Thank you so much to the above PP for such a thoughtful and thorough explanation.

-OP

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:2013 Mazda 3

Thanks

2013 model with only 30k? You sure don’t drive much.

You can do math? Wow.

This is significant, PP-Idiot, because it factors into a change in some maintenance practices, since the car still has low miles, but likely needs more repair and preventative maintenance than the manual might suggest for 30k miles.

manufactures assume a car will be driven 12k-15k per year. So they estimate maintenance items based on that.

For example, a serpentine belt usually gets replaced at 50k miles, which would be 3-4 years on a normal car. But this car wouldn't hit 50k for another 3 years, meaning that the belt would be nearly 10 years old at replacement time. That's wayyyyyyyyyyyy too old for a critical rubber part that is degraded by ozone, dryrot and oxidation. It will likely fail before replacement time based on mileage.

Also, the oxygen sensors and exhaust system is in danger of serious corrosion if the vehicle is only used on short trips for many years, because the exhaust pipe never gets hot enough to cook out all the moisture inside.


The engine coolant should also be replaced now, even though the mileage interval may be 60k. It changes ph over time, and is likely acidic by now.

Anonymous wrote:Is mileage based maintenance for cars a racket? The dealership where I bought my car closed, so I’m interacting with dealership service teams that are all new to me. The variations on price for this service are extreme in this area ranging from $225-$699. Some dealerships insist their service includes more than what the manufacturer recommends and they claim is better for the life of the car.

At this point do I just need an oil change, tire rotation, air filter/s change, check break fluid? Or should I go to one of the dealerships or an outside shop for a 30k service? (It took years to put the miles on the car. City driving)

Go on Yelp and look for reviews of non dealers. For years I've just gone to Jiffy Lube for those basics and I do it about every 7500 miles.

Dealership while under warranty, then a local guy after that. Many dealerships have "service consultants", loaner "consultants", marble floors and espresso machines. And, their labor rates are $180/hour. Last week I took my car in for pre-paid maintenance and they recommended I get my wheels aligned and that cost $150. Ridiculous.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:2013 Mazda 3

Thanks

2013 model with only 30k? You sure don’t drive much.

You can do math? Wow.

Anonymous wrote:2013 Mazda 3

Thanks

2013 model with only 30k? You sure don’t drive much.

Anonymous wrote:Is mileage based maintenance for cars a racket? The dealership where I bought my car closed, so I’m interacting with dealership service teams that are all new to me. The variations on price for this service are extreme in this area ranging from $225-$699. Some dealerships insist their service includes more than what the manufacturer recommends and they claim is better for the life of the car.

At this point do I just need an oil change, tire rotation, air filter/s change, check break fluid? Or should I go to one of the dealerships or an outside shop for a 30k service? (It took years to put the miles on the car. City driving)

Yes, but generally follow your owner manual for service intervals.

I always take my cars to the dealership while they are under warranty - but as soon as they aren't I use a local shop down the street which I trust based on past experiences

2013 Mazda 3

Thanks

Generally speaking, I would advise against dealership service depts for non-warranty work (unless your car is rare and super high-end in which case you might not have a choice). Yelp is a good resource to find a good independent shop near you.

If you can share year/make/model I can provide more specific info.

Is mileage based maintenance for cars a racket? The dealership where I bought my car closed, so I’m interacting with dealership service teams that are all new to me. The variations on price for this service are extreme in this area ranging from $225-$699. Some dealerships insist their service includes more than what the manufacturer recommends and they claim is better for the life of the car.

At this point do I just need an oil change, tire rotation, air filter/s change, check break fluid? Or should I go to one of the dealerships or an outside shop for a 30k service? (It took years to put the miles on the car. City driving)