It is time for my first oil change. should I bring it to the dealer or any auto shop can do it providing that they have the right oil weight? Should I always go to the dealer for routine maintenance?
thanks for you input.

when I first got my car, the dealer recommended all the spark plugs be changed. the dealer paid for all parts and services. Is this common in rx8? I brought my car in one week after purchased and had the spark plugs changed.

 

Oil changes can be done anywhere, or do it yourself.... Whether or not to go to a dealer for scheduled maintenance is the owner's choice.

If you choose to go elsewhere, make sure that they document ALL parts and labour procedures performed. Keep the receipts safe (for ever - or until the engine core warranty has expired). Make sure that the date and mileage is correctly written down on the repair order. Ensure that the repair shop performs services at a minimum of the services (mileage/time) under the SCHEDULE 2 of the Owner's manual (severe service). Don't cheap out on oil/filters/parts.

Given the above, that is why some prefer the dealer - all the records are there, and available to Mazda in the event of a problem down the road.

But, it is your choice.


On the plugs; I'm not sure of your model year, but for my 2006, the Pre-delivery inspection noted that the 'shipping' spark plugs were changed out upon delivery.

g'luck with your car!

 

you can do oil change yourself, easy enough. bringing it to the dealer is usually the best option as they can't question you if anything goes wrong. oil change is cheap anyway but i've found they'd usually find something that needs changing and charge me some ridiculous amount. i got mine used and for the first few services they were kind enough to give free services (warranty covered). later on, they got me back for brake pad and rotor change (wear and tear stuff). i've decided to do things myself as long as i think it's within my abilities. labor charge is just insane here...

btw, more info about your car (year, model, miles, used/new etc) and your auto skills (if any) would be helpful for people giving advices here.

 

I have had all my oil changes done at the dealer. It has cost $20-$36(get coupons in mail), not much too pay and if there is a new "TSB", PCM load or a problem too be fixed I'm already there. I would go with a heavier oil then the 5-20wt. This is what it says in the manual so if you live in a HOT area think about it.

"Engine oil viscosity, or thickness, has an
effect on fuel economy and cold-weather
operation (starting and oil flow).
Low-viscosity engine oils can provide
improved fuel economy and cold-weather
performance.
But high-temperature weather conditions
require higher-viscosity engine oils for
satisfactory lubrication

 

Do it yourself if you have time.

 

I go to the dealer. I just paid barely over $30 for an oil change. When you take that and compare it with $15-20 on DIY stuff, not to mention having to haul off the oil, it just makes sense to me. Plus it's all documented.

 

Definitely worth giving the dealer a try for oil changes. Especially if you can make an appointment at a time convenient to you and they do it in the promised time.

Gives you some experience with them for the time when you've got something big to get done.

Get on the dealer's mailing and e-mail list for discount coupons. Also sign up in the owner's area at mazdausa.com, and make sure it points to your dealer. I've been getting better discount coupons there than vial mail.

Ken

 

my car is the 40th edition rx8.
I just worry about the dealer suggesting repairs that are not needed even though the car runs well now. Dealers needed to make money and often dishonest about needed repairs. I am afraid if I don't do the suggested repair, the warranty will be voided.

 

yeah you can go anywhere to get the oil changed or do it yourself and it's not hard at all...the spark plugs i'm surprised that they had you change them after a week unless it was flooded before you bought it then I can see y they changed them

 

Every where you go, they'll going to try to sell you something you don't need . Just tell them you need a oil change and thats it, nothing else .......... Thanks for asking . I take mine to the dealer cause they keep records of it . I dont have to worry about keeping them............I'll stay away from your local 10 min oil change places , those idiots don't know what they are doing .

 

^+1
just say oil change and if they tell you something needs done, i'd go here on the boards first.

 

Agreed.

If you have the time, I would do it yourself if you can. You guarentee your own quality.

 

I just take it to the dealer, the dealer just happens to be about 5 minutes away from work. So not too bad. It's all documented and they at least at my mazda do their "full circle inspection." So i figure for the sake of being able to get it done while at work, and they have actually found quite a few things that they've changed free of charge due to warranty work, it's worth the $25-32 they charge.

 

I do it myself. Cuz I want to give my car the best stuff I can find

Dealership oil changes are ok as LONG as they know what they're doing, there were tons of horrible stories like "dealership overfilled my oil" "they forgot to install the oil filter, oil is everywhere!"

so make sure u know ur dealership does a good job before giving them the key.

oh, when changing, use at LEAST 5w30 whenever possible.

 

If you do it yourself how are you supposed to prove to Mazda that you have done routine changes with no receipt in the event of warranty issues?

 

Did you buy the oil?
Did you but the filter?
Then you have a receipt with a date stamp on it.
Yes, it may not prove you actually did it, but if you keep good records they will have a very hard time proving you didn't.