Should I go to dealer or mechanic? 48,000KM Service

[andytam]

Should I go to a mechanic (I was planning on going to Jimmy at Street Performance), who says he will do everything thats stated as per the 48,000KM and charge around $100.

Or the dealership, who will charge about $200.

This is pretty much the firs time I'm bringing in my car to a dealer/mechanic for service...
I always do my own oil changes, inspect coolant/brake fluid/power steering, lube locks and hinges blah blah blah myself.

I'm bringing it in for the 2 year, 48,000KM cause I want them to check my calipers and brakes, and have that "assurance" that after 2 years, everything is still OK.

What do you guys think I should do?

I'm also planning on getting them to replace the cabin air filter since its a PITA to rip out the passenger side glove box (I've done it before).

Has anyone ever ONLY done maintenance themselves and not brought it to a mechanic/dealer ever? I guess I COULD inspect the brakes and stuff myself, but I am finding that I have less and less time in life to deal with this kinda stuff.

[andytam]

PS. I'm planning to go to Downtown Mazda cause I work downtown and they pickup/drop off at Union station.
Mechanic would be in Markham... I'd have to drive up after work in traffic, and get a friend to pick me up/drop me off the next day... so it'd kind of be a hassle...

[DumpInfo]

So you pretty much answered your own question. If it's too much of a hassle for you stick with the dealer but in all honesty goto Street Performance (mechanic) it's worth the wait! They don't charge an arm + leg and I repeat it's worth it.

[andytam]

Mechanic and dealer is the same? In terms of warranty purposes I guess.

[cwp_sedan]

I've heard bad things from DT Mazda so be careful.

[mazdaskit]

Mechanic and dealer is the same? In terms of warranty purposes I guess.

just if you go to a mechanic keep your records if you need to do warranty at mazda

[JSI]

Stay away from Down town Mazda!!!!

Find another mechanic in the downtown area.

[nsh]

Is it still under warranty?

I bought my car in October '09 (second hand), and it was under warranty til March 2010. In February, I brought it into Mazda to have a GOOD going over - one of their packages (not sure which one exactly, anymore - it's avail. on their website though). Which ended up costing me about $190 ... but they at least had to replace something that WAS under warranty which I was grateful for. As I was in the same situation as you: Dealer or Mechanic.

[Pyro]

but if you had it done at a mechanic, they would have found the problem too (hopefully) and after you could take it to mazda and have it fixed under warrenty

I think i'll be taking my car in the Street Performance for my one year 24K service , heard alot of good things about this place

Is it still under warranty?

I bought my car in October '09 (second hand), and it was under warranty til March 2010. In February, I brought it into Mazda to have a GOOD going over - one of their packages (not sure which one exactly, anymore - it's avail. on their website though). Which ended up costing me about $190 ... but they at least had to replace something that WAS under warranty which I was grateful for. As I was in the same situation as you: Dealer or Mechanic.