Getting car service from manufacturer VS third party

Lmayday1984 on 23/08/2018 - 17:06

Hi Guys,

Just need some advise as my car just reached its first 40k mark and I am wondering if I should get the scheduled service done by the manufacturer or a third party service center.

I have a 2014 Mazda 3 Maxx Sedan and my warranty is gone. Mazda wanted to charge me 465 for a major car service while a third party company only wants 379.85.

Should I just save the money and go with the third party which was recommended by Auto Guru or is it worth it to pay the extra and go with the manufacturer?

I am also considering using Kmart Auto and Tyre Service.

Here is a list from the Mazda website of the things that will be covered in their service:

REPLACE
Engine Oil
Engine Oil Filter

PERFORM
Rotate Wheels/Tyres
Bolts & Nuts on Chassis & Body
M-MDS
Road Test

INSPECT
Body Electrical Systems
Brake Fluid
Disc Brakes
Driveline Dust Boot
Engine Air filter
Engine Coolant
Engine Drive Belt
Exhaust System
Parking Brake
Steering System
Tyre Pressure (incl spare)
Windscreen Washer Solution

Any thoughts? Thanks.

Kind regards.

Automotive

Comments

  • brendanm on 23/08/2018 - 17:14
    +10

    That's a basic service. I would charge you $191 for that. How can they justify near $400 for an hour's work and oil and filter?

    • Candour on 24/08/2018 - 09:51

      they disguise basic work and charge you if you do not know and trust them……………….

    • pegaxs on 24/08/2018 - 16:16
      +1

      Come on, mate… You know it will need the blinker fluid topped off, lube the exhaust bearings and tighten the crank pressure valve… Genuine Mazda elbow grease would almost be $200…

      :D

  • HighAndDry on 23/08/2018 - 17:16
    +4

    Other than for warranty purposes (which iirc no longer apply because of anti-competition laws), there's no specific benefit in going with a manufacturer over another mechanic for services, so long as you're going to a reputable mechanic (and your car isn't so rare that normal mechanics may not be experienced with it).

    The only potential difference I can think of is that with dealers, there is one extra level of complaints you can escalate too (the car company corporate offices) that you would lack in going with another mechanic, although I don't know how often that would even enter the equation.

    • gbarlett on 24/08/2018 - 08:17

      All true however, not going to a dealer you miss any potential software updates to the computers in your vehicle's management systems. Saying that, a vehicle 4 years old may not have updates available (providing its been to the dealer for servicing previously).
      A question you can ask the dealer before deciding where to take your vehicle for service > are there any software updates, for what system, what are the benefits, whats the impact if i dont get the upgrade?

      • backpaqer on 24/08/2018 - 10:43
        +1

        I've been begging Subaru to update my maps and apps on my 2yo XV. I've still got Pandora sitting uselessly in my audio options :(

      • HeWhoKnows on 24/08/2018 - 21:46

        OPs service list does not include any software updates
        And frankly none are ever need.
        The only "software" that needs updating is the built-in maps and that is totally optional

  • tassieeagle on 23/08/2018 - 17:29
    +3

    I know in Tassie (and I assume other states) as long as the mechanic is registered with the TACC your warranty is covered. I asked my manufacturer (Hyundai) and this is what they told me.

    Personally I'd never have a service at the dealership unless it's free - rip off merchants

  • yoonibear on 23/08/2018 - 17:33
    +2

    When our warranty expired we chose a local mechanic. Dealership quoted my wife around $300-$350 and the local mechanic did it for $140. We decided not to go with the dealership when they told my wife and they needed to clean carbon build up from the engine (quoted $400ish), two new front tyres (she had them replaced a month prior) and that she needed to have her timing belt changed (on a Yaris).

    • steven6 on 23/08/2018 - 18:55
      +2

      Does the Yaris have a timing chain?

      • yoonibear on 29/08/2018 - 15:42

        Yup timing chain - told her after that we're not going to the dealers

  • apple2016 on 23/08/2018 - 17:37
    +1

    Even $379.85 is to much for just oil & oil filter change.
    Unless you have serious complaints with transmission or engine I would not recommend going to the dealer.
    Just search for a reliable mechanic and provide your own engine oil. you can get oil from supercheap/repco for less.
    the service itself should not cost more than $200 usually.

    Also for wheels rotation its best to contact a Tyre place for alignment, balancing and rotation. this is also usually less than $100.

  • Oz8argain on 23/08/2018 - 17:55

    DIY oil change and filter is easy and will be less than $100.
    Inspecting other parts would be a bit more difficult if you don't know or care much about car.

  • mayday1984 on 23/08/2018 - 18:02

    Cool guys so I am based in Melbourne and live around the CBD area. Any recommendations for a local mechanic? Cheers

    • HeWhoKnows on 24/08/2018 - 21:49

      Midas, Beaurepairs, etc will do a basic service for a fixed price

  • cheeseandbacon on 23/08/2018 - 18:09

    I was curious how a minor service could cost that much.

    Had a look. The base 40k service cost is $331, plus these recommendations:

    • "Replace brake fluid (every 40k or 2 years)" - $65
    • "Replace cabin air filter (every 40k)" - $69

    Which adds up to:

    "Mazda wanted to charge me 465 for a major car service".

    • mayday1984 on 23/08/2018 - 18:33

      But in mine it says inspect, so it doesn't mean they will actually change it right?

      • John Kimble on 24/08/2018 - 09:54
        +1

        What do the hope to gain from inspecting the "Windscreen Washer Solution"?

        Is it a CSI type thing?

        • dcep on 24/08/2018 - 15:54

          they help you top up to avoid getting fined by police

    • HeWhoKnows on 24/08/2018 - 21:50

      Cabin filter costs about $25 and is a 3 min job
      You can do it yourself - doesnt affect warranty
      On needs replacing if its fairly dirty
      PS It filters the air going through your a/c

  • mayday1984 on 23/08/2018 - 18:34

    Also does anyone have any experience with Kmart tyre and auto service? Cheers.

    • HeWhoKnows on 24/08/2018 - 21:53

      Kmart can do a basic service for a fixed price.
      As they are run by different people no 2 are ever the same.
      But as you are dealing with a big name there should not be any issues

  • Ocker on 23/08/2018 - 18:35

    Go to KMart Tyre and Auto and will cost you only $219

    Car servicing
    Essential Plus Service

    Best value option for additional safety and reliability on the road.

    Up to 8 litres of premium semi-synthetic engine oil
Premium oil filter.
Detailed 86 point inspection.
6 months free roadside assist.
Engine management diagnosis scan.
Four standard electronic wheel balances.
Tyre rotation.

    https://www.ktas.com.au/servicing/packaged-servicing/

    • HeWhoKnows on 24/08/2018 - 21:55

      Sounds good as long as they stamp the log book to confirm the service has been carried out.

  • kale chips suck on 23/08/2018 - 19:03
    +1

    I've used http://www.markden.com.au/ several times, always pleased with pricing, etc. If you need it they'll run you down to the train station when you drop the car off.

    Having said that, in your case I'd do it myself. That "service" is an oil change and tyre rotation. DIY might cost $60?

    And, personally, I'd never use KTAS. Just my opinion.

    • Ocker on 23/08/2018 - 19:20

      I have used KTAS for 10 years, doing work on a range of cars I have owned, including Mercs, Mazda's and Subaru's and never a problem. Maybe just a case of like everything else, all depends on the skills of the employees where you go for service?

      • mayday1984 on 23/08/2018 - 20:35

        I plan to go to KTAS south melbourne

      • kale chips suck on 23/08/2018 - 20:42
        +1

        That's a good result. But, in contrast, I got in a work mate's car that he'd just had worked on by KTAS and within a minute had him pull over and call a cab. They'd failed to put the top nuts back on the shock absorbers. They had given him the car back in a state that could easily have killed him - and his family. And anyone he hit when he lost control at some point.

        When it was brought to their attention they didn't even apologise. They actually attempted to suggest he was responsible, even though he didn't know enough about cars to know his suspension was all over the place. In effect, they attempted to get out of it by making him think it was his own fault. Would have worked too, except I had a chat with them.

        Are they all bad? No, obviously. You seem to have a good one, run by people who care about their work, and that's excellent. The problem is how is the OP to know if his local is any good?

        Also, https://www.productreview.com.au/p/kmart-tyre-auto-service.h…

        • mayday1984 on 23/08/2018 - 20:51

          Since they are owned by KMart, I have heard that they have a standard to uphold and they usually won't try to con you out of a part replacement since they get paid by the hour. Is that right?

        • kale chips suck on 23/08/2018 - 21:00

          @mayday1984: I'm pretty sure they're owned by Wesfarmers, who are in the process of selling them.

          As for standards … no idea. I can only tell you my personal experience hasn't been good. I think of them as the Mc Donalds of servicing. Ocker is the first person I've heard of speak positively about them, but I've not spoken to all of their customers and Ocker's experience is as valid as mine.

          I do my own mechanical work these days, and only leave the really hard stuff or RWCs to actual mechanics - then I call Paul @ Markden. He owns and runs the workshop and business and I've never had a problem with their work. I changed to them on the recommendation of my previous mechanic who was in his 70s and had decided to retire.

          Maybe take a poll from people local to you. Go to a local coffeeshop / pub / ? whatever and ask "who, locally, do people use and why?" It may well be your local KTAS is awesome. I can't really say.

        • mayday1984 on 23/08/2018 - 21:03

          @kale chips suck: do you have any idea how much they would charge for a log book 40k service?

        • kale chips suck on 23/08/2018 - 21:05
          +2

          @mayday1984: Nope. Call and ask. They have the same software the dealers use, and can see the same work list and time estimates so they'll be able to quote you on the phone - or email.

        • OpayuOnam on 24/08/2018 - 12:33
          +1

          2nd this, another car done by them they forgot to put the coolant cap back on, massive engine damage. Long fight to get them fix it.
          Won't go back to them (at least that branch).

    • HeWhoKnows on 24/08/2018 - 21:58

      DIY is fine if you know what you are doing and the oil filter is easily accessible.
      And you use the correct grade of oil and oil filter
      Car ramps come in very handy too and not very expensive.
      Also some newer cars require a "rapid" oil change otherwise permanent engine damage can occur.

  • mayday1984 on 23/08/2018 - 22:51

    Cheers mate

  • andyhui01 on 24/08/2018 - 09:27
    -2

    I would visit a specialised workshop for anything apart from standard oil change. If your next service is a simple oil change, then Kmart would be fine. Anything else, I would go back to a dealer. Despite what all the reports say, genuine parts do make a difference. (Especially on European cars).

    I would never trust Kmart on doing diagnostics and fixing problems. At KMart, they are often just guessing. At least at a dealer or an independent specialising in your brand, they have either the help of a master tech, factory diagnostic tools, factory support (ie. sending your diagnostics to HQ to get their advice) and a set process to diagnose your car. This is better than relying on a Kmart tech who would just be guessing and replacing parts with non genuine ones hoping it would fix the problem.

    • HeWhoKnows on 24/08/2018 - 22:03

      OP was asking about getting a standard service.

      Not sure what you mean by "specialised workshop"
      I guess if your gearbox is giving you trouble you'd go to a gearbox specialist
      And if your power steering rack is noisy, rattling or leaking you'd go to a steering specilaist
      And if your exhaust is rattling or noisy youd go to an exhaust specialist
      And if you need new tyres you would go to a tyre shop
      In most of these cases your mechanic would recommend you go to a specialist anyway

  • DarkOz on 24/08/2018 - 09:43

    That third party quote isn't much cheaper. I would try to find a reputable third party that could do it for around $300.

  • HeWhoKnows on 24/08/2018 - 21:42

    REPLACE
    Engine Oil
    Engine Oil Filter

    Sounds like a lot but this is just a very basic service - i.e An oil change
    The important ones to note are the first 2 items as I indicated above.
    The rest takes 5 mins and mostly happens whilst the engine oil is being changed.
    Shouldnt cost more than $200 if EVERYTHING is done as long as nothing else needs replacing.
    But typically an "oil change alone is only about $140-$160

    Any qualified mechanic can perform the service.
    Your Kmart, Beaurepairs, Midas etc are very good fixed price reputable options
    Just make sure they stamp the log book to confirm the service was done.

  • PinzVidz on 29/08/2018 - 19:06

    The only advantage going to Mazda is the M-MDS part - this is for updating ECU calibrations via laptop, if they are available for your particular vehicle. But considering it's a 2014, I'd doubt Mazda Japan would be sending out any further updates.

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