After my first 5 years of warranty + extended service plan for my 2014 Mazda CX5, during which I paid nothing for service visits, I am noticing that my dealership is finding new "problems" to my car (each time a different one, even though I have declined so far to get the older ones "fixed"), all of them involving repair cost in the hundreds of dollars each.
Today's example: cracked engine mount, $500. Spark plug replacement (supposedly "due" when my car has never functioned better): $800, etc. I dropped off my car for routine servicing and rear brake disk replacement (which I had been consistently warned were getting thinner, and I definitely was starting to feel were reacting slower and softer, so at least there was some indication that THAT was not made up) and will get away with it for over $300, when I recall the suggested cost on my last visit sounded like a $100 cheaper.
Is it time to call it quit, or should I try the "Scotty Kilmer will learn about that" threat for them to stop trying to gouge their customers?
{black}:laughingoutloud:
I guess I answered my question already!
how much on the odometer?
69k
I can't comment on those items without your car in front of me. Sometimes you should fix things before they become bigger, more expensive problems or you break down completely. Don't just wait until you "feel" something because by then it could be too late.
- engine mounts do wear out. This is easy to test for yourself: https://www.youtube.com/c/ScottyKilmermechanic/search?query=motor%20mount
- spark plugs wear out too. Again, easy to inspect yourself.
Maybe you should know what you're talking about first before threatening anybody.
The way to spot an abusive dealer is to drive by one.
These are the sure-fire signs of an abusive dealer:
* Showroom with cars for sale and sales people inside.
* Lot with cars for sale.
* Signs announcing that cars are for sale, either new or used.
* A parts and service department.
If you see any or all of these things you can be 99.9% certain that you are looking at an abusive dealer.
I do listen to these "recommended" repair advices and follow up on them. But $800 to replace 4 spark plugs ($50?, 15 min job)? And $500 for a engine mount replacement? I am willing to support local business but that is pushing the plug a bit too far. And I might look into learning how to change my break discs and pads in the future!
Hahaha... 15min job 😆 That I would like to see.
@MountainManJoe I am basing myself on estimates from the internet (the dealership didn't bother, but assuming $50 for the plugs, and a $800 charge, with an overinflated $350/hour of labor, that makes it a 2 hr job?). Pop the hood, disconnect battery negative, remove the engine cover, pull the coils, pull the plugs, reverse, done. I am happy to report the actual time when done.
