Following one netizen’s recent post on the servicing costs of Honda, another concerned reader reached out to WeirdKaya with a story that might give potential car buyers pause.
The popular notion among Malaysians is that the Axia is one of the cheapest cars available. But when it comes to maintenance, is it as affordable as it seems?
Our reader, who wished to remain anonymous, recently took her Axia for a service after clocking 20,000km – identical mileage to the Honda owner we discussed yesterday.
The shocker? A service fee close to RM500
At RM474.80 to be exact.
Given that the Axia is marketed as a budget-friendly, smaller car, one would expect its service charges to be proportionally lower than its larger counterparts. Yet, this was not the case.
She said that apart from occasional noises from the driver’s door, her car was in good shape.
Despite this, she was advised to replace the spark plugs.
“Now that I think about it,” she mused, “was it really necessary? The car is practically new with just 20,000km on it.”
A deep dive into the bill revealed other questionable charges, including a cabin purifier – something she wasn’t even aware of until a knowledgeable friend clarified its purpose. She hadn’t requested it, yet there it was on the bill.
This brings us to a bigger issue: are car service centers taking advantage of their customers?
She felt that these centers often upsell or recommend unnecessary parts and services without offering genuine advice about the vehicle’s needs.
“It feels like they’re always looking to charge more and ask you to change this and that, without giving an honest assessment,” she lamented.
Netizens’ comments and advice
After sharing her story on the social platform, she was met with a flurry of comments.
Many echoed her sentiments of feeling shortchanged by similar service experiences, while others offered tips on navigating these situations.
“I serviced my Bezza and it cost over 600 to change the engine oil and for battery service. For air-conditioning service, they charge whatever price they quote.”
“My car changed its spark plug after 40,000 kilometers. The cabin filter, mainly for dust, can be replaced when there’s an odd smell. The injector cleaner removes internal carbon deposits, but it’s not needed frequently. New cars are usually fuel-efficient, but if fuel consumption increases, consider the cleaner.”
Another netizen advised on the spark plug. “During the next service, be mindful of the spark plug and ensure it isn’t replaced. The Iridium type is of good quality and can last up to 200,000km, if memory serves right.”
“I wasn’t attentive myself. On my third service, they replaced it with iridium, and on the fourth service, they did it again.”
It’s imperative for car owners to be vigilant and informed. As we saw from yesterday’s Honda article and today’s Axia revelation, car servicing isn’t always straightforward.
While many technicians and service centers are honest and provide quality service, it’s always good to be proactive, ask questions, and double-check all recommended procedures.
In an age where every penny counts, transparency and fairness in car maintenance charges are not just desired but essential. Whether you drive a Honda, an Axia, or any other car, it pays to stay informed and assertive.
