Car Maintenance
 

ShinyCar hit 30k miles a few weeks ago, and needs her 30k maintenance.

I called the Mazda dealer, they want close to $450 for this thing. I do feel like their package is a scam of stuff I don't need, and I do need to check the book to see what I really need, vs what they say I need.

I'm hoping our LoT car people can tell me what really should be done at 30k. My oil gets changed every 5k miles. I have new tires on (they need to be rotated when I get my oil done next time).

I have no problem buying cars alone, buying electronics alone - it's fun freaking out the sales guys as a chick who knows what she is talking about but maintenance is out of my realm of knowledge.

They want the same amount for my 60k check up. I've had to put it off!

Anyway, 30 k is when they change out all the fluids like transmission, power steering or brakes or whatever you have. They check all hoses, axles, engine mounts,exhaust. Pretty much a thorough check is supposed to take place.

I'm sure it's necessary to make sure everything is where it's supposed to be but damn does it have to be so expensive!

I can list it all if you like but it will be long!

I don't know if a non-auto dealership would have a better price {I forget the name of the place where they change your oil...I think they do more, too} but with the dealer you should get a car rental.

And, my major service was $399. from the Ford dealer. I hope they did all they were supposed to....how can you be sure?????

That sounds like what they want to do. I suppose a major "check up" is what it is. I wonder if they take insurance.

Check with NM

Myself - I am an "avoid the dealership repair people unless it is a warranty item" kind of guy. I have a great mechanic whom I trust explicitly, but he is all the way up in Montclair. If you wanna make the trek, I can give you his number.

I use Firestone. I've never had any problems with them. They are way way cheaper than going to the dealer - and open all weekend.

buy old cars, do it yourself
besides, it gives you a good reason to go buy more shiney new tools

:D

Thanks everyone.

I asked NM a few things already.

The dealership I bought my car from charges $12 for an oil change as a loyality discount. While I normally wait for an oil change, I don't want to wait while they do a huge maintenance on it.

I'll call Firestone too. Thanks!

There's a part of me that says his $0.02 on the subject is really the only one opinion that matters here. The rest of us are just blowing smoke out our tailpipes
:D

I would agree that NM is the man to talk to about cars.

In my defense though I went out to my car and got the service menu that came with it and read it off there. I always found the service menu handy so I know what they are supposed to be doing.