Self Servicing.

[Reedy]

Ok so my extra (between logbook) services are costing more than they need to so i'm gonna get back into doing basic servicing at home like I have for my other cars. Any fool can drop the oil & replace a filter, I don't need to spend $250 on getting it done. That way I can keep the logbook servicing going as per the schedule but still replace the oil in between.

A few questions:
Oil Filters, type, size, recommended brands? Does this really matter as long as you get one that fits?
Replacement Sump Plug Washer - Where to get these from?
Oil - How much does the Gen II take? Is 5L enough?
Brake Fluid - Penrite SIN, i've started doing this myself already.

[TD]

Oil filter - stay with the Mazda cartridge style. Generic Ryco replacements work fine.
Replacement Sump Plug Washer - should be able to grab these at Super Cheap etc
Oil - Gen 1 is 5.7 litres, Gen 2 should be the same-ish. Check the back of the owners manual for the fluid capacities.
Brakes - yeah, you're sorted there.

[Reedy]

Cool, so a 5L + 1L bottle will do it.

Are our filter/sump plug the same as a regular Mazda3?

[TD]

A quick look at the Ryco site shows that the BL MPS appears to be a screw type oil filter, not cartridge type oil filter like the BK. And it does appear to be the same oil filter as the SP25 (edit: and the 2.0L also). The plug will be the same, yeah. 19mm bolt.

Scroll down at this link to see the BL applications.
Search for oil, fuel or air filters by application : Air Filters, Oil Filters and Fuel Filters :: Ryco Filters :: Automotive Filters Australia

For oil I used to grab a 6L bottle of this:
Nulon Hi-Tech Fast Flowing Synthetic Engine Oil - 10W-40, 6 Litre - Supercheap Auto Australia

Hope that helps

[Reedy]

Awesome, big help thanks =)

[Cton]

Exactly what I do reedy,
Get a genuine filter and sump plug washer from Mazda. If anything was to happen for warranty you want a Mazda filter on there. May as well get a couple of both while your there. And yep 5.7L of oil. I have a 20L in my garage for between service changes.

[Sabrelli]

the mazda filters are quite inexpensive so i would agree with Cton.

[Reedy]

How much does a genuine filter set you back? Do you just walk into your nearest service centre and they'll sell you one? Sounds like a goer.

You do anything special with your waste oil?

[Cton]

Yep any dealer that has a spare parts section. I think low $20 for filter and plug. I'd bet money that's what tunehouse even puts on it. They need to use genuine parts for cars under warranty.

[Sabrelli]

mine was like $16 from memory at the Mcgrath Parts and Accessories Centre in Moorebank

they sell anything and everything, Bolt, nuts, touch up paint.