N00b looking for oil change advice

[evee]

I just took my 2011 GX in for it's second oil change at Westowne Mazda... I'll be honest I was totally thrown off by why they advertise $39.99 for an oil change (and repeated it TWICE over the phone) and I get my bill for... $64.04. My first oil change was free, so I didn't look at the bill, but this time the guy told me it's $51 for synthetic oil, which I wasn't given an option about.

So my questions are: do I NEED synthetic oil? Can I switch off it? What are the benefits? Do most dealers automatically put synthetic in?

And is there anywhere that I can get it cheaper in Toronto?

Basically I'm just asking if I'm getting ripped off :P

Thanks, and sorry if all of these have been answered elsewhere...:)

[Rob23]

yup. you are getting ripped. the dealer usually doesn't use synthetic unless you ask, and you don't need it. plus they always over charge. go to jimmy, his shop used to be streetperformance but he recently changed it.

[Mr Wilson]

You didn't get ripped off. Recently took our 11' 3 GX in for service as well and the cost was $62.66 (tax incl) at Dave Wood in Newmarket. Mazda recommends a synth 0W20 for the new Mazda 3's. The old 3's run a pretty basic dino oil.

The benefits of syth vs. dino is pretty available all over the internet. I'm sure you could run dino oil, but synth is better and $20 isn't that much.

If you go to Jimmy's, make sure you keep the receipts.

[aris]

your 2011 requires synthetic oil.

read your manual and you will see.

$51 for a oil change and they used synthetic oil is cheap..you didn't get ripped off :)

[Rob23]

you need synthetic for the new 3s? is it the skyactive? i didn't realize this. i still wouldn't take it to the dealer.


your 2011 requires synthetic oil.

read your manual and you will see.

$51 for a oil change and they used synthetic oil is cheap..you didn't get ripped off :)

[aris]

you need synthetic for the new 3s? is it the skyactive? i didn't realize this. i still wouldn't take it to the dealer.

All the 2010 and up require 0w20 synthetic oil

[Eddie81]

That's dealer always saying something different. I would try jimmy give him a call you will be surprised, if they used already synthetic oil I would not change it. It might screw up your engine switching back to conventional oil. I would just stick with synthetic oil better for your engine.

Eddie

[Rob23]

thats so stupid, probably another mazda scam. my friends g35s doesn't even take synthetic why would a mazda3 need it.


All the 2010 and up require 0w20 synthetic oil

[aris]

That's dealer always saying something different. I would try jimmy give him a call you will be surprised, if they used already synthetic oil I would not change it. It might screw up your engine switching back to conventional oil. I would just stick with synthetic oil better for your engine.

Eddie
The manual says to run synthetic in the 2010 and up... Not the dealer

[zzz3]

5w20 for 2010 and 0w20 for 2011+. The Primary reason for the switch is to improve fuel economy. A lot of other manufacturers are doing this as well.

Buy the oil and filter from joe at mot if you want to save some coin.

[Fayvir]

5w20 for 2010 and 0w20 for 2011+. The Primary reason for the switch is to improve fuel economy. A lot of other manufacturers are doing this as well.

Buy the oil and filter from joe at mot if you want to save some coin.

+1 on this, i have a 2011 and it requires 0w20, which is full synthetic. I went to Avante (thx Jackal for the memo) and it came out to be $67 after taxes, for just the oil change. It was actually the cheapest option after doin some diggin. I'm sure there are other options, like buying your own oil and goin to Jimmy's but i just went to the dealership so they have it on record.
Benefits include...
better fuel economy, easier start ups in the winter, lubricates the engine housings better (off the top of my head)

[RedRaptor]

I wouldn't say that the 2011+ "require" synthetic oil. Its the same engine as the 2010.

Its more of a move by all car manufacturers to improve fuel economy and promote a longer lasting engine.

You didn't get ripped off as you got a synthetic oil change. If you price it out separately, you'd pay at least $50 at retail shops just for the synthetic oil.

[krimsalt]

thats so stupid, probably another mazda scam. my friends g35s doesn't even take synthetic why would a mazda3 need it.

SKYACTIV engines have higher compression ratio than the conventional engine, even comparing to other makes/models. meaning the pistons have to apply more pressure and force, this means they need a much more efficient lubrication.

[evee]

Thanks for all the help! :bowdown I checked the manual, and it does recommend an 0W20 synthetic

[Booostin]

synthetic is better for the engine anyway :)

[coteya]

thats so stupid, probably another mazda scam. my friends g35s doesn't even take synthetic why would a mazda3 need it.

synthetic is better and Volkswagen tdi require fully synthetic oil that meets VW 505.01 specification.. It all depend how the engine is engineered.

[Rob23]

synthetic is better and Volkswagen tdi require fully synthetic oil that meets VW 505.01 specification.. It all depend how the engine is engineered.

you don't need it. mazda just says you need it so your gas mileage matches what they say it will be. also they make more money on it. you don't need synthetic. it is just recomended for better mileage and longer lasting engine like red raptor said, that goes for any engine.

[greaves82]

The 2011 vehicles now require synthetic oil

[Vgandoza]

go to wal mart its better there, maybe same price but they check your air filter fill your washer fluid, check your tire pressures, check your battery!!! i work there as a tech

[aris]

go to wal mart its better there, maybe same price but they check your air filter fill your washer fluid, check your tire pressures, check your battery!!! i work there as a tech

The dealer does all that

[Vgandoza]

most dealers dont i sed to work at one they just change the oil and filter and check the air filter for an upsell thats about it

[Nevermind]

The 2011 vehicles now require synthetic oil

Does the manual say requires or recommends synthetic oil? there is a difference.
are you sure they are putting in synthetic, just saying...

[zzz3]

Does the manual say requires or recommends synthetic oil? there is a difference.
are you sure they are putting in synthetic, just saying...

nah brah, he jus b trollin in teh symantix.

i recommend you read all the replies, just saying (yes its required, as per the manual)... :P

[sol_searchin]

While your in warranty, if you don't want to go through a hassle getting powertrain warranty repairs (Engine/Tranny) Do your oil changes/fluid changes @ Mazda (There usually the same price as everyone else or really damn close - is 5-10$ worth it?). I've seen MANY warranty claims denied due to 1 missing oil change receipt at joe blows shop - Food for thought.

[aris]

While your in warranty, if you don't want to go through a hassle getting powertrain warranty repairs (Engine/Tranny) Do your oil changes/fluid changes @ Mazda (There usually the same price as everyone else or really damn close - is 5-10$ worth it?). I've seen MANY warranty claims denied due to 1 missing oil change receipt at joe blows shop - Food for thought.
+1

[vinnierap]

Or you just get receipts made ;)

[Nevermind]

nah brah, he jus b trollin in teh symantix.

i recommend you read all the replies, just saying (yes its required, as per the manual)... :P

my manual recommends 5W20
have a read
http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=186925.msg3946528#msg3946528

[aris]

my manual recommends 5W20
have a read
http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=186925.msg3946528#msg3946528

You have a 2005.....

[Nevermind]

You have a 2005.....

ops should have mentioned it, sorry...