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Continuing our analysis of mainstream crossover maintenance costs, Torque News recently contrasted the 30K service visit prices for similar two-row crossovers. We asked dealerships in person and on the phone what the cost would be for a 30,000-mile service and found that some brands’ dealers charge twice what we actually paid for a 2018 Mazda CX-5’s 30K appointment.
Related Story: Mazda Offers U.S. Healthcare Workers A Free Oil Change And Car Cleaning - You Won't Believe the Fine Print
What Is A 30K Service Visit?
The 30K service visit is unique. Almost all mainstream vehicles require a longer than typical list of items to be checked or changed during this visit. Since the vehicle is still under the full warranty, most owners feel obligated to use a dealer’s service center instead of a more affordable local garage.
A 30K service visit usually requires the following things:
Oil and oil filter change
Brake Fluid change or inspection
Engine air filter element inspection/change
Cabin air filter change
Emissions system check
CV Joint boot inspection
Tire rotation
Tire alignment check/ alignment
Proof By Single Example
My wife brought her Mazda 2018 CX-5 crossover in for the 30K service recently. She is not known to the dealership, it was her first visit there. She used no coupons and no discounts were applied. The total cost of the 30K service was just $258.13. Amazingly, the service technician noted that the air filters were not yet in need of changing, so that saved some money off the $384 that 495 Mazda in Lowell usually charges for a 30K service. You can see the receipt above.
Why So Cheap? No Transmission Fluid Changes Nor Spark Plugs Changes
The Mazda CX-5 does not require a transmission fluid change at 30K. This is now the norm. The top-selling Honda CR-V does not need a transmission fluid change until 90K. The Subaru Forester is also designed with a sealed automatic transmission, and it does not require service at all. This is a savings of about $150 in dealership charges every 30K miles compared to older designs. But only if the dealership doesn't still charge you for the un-needed service.
The same is true of spark plugs. Modern vehicles no longer need plug changes every 30K. Many are rated to more than 100K miles before they need to be replaced.
When we visited a Boston-area dealership of a different brand and asked about the price of a 30K service for a similar crossover, we were quoted $499 before taxes. We looked at the list of work to be performed and found that “Automatic transmission fluid change” was listed as one of the needed items (See image). So we spoke to the service advisor. He told us, “We still charge for that because it is rare to see an old automatic transmission anymore.” Confused, we clarified for a second time that the dealer (not a Mazda dealer) still charges for this, even though the service is not performed. We were told that is correct.
We assumed that this must just be some sort of error. So we phoned the next closest Boston-area dealer of that same brand and asked the service department what the cost was for a 30K service. We were quoted $550.
30K Service Rip-Off
A 30K service is a profit opportunity some dealers seen unwilling to pass up. Did we find the only honest dealer in America when we visited 495 Mazda in Lowell, Mass.? Perhaps. Look in your owners manual and see what service the manufacturer of your vehicle requires at 30,000 miles. Then, shop around by phone. Have a conversation with your local area dealers to ensure that only needed work will be performed and that they are not charging for work they will not do.
Related Story: Never Let Your Dealer Change Your Vehicle’s Cabin Air Filter - Here's Why
If you are unable to find a reasonable local dealer, we suggest having only the work done that may affect the engine warranty at the dealer. Then, shop locally for the remainder of the needed items like tire rotation, brake fluid changes, alignment, and filters. You can even ask your local mechanic to use brand-specific parts to keep the car under the warranty coverage.
If you feel that you have been taken advantage of during a recent dealer visit for routine service, please tell us about it in the comments section below. Your experience may help save a fellow driver some money.
John Goreham is a long-time New England Motor Press Association member and recovering engineer. John's focus areas are technology, safety, and green vehicles. In the 1990s, he was part of a team that built a solar-electric vehicle from scratch. His was the role of battery thermal control designer. For 20 years he applied his engineering and sales talents in the high tech world and published numerous articles in technical journals such as Chemical Processing Magazine. In 2008 he retired from that career to chase his dream of being an auto writer. In addition to Torque News, John's work has appeared in print in dozens of American newspapers and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites. You can follow John on Twitter, and view his credentials at Linkedin
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Comments
I wish I had read your
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I wish I had read your article before I had my 2018 CX-5 serviced. I'm in Greensboro NC and I was charged $650 and that included a $20 off coupon from the dealer's website.They did change the engine and cabin air filters, synthetic oil change, tire rotation, induction service, brake fluid service, lubricate locks and hinges, inflate all tires, and perform free Mazda full service inspection. They also performed an outside machine car wash and vacuumed the front floor, both at no charge, and there was a $43.94 shop charge, So the total charge was $693.94 before tax, but they gave ma a 15% off preferred customer discount in addition to my $20 coupon.
I called another dealer and was told the charge for 30K was $450 before tax, and a third dealer charges $602 including tax, but that includes an alignment. If you need an engine filter it's an extra $39.99 and a cabin filter is $59.99.
So you're right, they are ripping customers off. I'll do my homework before rather than after the service in the future. Thank you.
Ouch. My local dealer quoted
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In reply to I wish I had read your by Thomas H Kuhn (not verified)
Ouch. My local dealer quoted me $300 for the same service on my wife's 2019 CX-5, at which point I took it to the local mechanic who changed the oil for $80. The air filters are like $8 on amazon and take 5 min to change, so I just did that in the driveway - and inflated the tires at the gas station, because why not, it's 75 cents. Everything else you described is not necessary to maintain the warranty so can be skipped (especially since it's a lease).
The bright side for you is, overpaying by nearly $600 will be something you remember and likely won't let happen again. The best lessons aren't cheap.
Wow I wish I read this
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In reply to I wish I had read your by Thomas H Kuhn (not verified)
Wow I wish I read this article before taking my Mazda CX-5 for service this morning. I was told it would cost me $642 and that without tax for 30k “required” maintenance service. This is absolutely crazy.
Who said these things need to
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Who said these things need to be replaced at 30k? With the exception of the oil change and cabin air filter, many of these services are done at 90-100k. Even my 2013 CX-5 manual says spark plugs get replaced at 75k (even though spark plugs easily go to 100k). And my old 1992 Accord and 1998 Civic manuals say brake & tranny fluid and CV joints are replaced at 90k.
I changed spark plugs on my
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In reply to Who said these things need to by Rick (not verified)
I changed spark plugs on my '14 cx-5 with 74,000 miles and they definitely needed to be replaced. Bought OEM plugs at $26 ea.
Now the norm? When was it
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Now the norm? When was it normal to change spark plugs and tranny fluid at 30k? With the exception of the oil change (5k) and cabin air filter (25k), many of these are done at 90-100k. Case in point, my 2013 CX-5 service manual says the spark plugs get replaced at 75k. Even my 1992 Accord and 1998 Civic manuals specify the brake & tranny fluid and CV boots get replaced at 90k.
My 30, 60k and 80k were all
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My 30, 60k and 80k were all $74.59incl tax. Do you all really not change your own air and cabin filters? At 90k i had full brake change.$759. I have custom summer rims and tires. I change over to snow tires on original rims when dealer does free rotation with oil change and car wash, $59. 2010 mazda 3 gt manual. I did have to get a new ABS module at 82k. At 78k a new engine mount No.3. And new power steering hoses.
Took my CX-5 in for an oil
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Took my CX-5 in for an oil change and service (30000mi) My Mazda dealer in OR wanted us to do a transmission service (299), rear diff (150), Transfer case (150) fuel system service (240), and brake fluid (209). $1,050 in service costs at 30k. I opted not to do those and did some more research, and talked to a friend who is a service manager at another dealership (Ford) He told me not to do those as they aren't needed and that the Mazda dealership was just trying to upsell services. I was annoyed.
Yikes! The brake fluid is the
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In reply to Took my CX-5 in for an oil by Marc Krieger (not verified)
Yikes! The brake fluid is the only part of that I think makes sense.
So, living in MA, my 2017 Cx5
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So, living in MA, my 2017 Cx5 just turned 28k miles and 42 months old. It also needed it's annual MA inspection.
So I looked at the 30k checklist. Bought the engine and cabin air filters and changed them myself. $50 Inspected the serpentine belt, looks fine.
Went to the local lube place for a for an oil change. $65. They also checked tire pressures and fluid levels. All good.
Annual inspection checked the emissions and the suspension was good and the lighting and most of the other things on that inspection and that the car had never generated a code.
I know it's not been through deep water so does not need transfer axel oil done.
So 30k cost me inspection $35. Oil change $65 and air filters, $50. $150 total.
I think I'll visit the dealer before 48k /48 months for a check up to make sure nothing needs addressing before the bumper to bumper CPO expires but otherwise all is good in the world.
In my opinion you are not
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In my opinion you are not right. I can defend the position. Write to me in PM, we will discuss.
I just got screwed by my
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I just got screwed by my dealer for 30k service in spokane WA email said it would be in $250 area then got my car later than expected after they had it all day and it was $830 with tax due to being late and having to move my dinner reservation they have me$100 off but that was still $730 for 30k I wish I had another Mazda dealership within 50 miles but I don't. They can charge what ever they want. I love Mazda but very unhappy right now.
Jen, interesting that you
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In reply to I just got screwed by my by Jen Paull (not verified)
Jen, interesting that you posted that. We bought a brand new CX-5 from Foothills in Spokane, WA. 2019 model. Recently, nearing 25,000 miles, that dealer's service writer told me we'd need a 30,000 mile service. I asked what that accomplished. He said drain/flush/replace brake fluid; drain, replace both differential lubes. I asked how much? He said $750. I about fell over. I've personally done all those things on my older cars, ... when I was younger. That cost is about 4 times more than it should be when it is actually needed. We're retired and money is becoming tighter in today's "America." I don't appreciate being swindled. It took me no time at all to discover that NOWHERE did any Mazda document say that needed to be done at this point. All along I've planned that after the BTB 3-yr. warranty expired I'd go to my trusted local mechanic for everything more than an oil change. I believe that any certified/recognized mechanic/tech's work fulfills Mazda's requirement for the 5 year drive train warranty. Sorry for your experience.
Jen, interesting that you
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In reply to I just got screwed by my by Jen Paull (not verified)
Jen, interesting that you posted that. We bought a brand new CX-5 from Foothills in Spokane, WA. 2019 model. Recently, nearing 25,000 miles, that dealer's service writer told me we'd need a 30,000 mile service. I asked what that accomplished. He said drain/flush/replace brake fluid; drain, replace both differential lubes. I asked how much? He said $750. I about fell over. I've personally done all those things on my older cars, ... when I was younger. That cost is about 4 times more than it should be when it is actually needed. We're retired and money is becoming tighter in today's "America." I don't appreciate being swindled. It took me no time at all to discover that NOWHERE did any Mazda document say that needed to be done at this point. All along I've planned that after the BTB 3-yr. warranty expired I'd go to my trusted local mechanic for everything more than an oil change. I believe that any certified/recognized mechanic/tech's work fulfills Mazda's requirement for the 5 year drive train warranty. Sorry for your experience.
Little over $1000 at 28k on
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Little over $1000 at 28k on the clock.
Quoted rotation, alignment, brake fluid, trans fluid, throttle body induction, oil change.
We purchased as 2021 CX5 from
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We purchased as 2021 CX5 from Roseville Mazda in Northern California and during a recent oil change I asked the service dept. about the 30,000 mi service. What was included and how much it would be. I was told the price was $1,500.00. I was told that they use an additive to the oil that helps the "residual oil that remains after regular oil changes". There was also an additive for either the brake fluid or transmission. Don't recall I was in a state of shock. Then the standard Air Filters, etc. I told him that was absurd, $1500.00 @ 30k miles is 1/5th of the purchase price of the car. A nearly brand new car. He did say if I wanted to save money there were a few thing i could leave out or do myself reducing the price to "around $1,000.00. I said you got to be kidding. Not happening. 1/5 th the Total Purchase Price at 30k mi. the first recommended service. Unreal. Goodbye California.