Hello,
I am the new owner of a CX-9 and the dealer really is not answering any of my maintenance questions. They are giving answer like the oil is conventional at 7,500 miles with the 2.5 turbo because otherwise the turbo leaks. They are also telling me the transmission fluid is for life.
This car is really new, and I got my last Toyota up to almost 30 years. I am at a loss at these news cars ... they are different. Can you please answer some questions? I have tried to make a list and it might need help:
(1) Oil Change - Synthetic 5w30 at 7,500 or 1 year
(2) Air Filter - 30,000 or 3 year
(3) Cabin Air - 30,000 or 3 year
(4) Engine Coolant - 60,000 miles or 5 years
(5) Transmission Fluid - 60,000 miles or 5 years
(6) Brake Fluid - I have test strips I do yearly or 60,000 miles
(7) 125,000 mile service -> sparks, belt ....
(8) I believe it has electric power steering
(9) What do you do for AWD? 5 year or 60,000 miles rear differential fluid?
The general rule of thumb is to follow the "severe service" guidelines in your owner's manual and ignore any claims about lifetime fluids.
I would do more frequent engine oil changes, like at 5000 miles using synthetic oil. Turbochargers need clean oil, and synthetic is pretty much mandatory due to the high temperatures involved.
Brake fluid is usually good for at least 3 or 4 years but if you're using test strips those should tell you when it's time.
It's doubtful that any new car is going to last as long as your old Toyota due to the extreme level of complexity and dubious technology in today's cars. However you should be able to get decently long service out of it with proper maintenance.
(1) Synthetic 5w30 at 7,500 or 1 year
7,500 is too much for a 4 cylinder turbo trying to move a 4,500 lbs SUV.
(3) Cabin Air - 30,000 or 3 year
You might want to replace it earlier, they can get stinky before that.
(5) Transmission Fluid - 60,000 miles or 5 years
Too much.
These 6 speed Mazda transmissions don't hold up too well in heavy cars.
(7) 125,000 mile service -> sparks, belt ....
I'd do that at 60k, spark plugs and accessory belts are not that expensive.
(9) What do you do for AWD? 5 year or 60,000 miles rear differential fluid?
Sure.
I got my last Toyota up to almost 30 years.
How many miles is that?
Also, why not another Toyota? the 4Runner will outlast a turbocharged Mazda by a factor of 10.
