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Mazda 3 warranty and 'recommended services'


dmbland
04-07-2009, 05:44 PM
So my wife's 07' 3 goes into the shop last week for the 26k service. No problems, haven't had one yet. But she came home with a new 'scheduled maintenance service' packet. It has the stuff we have to do to keep our warranty in good shape, and then a list of services labeled "recommended." In your onion(s), which of these services really makes sense to spend the dough on?
Trans Flush - $169
Cooling Flush -$99
Power Steering Flush -$94
4 wheel Alignment -$89
My wife, who uses it as her daily driver has not complained of anything being a problem. I drive the car on occasion, and I haven't noticed anything to suggest problems in any of the listed areas. Thanks. -Derek

Flash75
04-12-2009, 04:44 PM
According the Mazda owners handbook the coolant should be changed at around four years or 60,000 miles and each two years after that unless the car came with long life coolant. I would ask about a routine coolant change cost compared to the flush. The others aren't listed as requiring any type service other than inspections at prescribed intervals and fill or replace as needed. The need for a four wheel alignment should be based on abnormal tire wear or poor driving response such as pulling to one side or vehicle darting around. I take my cars to a wheel alignment specialist for wheel alignments. They do a test drive before and after and charge less than most dealers. I'm going by what Mazda recommends, not what the dealer recommends. Others may not agree, but I figure Mazda knows more about what the car needs than a local dealer.

That said, it's possible they may give you a hard time if any warranty work is needed because you didn't follow their recommendations.

Clifton

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