I bought my Mazda 3 SP25 brand new in Feb 2017. Currently at 57k km.
Always serviced it at the dealership, but I'm starting to think if it's worth it since there are no warranty requirements. They've always charged around $400-$500 for annual service.
But at the same time, how trustworthy are the other mechanics? How much will I save?
You don't need to go to the dealer even if in warranty.
Other mechanics are no more or less trustworthy than dealers. Dealers do tend to want to maximise their extras they can hit you with, but so can some mechanics. The dealer will ha w a list of items to complete and a listed price for those works. A local mechnic will probobly do what he/she thinks is needed amd advise if things are optional.
Find a local recommended by someone you know. Try them out, but ask for a price before you get any work done.
In Sydney - Ryde area, I was finding my independent was only $50-$75 cheaper than the Mazda servicing price in 2022/23 (when I still had a Mazda), even when comparing the logbook service on somewhere like autoguru they often weren't much cheaper.
Having since got a Honda the difference is even less and often the independents on autoguru are more than the Honda dealer (the few of them left anyway).
It's difficult to accept because it was always the independents that were cheaper up until the C word in 2020.
By the sounds of things it's probably not worth the effort. I'll stick with Mazda then.
One born every minute…
Try getting a quote from a dealer from another franchisee. You'll be surprised that price vary.
You are getting ripped off at the dealer. Premium price for no difference in service - only difference is maybe free coffee and nice waiting seating area. I usually go to mycar where its cheaper and you get free roadside included.
Shop around but make sure it's someone reputable. Check reviews, warranty, word of mouth, that sort of thing.
My mechanic has a workshop that looks like a bomb site, but he has a great reputation and does great work. On the other hand, my friend took their car to a 'name brand' mechanic and got screwed.