Hi,
I just got a great deal on a 2015 Mazda CX-5 with 120,000 miles. According to the vehicle history, all service has been done at the dealership. I am ready to have the oil changed.
For a car as old as this, with as many miles as it has, does it matter at all if I have the service done at the dealer? Is there any reason not to use a quick lube shop or a mom and pop shop?
Thanks
Is there any reason not to use a quick lube shop
most definitely.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGY6bmyQNL4
or a mom and pop shop?
this is what you want
Quick lube video: Yikes! That’s horrendous. We have all heard of inept technicians in these places causing damage, but the silicone repair job is a new one for me.😳
Dealership: will typically be more expensive and as @kaizen mentioned they may try to up-sell unneeded services but at least they will give the car a thorough inspection trying to find a problem. And if they find a problem that does need attention, you don’t have to fix it there. Just ask for an estimate and take it to a reputable mechanic for a second opinion and estimate.
Quick lube: Definitely not, as @imperator and @kaizen advised. I have also known of similar damage to the oil pan drain plugs or even failure to refill with new oil after draining the old.😳
Mom and Pop: Well it all depends on whose mom and pop.😁 You just want to find a local mechanic who has a good reputation in your community. After all, there will come a day when you will need other service work performed on your car so it would be good to establish a relationship with a trustworthy mechanic now.
Sorry about the accidental down vote, we're riding in the car and we hit a bump right when I was pushing the button, lol.
Actually I didn’t see the dv.
But I appreciate your message in case I had seen it. Sooo… does that mean you were trying to tap the upvote arrow?👍🤗
Yep, I was, lol.
Ideally a trusted Mom & Pop shop is best.
Dealers will get the job done, BUT they will charge you an arm and leg, and try to upsell you unnecessary services. If you can find a coupon or deal, and just stay adamant about just doing the oil change and nothing else, you can sometimes get oil changes done at a competitive price. However it seems these deals may be harder to find, since they aren’t the loss leaders they used to be pre pandemic.
I don’t trust the quick lube places. I think they were the ones that stripped my oil pan bolt for my Accord, when my brother borrowed my car and took it there for an oil change with out telling me.
