Be careful when getting dealer service...

[Boyracer]

NC I recently purchased had a receipt in the glove box from a Mazda dealer,
NC2
45000km. Service.
Oil change, wiper blades.
Replace front rotors and pads( at 45k!! really)
Total cost $2200.
I would recommend second opinion.

[smy0003]

Ouch, $2200 for some semi-synthetic, two rotors and pads.

I was having a conversation recently with my girlfriend's parents about dealer servicing. They rather smugly told me they had to take their merc to the dealer to keep their warranty. I think a lot of people believe this even though it's flat out untrue.

The poor owner has obviously thought they had no other option besides paying the dealer's ridiculous price.

Sent from my LG-H815

[kalt]

Preaching to the choir, assuming anyone reading these forums are here to research and learn about their car.

But then again horses for courses, some hairdressers care less about the finer details, and inner workings of their convertible. Servicing is just that time of the year that causes mild inconvenience to some, and not to mention the horror of driving a 'courtesy car' at that time.

[Mr Morlock]

I think we should be wary of bashing dealers. Many of them carry out excellent work and apply some ethics as well. and warrant their work. The reality is that there are all sorts of car repairers that do shoddy work and who do not stand behind their work. The reality is that many cars Merc BMW Renault, Mazda etc etc carry out fixed price servicing on cars and also will do specialist work that is not so easily done by smaller businesses who don't have either the expertise in latest cars or dont have the training manuals for electronic data.

Very few people understand the the intricacies of modern cars loaded with electronic devices ( me) and also very few people carry out major repairs and that does not make them hairdressers who incidentally carry out skilled work in their own fields. You can be a nuclear scientist and still not know anything about cars.

The simple response is get quotes from reputable or trusted sources and make a choice - we probably all get a bill shock every 10 years!

In this specific case we have no idea why rotors were replaced at 45000 klm and yes its not something that is anywhere near normal. The question arises- was this within warranty period and should it at least been challenged?

[Code4]

Best thing to do, ask on here for local knowledge and experience.

[Black_Penguin]

Brakes are a wear item and not covered by warranty, some dealers are better than others. My dad recently purchased a BT-50 ute with a full dealership service history... He just replaced the cabin air filters that looked to have never been replaced (service book said every 10k km) and replacement of the engine air filter have fuel economy improve by 0.7l/100km and with big improvements to engine response and power.
That said my brother works for a dealer workshop and I would have no trouble taking my car there for any work needing doing.

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[93_Clubman]

we should be wary of bashing dealers.

Why? What are they going to do, charge us more?
I'd be wary of someone advocating against freedom of speech.

[chops]

It is easy to bash a dealer

Plenty of horror stories from independent mx5 experts. A mate and I had engines built by an mx5 specialist that both lasted a couple of months at great expense

Freedom of speech? Is that why the thread outlining someone's terrible experience with Nitrodann was deleted?

[NitroDann]

It was deleted without a word from me, because the forum owner didn't want to deal with a sh*t fight.


I'm far more than happy for people to discuss their opinion of me, I am a strong supporter of free speech.


Dann

[Ruffian147]

When I bought my new Hilux SR5, I signed up with the dealer's fixed priced servicing.

$280 each service @ every 10,000kms. First serviced at 30,000km because I never got around to it. Plenty of work was done and was still $280.

[chops]

I get that but it always seems like open season on dealers

[Ruffian147]

It is easy to bash a dealer

Plenty of horror stories from independent mx5 experts. A mate and I had engines built by an mx5 specialist that both lasted a couple of months at great expense

Freedom of speech? Is that why the thread outlining someone's terrible experience with Nitrodann was deleted?

True Chops.

I would buy parts and ask an MX5 indie to install. Only to be told part is no good and they have one that is good ... only to see my part on ebay days later.

I think it's best to find a mechanic you can trust, does not have to be an MX5 expert.

[smy0003]

Yes, find someone who is good at the job and is fair and transparent in their dealings.
Easier said than done, I think.

Sent from my LG-H815

[pcmx5]

I have been extremely happy with the service I have had on both my current new cars and have had some good and bad experiences with independant specialists.Dealers may try to pass on expensive OE parts,but I think a more appropriate heading may be "Do you homework when getting servicing/repairs".
As always building up a relationship with the business is important.

Peter.

[Tigger]

I bought my 5 from a mazfa dealer. A week later it overheated. The radiator was empty. Checked, and oil was low and old etc.
Fluids weren't even checked before they handed it over.
Granted, I should have done that upon receipt.
Took it in for a service, came out with a massive stratch along the bumper.
They agreed to pay half to respray.
Now, the paint is starting to flake because they didn't prepare the surface; I can still see the gloss paint underneath the flaking part.
Not happy Jan.