not try and make money off of you ONLY doing what they tell you to do in the manual? I'm sure they'd love it if you didn't change your fluid and then, once out of warranty, your tranny failed and you had to buy a new one.
I'm reaching a bit, but it could be possible.
Just look at the dealer's list objectively.
Change the fluids when they are dirty.
Change the plugs at the 60k mark (they are platinum and will last quite long in most circumstances).
Get the brakes taken apart and cleaned and lubed! We do it here every 15k and it helps. Beats the hell out of replacing seized up calipers. Not an issue on 7's, mind you, but Proteges and 3's have rear caliper problems if not serviced regularly.

Oh, and that list is generic for all cars I'm sure. We have separate lists for each car line, and if you don't want something, or it does not apply to your car, it can be deducted from the total.

[AWmustang]

Where do you work?

[06Si to CX-7]

Listen Up! Do Not Get Swindled By The Dealer's 30k Mile Service! They Are Not Doing Much More Than They Already Do At A Regular Oil Change/tire Rotation Service Appt. They Always Do A Multi-point Inspection Then As Well. Your Warranty Is Still Valid Even If You Do Not Pay For The 30k Mile Service...if Your Car Is Running Fine Then You Do Not Need Any Special Service. If It Has Problems You Should Take It In As A Warranty Repair Which Is Free!!! These 30k, 15k, Whatever Appts. Are For Nothing Else Other Than To Rape The Customer Who Thinks They Are Actually Necessary. Don't Be Fooled By The Stealership, Save Your $$$.

[StickShiftCamry]

Again, Don't fall for BS XX,000 mile services. Its all Bull ShXt! Save ur money, change things (oil, tires, brakes, belts, fluid) only when necessary.

[Cerberus51]

I'd say the 30,000k trans flush is about right as benfolio said they usually turn up dirty right around there the transfer case and diff seems way premature though, things are regional as well even oil changes. mazda recommends 7500 miles but even at 5000 the oil is black as night personally i'd change it every 3000. Local shops are fine and well but you get what you pay for , any mazda i've seen that doesnt get there oil changed at the dealer (on newer vehicles with the skid plate) are always void of anti-seize on the bolts holding it up. Which without that rust right up to the clips in them. Sure some of dealers mark up there services like that and but when you take it to them they do little stuff like that and are the people who are way familiar with your vehicle.

[cruzdreamer]

I don't do those major services...to me it's a big rip off. Not saying don't change out the items that need it, but most of it is stuff you can do yourself or is done at oil changes and much of the items last way longer than they say now a days. Heck, if you have a bunch of cash and money is no object, than I'd say do it. Maybe I am wrong in saying all this but part of it is I guess I never keep my cars long enough(3 years usually)and don't see it's worth. I am just still curious if low viscosity oil can cause the blue smoke syndrome....

[txmzdspd2gen]

In my experience with dealership...The checking of whatever stuffs is not really being check.. On my mpv they said they will top off any fluid like winshield and check wiper...never done....it thought when i left the place my car is in tip top shape but was not. I do my own checking and changing after that..

[Greats2]

I don’t trust dealerships anymore.

While I had my Volvo; I caught them a few times saying they did stuff only to find out later they did not.

Examples: I provided an air filter. They charged me to install it; but never changed it. I found out about it six months later when I went to change it myself. The original “Volvo” air filter was still installed… The one I gave them was a WIX filter.

Another time I asked them to rotate my tires. I suspected they did this to me in the past so I wrote a number 1 through 4 on each tire… When I picked up my vehicle they did not do it. When I confronted the service department about it they totally denied it till I told them what I did. Then they were all apologetic and took it back into the shop and did the work.

I also suspect they pulled some of that with oil changes as well.

I’ve come to the point now where I try to do as much as I can myself. Most of the maintenance related items are easy enough to do yourself.