I normally would not come to Mazda for a fix. Howe...

I normally would not come to Mazda for a fix. However, I needed a recall done and figured they could take a look at a problem I was having with the car as well.

They found the problem, and it was so painstakingly minor. BUT THEY CHARGED ME SO MUCH FOR IT. When I was told what the problem was, I had really hoped I wasn't going to have to pay for anything. I thought the search/diagnostic labor (as it wasn't a fix/replacement) and the recall might just collide for that big $0... Although, I was perfectly fine and conscious on paying too (because in the end they did do some extra digging for me). Nonetheless I was not fine with being ridiculously overcharged.

I was charged $120, $137 after taxes, for them to find and pull out my insurance company's gadget (one of those things that tell how good of a driver you are based on braking intensity, etc).

(10/21) UPDATE: I spent most of my Saturday working on my car with my dad. Based on a report Orem Mazda gave me, I needed to replace a bunch of things, but I was told specifically my serpentine belt and rear brakes needed to be replaced soon. I ordered a new belt and rear brakes (rotors + pads) online, and during each and every replacement, my dad showed me my perfectly fine used car parts. They had no need to be replaced at all, especially any time soon. This Mazda managed to screw me another $140. I've been constantly told I'll just have to take this as a life learning experience, and I'll do just that.

Steer clear if you have little to no knowledge about car parts or if you hate saving money. Orem Mazda's Service & Parts Department will try to take advantage of you just as they took advantage of this passive, car-stupid college student.