[Jose Gonzales]

I just bought this car new in June, and am up for my first service. I'm looking for recommendations for either a dealer or independent shop, as my go-to shop doesn't service new Mazdas. Any suggest are welcome!

 

[Archerfish]

It seems that there aren't any members here who are around that area...

 

[TalonTsi90]

Youre gonna need to use Bing or Google man.

 

[Archerfish]

Youre gonna need to use Bing or Google man.

I don't think that will work. He is asking for a recommendation hoping that what he'll get is a "trustworthy" shop and not just any shop. Unless you imply to tell that all shops in your country is trustworthy.

It may also be argued, since he didn't mention it, that he is not asking for someone with a first hand experience, but is just lazy to use Google.

 

[TalonTsi90]

Well, he did say dealer... so...

 

[Jose Gonzales]

Hello all, I am familiar with the use of Google, as well as Yelp and other online resources, but am wary of some of their results and assertions, and was hoping for personal and direct experience.

 

[Archerfish]

Hello all, I am familiar with the use of Google, as well as Yelp and other online resources, but am wary of some of their results and assertions, and was hoping for personal and direct experience.

That's exactly how I understood your post. As I've said, I think no one is near your area. You will have to "hunt" the right shop and/or dealer.

First time for me to read about "Yelp".

 

[TalonTsi90]

Hello all, I am familiar with the use of Google, as well as Yelp and other online resources, but am wary of some of their results and assertions, and was hoping for personal and direct experience.

Yea, sadly we arent that big of a resource for that these days. Partly cause i think not too many people question it and dont care who touches their car, or thinks "well, im paying them to do a job, they know better than i do"...

 

[Archerfish]

Yea, sadly we arent that big of a resource for that these days. Partly cause i think not too many people question it and dont care who touches their car, or thinks "well, im paying them to do a job, they know better than i do"...

This reminds me of someone who was in Honda and he was offered a few "extra services". He simply asked how long it will take. Mind you, those fluids are expensive!

So you're right, they don't care and thinks that way. In my case, I'm paying because I don't want to do the job. I don't have exactly the technical skills but I know what to do and why it is done.

 

[jb86796]

Even though the car is a 2020, the only maintenance you will have for a long time is an oil & filter change. If money isn't an issue, use the dealer especially while still under warranty. If you have issues with the car in the future it's best have a good relationship with the dealer service department.
Usually a good place to eat is busy, lots of cars out front. A dealer isn't that much different. If it has many empty bays, and help wanted sign out front, perhaps look elsewhere, for any business.
The dealer will use same oil every time, most likely Mazda branded but is made by someone else. See if you can find out who makes it and continue to use it later when going somewhere else if possible. In other words, don't switch oil brands or switch places you have car serviced if you plan on keeping car for more then a few years.
I have used Mobil "1" since 1985. I have only let someone else do an oil change service once in my 60 years of driving. That one time the guy left the battery caps off and the acid fumes damaged the chrome right valve cover (V8 engine) and blistered the firewall paint. So at 80 I still service my cars so it can't be that hard.

 

[Archerfish]

Even though the car is a 2020, the only maintenance you will have for a long time is an oil & filter change. If money isn't an issue, use the dealer especially while still under warranty. If you have issues with the car in the future it's best have a good relationship with the dealer service department.
Usually a good place to eat is busy, lots of cars out front. A dealer isn't that much different. If it has many empty bays, and help wanted sign out front, perhaps look elsewhere, for any business.
The dealer will use same oil every time, most likely Mazda branded but is made by someone else. See if you can find out who makes it and continue to use it later when going somewhere else if possible. In other words, don't switch oil brands or switch places you have car serviced if you plan on keeping car for more then a few years.
I have used Mobil "1" since 1985. I have only let someone else do an oil change service once in my 60 years of driving. That one time the guy left the battery caps off and the acid fumes damaged the chrome right valve cover (V8 engine) and blistered the firewall paint. So at 80 I still service my cars so it can't be that hard.

Wow! You're now in your eighties and you still service your car.

I agree, and I learned it from my father, always have a good relationship. I was able to enjoy some free services this way. I know it's free because someone I know was charged for it. It may be "unfair" but what they did is do the job while my car is lifted. So they didn't spend another hour but just did the requested service simultaneously with the help of another mechanic who was idle at that moment.