Hi
Can someone tell me if the MX5 MK 3 should come with a service book. I have just brought one and have been told they do not have a service book. Is this correct.
Thanks
DAVE
Dave,
Yes you dont get a service book. Mazda have the service records on a central database. You can go into any Mazda dealer and ask for a Digital Service Record print for your car. The idea is to eliminate fake service records cos Mazda keep the record.
MalithS
Is this just a way that Mazda have devised to stop owners of Mazda car from having them serviced at any other reputable garage at far less cost, particularly if you intend on selling the car within three or four years time.?
I’ve wondered about that myself. As we know, so long as servicing is carried out to the manufacturer’s specification there’s absolutely no obligation to have a main dealer carry out one’s servicing in order to keep the new car warranty intact. So where would someone stand with a Mazda dealer if they had been to an independent specialist for their first annual service, it had been carried out exactly to Mazda spec with paperwork to prove it, but Mazda themselves didn’t have it recorded on their digital service record, and there was a need to make a claim for a repair under warranty? Surely they couldn’t quibble about it?
Not quite true as there are other garages, Freelance Mazda for example who can update your digital service record, or so I’m told.
If it is, it is a spectacularly weak effort. Most garages I have used will issue an invoice detailing the work carried out, printed on something called paper.
I am with Pollyanna on this one.
Whilst it has not forced me to go to a dealer for the servicing I can see how many people will feel the need to maintain the electronic record and therefore go t a dealer.
I can also see if and when I come to sell the MK3 some people claiming that without the electronic service record the history is incomplete (despite the records I have kept) and thus worth less. They will not get to knock the price down but I can see them trying.
So, is Mazda’s electronic service record for a particular Mazda vehicle a record of the work that a Mazda franchised dealer has carried out on the vehicle? Or is it a record of the servicing work that has been carried out on the car regardless of where the work was done? In other words, if a mk3 owner had their car serviced at an independent specialist, could they visit the dealer from whom they bought the car, present the evidence of the car having been serviced in accordance with the requirements set out by Mazda and request that they update their electronic records to reflect this?
Is there an option to request an old-fashioned paper service record book when the car is purchased?
Robbie Marsh, maybe you could shed some light on this from the point of view of someone who deals with these electronic records in the course of your work?
The DSR can be updated by any garage who has registered on the Mazda DSR system I believe. Services carried out at a Mazda dealer will have a Mazda logo with them on the DSR print out. A dealer will not be able to add a DSR record to the service history without carrying out the work, so it’s no good having a service carried out by an independent then expecting your dealer to update the DSR. I think the DSR system is great because it doesn’t just record the service but also extended service items such as spark plugs, brake fluid, air filter etc and records the annual body inspections. Old fashioned paper service books have had their day for Mazda I think. Also, a new DSR can be created for any Mazda upto 10 years old, great for when your service book gets full.
Someone will work out how to fake it; all it takes is someone on the inside…
Bit harsh for specialists like Sam Goodwin, whom I suspect are perfectly competant to know when to change sparkplugs and brake fluid. These things weren’t ignored before someone invented a wheeze called DSR.
As Freelance Mazda apear to have registered on the system I would think Sam Goodwin can as well so I see it as a boost to the independants, as they can advertise the fact they can update yor DSR.
Paper books for all makes will be gone in a year or two I predict and I guess you will be able to view (not update) the service history of your car on the web.
Thanks for the explanation, Robbie. Sounds a bit like Mazda are trying to find a way to ‘force’ owners to use a main dealer for servicing if they want to be perceived to have maintained a full service history on their vehicle.
Let me present you with this hypothetical example. If I bought an MX5 brand-new from your dealership, had it serviced exactly according to the Mazda regime at an independent workshop with a lot of MX5 experience and skill but who hadn’t registered with Mazda for the DSR system, and three years on I presented it back to your dealership in part-exchange for a new Mazda - would the dealership recognise it as having a “full service history”, or would they say that a lack of DSR ‘stamps’ doesn’t constitute a FSH and therefore, by undoubtedly telling me that the car was consequently worth less as a result, penalise me for not taking it to a main dealer for servicing?
What are the financial implications for an independent mechanic of registering with the DSR system? Is it easy, and not cost-prohibitive, for them to do? Or are they made to jump through hoops and pay a lot for the privilege thereby discouraging them from doing so?
If they can afford whatever ongoing charge/tribute Mazda demands for the access/software/support demanded. If the car manufacturers are really doing this en masse, its clearly a method to try and circumvent Competition Laws, for little extra value to the owner. As each manufacturer will have their own form of digital record, its going to put pressure on the small family owned businesses, that might not specialise in one particular make or model, but are more deserving of the term motor engineers rather than mere fitters.
I have little faith people will input information into this system in a consistant manner. Computer Says No syndrome may ensue.
The anti-competition aspect of this is something the regulators are certainly aware of:
I don’t attach any particular value to a garage just because they can use a web-based update system. I attach much more importance to knowing they can do a quality and comprehensive job for a competitive price, that isn’t boosted because of the need to up date an electronic record.
[quoteuser=“Garath”]
Thanks for the explanation, Robbie. Sounds a bit like Mazda are trying to find a way to ‘force’ owners to use a main dealer for servicing if they want to be perceived to have maintained a full service history on their vehicle.
Let me present you with this hypothetical example. If I bought an MX5 brand-new from your dealership, had it serviced exactly according to the Mazda regime at an independent workshop with a lot of MX5 experience and skill but who hadn’t registered with Mazda for the DSR system, and three years on I presented it back to your dealership in part-exchange for a new Mazda - would the dealership recognise it as having a “full service history”, or would they say that a lack of DSR ‘stamps’ doesn’t constitute a FSH and therefore, by undoubtedly telling me that the car was consequently worth less as a result, penalise me for not taking it to a main dealer for servicing?
What are the financial implications for an independent mechanic of registering with the DSR system? Is it easy, and not cost-prohibitive, for them to do? Or are they made to jump through hoops and pay a lot for the privilege thereby discouraging them from doing so?
[/quote]
I do not know how much an independent would be charged for registering on the DSR, I think it may be free.
With regard to values of a car without a main dealer DSR, then I assume that it would be the same as having none main dealer stamps in a conventional service book. Would a main dealer stamp add anything over an independent one? I think it depends on who the independent is. With no DSR record at all then the recipts from the independent would act as the service history, which in my opinion is the same as having a non main dealer stamp in the service book. A main dealer service is a main dealer service whether it’s recorded on a computer, in a book or by a pile of recipts in a ring binder. But in my opinion, to average Joe who’s buying a used car, with all else being equal a main dealer service history would be more desireable than a non dealer one.
It’s not to tell you when to change stuff but a record that is has been done.
And these things were never recorded before?
It tells you when a tech has hit “Return” anyhow. Saves on pen and ink I suppose. With drop down menus, and what not, creates too much of a possibility that a service history gets screwed up. Seems to go against the old maxim, KISS. Non-uniform electronic recording systems used at multi-brand dealers are bound to create confusion for some of these fitters.
Still, maybe the EU will force the manufacturers to adopt a single standard, and distribute the necessary software for free to independants. I read that Mazda are struggling to get independant repairers to use the system, even though they are registered. Someone posted on this forum, on another thread, that Mazda UK charge independents to use the system.
It might be that some snob values still linger in parts of the motor trade; unfortunate perhaps.Bit like Mazda UK’s historic opposition to grey imports…
I still think it sounds like Mazda trying to corner the servicing market at the expense of fair competition and the experienced independent tradesman. With the old-fashioned paper service books, you got a stamp when you had the car serviced, be it at a main dealer or an independent. From the point of view of a buyer, a fully-stamped book is a full service history (although a pile of receipts and service check-lists to back it up counts for a lot, too).
Now that there isn’t a book to get stamped, and the only way to get your electronic ‘stamp’ is to take it to a main dealer (or an independent who’s paid Mazda a princely sum to be a part of their DSR network). If Mazda want to implement this digital system as some sort of aid to their trail of accountability or something, then fine - but why not just give new owners, who are spending tens of thousands of pounds on a new car, a couple of quid’s worth of printed service record book as before so that they can, if they so wish, take their car to a knowledgeable independent Mazda expert for servicing and still maintain a ‘full service history’ in the context of something that will count as such to the average Joe Public second-hand car-buying punter?
Hi In my experience of many years of servicing and repairing my own and family members cars.,I agree with ‘Roadster Robbie’ a car is perceived to be worth more in the trade , with a main dealer service .I have bought many cars with a full history ,which upon closer inspection beggers belief ,but many people are still being charged for work done badly or not at all. My system is to do the first 2 services at the main dealer to prevent any dispute for warrenty ,just before the 3rd service is due have the MOT and check carried out to find any faults .If there are non I then carry out the 3rd and all subsequent services myself and keep all receipts in a folder,and present all paperwork to the dealer when selling , I have discussed this with many dealers over the last few years -Lexus Mercedes Honda Volvo Mazda and they have said that on average this has cost us ?£500 on the deal against the car having a full main dealer service ;even though they admit they like to see a sheaf of receipts to show the next purchaser. this is how it has worked out for us ,we have 7 cars in the family altogether ,it may be different depending on your area labour charge
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