I'm now due for a 40K service, and have been reading up on it. The last two services, done at a well known Mazda service establishment, the paper work lists :-have checked the gearbox oil level, (sealed gearbox) checked the clutch (automatic) you would think the mechanic would notice the difference, rotated the tyres, I think this must mean jacking up the vehicle and spinning each wheel, as the wheels haven't moved position since I brought it, and looking into the engine oil used, after 3 emails they seem to have a reluctance to tell me the specification for the oil they use, me thinks they are not using the recommended product.
So for this service I have to pay $400 to get a signature in the log book.
Both the Ford Ranger and the BT50 use oil with a recommended specification to meet the ACEA A5/B5 requirements. Still looking into this, but I think it is a poor show.
The Belmont Bear said
04:49 PM Apr 11, 2017
When I bought a new Mazda after the first service I took it elsewhere it cost me half the money and didn't void the warranty. If you have a warranty issue then you take it back to Mazda to get it fixed no problem, I have done the same with new cars from Kia and Mitsubishi without an issue.
macka17 said
06:02 PM Apr 11, 2017
As long as you get serviced at recognised service depot.
You can get log book stamped and be legal.
I'd go every 40k though.
As they normally update the electronics on computer then.
Having the right software to do so.
Mike Harding said
06:11 PM Apr 11, 2017
A friend owns a new (18 months old) Mazda something.
Recently he took it to the main dealer for a schedule service - no issues.
One week later he noticed a screeching noise coming from the front. He took it back to the dealer and the noise turned out to be the metal backing plate to a worn out disk pad coming into contact with the disc! And this at 25,000km
The dealers skimmed the disc for free but charged for new pads and the labour to fit them. Personally I think they should have been begging his forgiveness.
Stay well away from main dealers is my advice and not only based upon the above.
Cruising Cruze said
07:12 PM Apr 11, 2017
Hi Ian
It doesn't has to be an Mazda dealer to sign your log book
for instance your local mechanic or say Ultra Tune can do any service for you
( Not sure if they have to use Mazda parts )
Cheers John
Baz421 said
07:38 PM Apr 11, 2017
Ian
From my experience and talking with others, a very common problem, Tick and flick also a problem,,,, tick the list and flick away.
My Landcruiser ute had the WRONG g/box and rear diff oil at a Dealer service. I knew something was different as the g/box was very easy to change when cold stating (usually takes a while for g/box changes to smooth out as oil warms up).
Had CORRECT grade g/box oil used but too late for rear diff,,,, needed new pinion bearings and luckily the crown wheel and pinion were ok.
So many places pushing different brands of oil etc that don't meet specs required.
I had 8 apprentices working for me in late 80's and the new tick off log book training was just being introduced,,, very poor training was easy to cover up.
We are now seeing the results IMHO.
Good tech are hard to find,,, just ask a dealer.
My 2 cents worth
Craig1 said
09:26 PM Apr 11, 2017
BT50 oil change needs the correct procedure. Oil out, THEN STRAIGHT BACK IN at the very least. Potentially can drain oil pump, then it aint pretty. If you go to another service agent. Dial up Mazda " capped price service" though. A lot better than it use to be for price, unsure about the quality. But dealers All make some muck ups. eg spill oil down side of motor, dont check air filter element etc
Warren-Pat_01 said
09:57 PM Apr 11, 2017
Makes owning an older wagon with minimal electronics, drain & fill plugs on all major oil lubricated units worth having. I don't think at 385,000Kms that the car is in warranty.
I had an unavoidable oil change in Canberra a few years ago - supplied filters & engine oil in two 6L containers. Told them to leave the extra oil in the container (the engine took 10.5L). When I picked up the car, both containers were empty! Yes, 12L of oil went in the sump so I had to drain the excess out at my son's place!
So another good point with the diesel-gas system is that I can extend to oil changes on a bit when on a trip.
For those with Izuzu MUX, DMAX, there is one service that costs $1200 in Townsville but only $900 in Darwin (a friend's experience)
kezngaz said
11:39 AM Apr 12, 2017
I believe that if you have a trade cert and an ABN number you can sign any log book and it doesnt void the warrenty.
I learnt this recently from toyota when purchasing a vehicle.
I am a diesel mechanic by trade, but only if i have an ABN number and a registered buisness can i sign the service/log book to keep the warrenty in tact.
Once its out of warrenty, its up to me weather i carry on paying someone else or do it myself.
IMHO, i dont believe second hand cars fetch more in a sale with 'full OEM service history'
Hope this helps.
Kezngaz.
iana said
11:54 AM Apr 12, 2017
Kezngaz that is the point, I do service and repairs at my work on all small plant, and some minor services on Major plant, I serviced my previous two Magnas, but they were old. I also serviced and certified aircraft and was a certified aircraft engineer for engines and airframe. I have a trade certificate as a maintenance fitter, and basicly have been doing maintenance since I was 17 years old and had to do a 10,000 hour on the job apprenticeship.
And it frustrates me to have to pay to have work not done. Its all pretty simple and all I am doing is paying for a stamp in the log book.
Dougwe said
02:40 PM Apr 12, 2017
I ran out of my free service's last service, 2000 km ago so now need to make an executive dicision as to if I get done at Holden or someone else next time.
If I understand correctly, Holden hook up to a computer to diagnose if any probelms, not sure if others do?? The service is not due until later in the year at this stage so plenty of time to decide.
Desert Dweller said
03:00 PM Apr 12, 2017
Dougwe wrote:
I ran out of my free service's last service, 2000 km ago so now need to make an executive dicision as to if I get done at Holden or someone else next time.
If I understand correctly, Holden hook up to a computer to diagnose if any probelms, not sure if others do?? The service is not due until later in the year at this stage so plenty of time to decide.
Almost all mechanics hook up your vehicle to a computer these days, even going back 10 years ago. We used to get our 2005 BA Falcon, bought new serviced by a local mechanic & he'd hook it up & get a computer printout every time.
Ford service on our Ranger was pathetic. Just a TICK THE BOXES exercise usually done by a hungover apprentice. Always ticked tyres rotated, never ever done. Started taking it to a local diesel mechanic. Great service!
Had our current car a Nissan Navara serviced at the dealer that we bought it new from 2 years ago. Last time at the 40,000km service it cost us $1000 for an oil change & not much else. Taking it to our local diesel mechanic from now on.
-- Edited by Desert Dweller on Wednesday 12th of April 2017 03:18:28 PM
It is frustrating paying for something you dont feel your getting your monies worth out of.
I wouldnt think twice about challenging them if you believe they havent done something they say they have.
I once had a squeak on the front of engine on start up that lasted 2-3 mins.
VW had the car for 7 days trying to find it, we had it back and next morning it squeeaked again.
I asked them what they had done, they said.it didnt do it whilst they had it.
I took the car there, removed the belt and showed them the alternator had a tight spot.
I got a new alternator.
My point being, dont let them get away with it. Question them then tell them your going for a second opinion if your not happy.
After all they want your money...
Kezngaz.
Warren-Pat_01 said
08:22 PM Apr 12, 2017
To those who dislike work not being done when the service dept says it has been, here is something you can do (similar to Kezngaz) -
In the mid 80s my step father-in-law bought a new Nissan Skyline from Useless (oops, Eustice) Motors in Adelaide. He had a look at what had to be done for an early service according to the owner's hand book (involved retensioning the cylinder head), etc.
When he picked up the car, they said "All done, no problems" - the cost is $xxx!
He popped the bonnet, had a look & said "No, the service has not been done according to the book." So he jumped up & down & made such a noise that the Service Manager became involved. They asked how he knew the service was not done & he pointed to the rocker cover bolts. He had marked them all with a lead pencil & being a retired aircraft engineer with Hawker DeHaviland, he said that screwing down those bolts would mean that they would not still be in their original spot due to compression of the gasket.
So he stood over them while they did the service!
kezngaz said
08:51 PM Apr 12, 2017
Great example there, Warren_pat01.
I believe the more that we talk about getting the job done right the more confident people will be challenging those who say the did it right.
I never let on to the service dept staff what i do for a living, and enjoy the BS that comes out their mouths when happily telling me 'everything is fine'.
I was once told that 'the head mechanic has done a software upgrade on your rear suspention, free of charge'!!!!!
Have a great easter break and keep safe.
Kezngaz.
Tony Bev said
02:23 AM Apr 13, 2017
Look on the bright side Ian
Although you have to have the service, to keep up the warranty on a new vehicle, $400 is cheap compared to some other vehicles
When I got my second hand Fiat Ducato, I asked many other travellers with the same model, about servicing it, (so that I could pick up some tips) From what I can make out, I am the only owner doing his own service
The previous owner said that it just had its first 30,000 kilometre service It was carried out by a local used car yard They had a sticker on the windscreen, with their name, but no date or mileage written on it There was nothing in the log book, and the oil was most certainly not full synthetic The original Fiat oil filter was still on, and filthy, so I guess that they had done an oil change, (with whatever they had on hand), but not the filter Original owner said that the service was $400
The cost of a Fiat Ducato service, from Fiat here in the west, (according to other travellers), appears to be around the $1,100 to $1,400 mark
The service intervals are every 30,000 kilometres I do mine before each big trip, or at least once a year, which is normally about every 20,000 kilometres
I staple extra pages into the logbook, document everything that I do, and sign it as owner driver
Desert Dweller said
05:27 AM Apr 13, 2017
Warren-Pat_01 wrote:
To those who dislike work not being done when the service dept says it has been, here is something you can do (similar to Kezngaz) -
In the mid 80s my step father-in-law bought a new Nissan Skyline from Useless (oops, Eustice) Motors in Adelaide. He had a look at what had to be done for an early service according to the owner's hand book (involved retensioning the cylinder head), etc.
When he picked up the car, they said "All done, no problems" - the cost is $xxx! He popped the bonnet, had a look & said "No, the service has not been done according to the book." So he jumped up & down & made such a noise that the Service Manager became involved. They asked how he knew the service was not done & he pointed to the rocker cover bolts. He had marked them all with a lead pencil & being a retired aircraft engineer with Hawker DeHaviland, he said that screwing down those bolts would mean that they would not still be in their original spot due to compression of the gasket. So he stood over them while they did the service!
And that's why I know they don't diagonally rotate the wheels because I mark each one with a marker pen. Also the wheel nuts are coated in mud & you can tell that a wrench hasn't been near them.
-- Edited by Desert Dweller on Thursday 13th of April 2017 05:27:55 AM
Umpie1 said
09:27 AM Apr 13, 2017
Can anyone please tell me if a vehicle service centre/mechanic has the right to refuse to allow you to supply the oil in a sealed container?
Mike Harding said
09:35 AM Apr 13, 2017
Umpie1 wrote:
Can anyone please tell me if a vehicle service centre/mechanic has the right to refuse to allow you to supply the oil in a sealed container?
Yes of course they do. They do not have to accept your business on the basis of your terms.
In any case the question is irrelevant because without a chemical analysis there is no way you can be sure which oil they actually put into the engine.
macka17 said
12:07 PM Apr 13, 2017
Kezn.
It's More that an actual service has been done at regular mileages I think.
In my case anyway.
Would never buy a car with no regular record,
incl a few regular wksp stamps for software upgrades.
Mine go in every 40k for upgrades.
Plus RACQ have free wheel rotations at Beaurepairs several times a yr.
Haven't paid for one for about 5 yrs now.
Have two on B'fast bar for these 2 at next services.
Mine are always done accordingly. WITH Full Synthetic oils right through,
Every car I ever owned had full record,
down to plugs. tyres and wiper blades from day I bought it.
I ALWAYS supply Engine and Transm. oils (by the 20ltr drum, cheaper
for same oil)
Plus check on what he puts in elsewhere.
Local ex mines diesel tech does mine here. (Layoff coupla yrs ago)
He's bloody good and very thorough.
All old filters and parts in box in boot.
I always mark everything that has to be moved to do
on first coupla services with new mechanic.
Once you've spoken to him, he'll normally know you know..
just too old\stiff. to climb around underneath anymore in my case.
Going down. Fine.
Getting back up. hmmmmmm. Lets you know.
PS.
A bloke can accept. Refuse. anything he wants to.
Just means that sometimes he loses that job.
I've ALWAYS supplied my own main oils. NOBODY yet.
Including main dealers. Have ever objected.
"Drum in Pass seat or boot". OK.
He's probaly one that pours $10 oil and charges for $30 oil
Strange town
I always went to local taxi driver. and asked who did their servicing.
most use contractor. Most use a GOOD RELIABLE one.
DMaxer said
09:04 AM Apr 14, 2017
Tell me Desert Dweller. does it not concern you putting a document online that shows all the relevant descriptive numbers (chassis, engine et al) together with your personal telephone number for the world to see? I thought you would be more cautious.
Mike Harding said
01:56 PM Apr 16, 2017
DMaxer wrote:
Tell me Desert Dweller. does it not concern you putting a document online that shows all the relevant descriptive numbers (chassis, engine et al) together with your personal telephone number for the world to see? I thought you would be more cautious.
Indeed. I noticed it the other day and was surprised.
Some people seem to be quite happy to put considerable personal information on the internet, I prefer to stay rather more covert.
Quite a few years ago (1994 ish iirc) this new internet thingie came along for those of us in the technology area and who worked at universities or a very few of the large multi nationals. It wasn't much - no World Wide Web - but e-mail, ftp and usenet (news groups) were available and I became a regular poster to one of the electronic design groups under, most of, my real name. We pretty much all used real names then as did the very knowledgeable Winfield Hill, co-author of the standard work "The Art of Electronics". A lovely bloke. This was fine because the only people on the internet were us geeks and "identity theft" and "phishing" were phrases still 16 years from being coined.
Anyway; one time on usenet I had a charged argument with another Australian about some highly technical aspect of electronic design (he was wrong of course :) ). We both remained civil but the exchange was heated. He too was using his real name.
Six months later, as I sat in his office having just handed him a quotation for $75k of work I realised who he was! Thank God he didn't twig who I was! :)
Following that lesson I never again used my real name on the internet.
hako said
04:22 PM Apr 16, 2017
Desert Dwellers telephone number being made public presents no more danger than someone looking in a telephone book, in fact even less as it's just a number, no name.
Being paranoid about security takes a lot of enjoyment out of living a good life.
Good Luck.
Mike Harding said
04:38 PM Apr 16, 2017
I didn't say it was "dangerous" just that I consider it inadvisable.
I don't know about you but my details have not been in the phone book for 15 years or more.
And it's not just his phone number... from that I can easily discover his address is:
x0 xxoxxxxa Xxxvx Xxxxxxgxxx Victoria xx3x
So now I have his and his wife's name, address and telephone number I can really start to dig....
The real issue is that once you put information on the internet it is there *FOR EVER*! You can never remove it... and it accumulates.
And do remember; paranoia is an "irrational" fear of persecution - in these times they really *are* out to get you....
Your choice of course.
Pondy said
08:32 AM Apr 19, 2017
Umpie1 wrote:
Can anyone please tell me if a vehicle service centre/mechanic has the right to refuse to allow you to supply the oil in a sealed container?
We supply our own oil when we have our service done on our Ford territory at the Ford dealer in Brisbane never had a problem with this
iana said
05:53 PM Apr 19, 2017
I read about this somewhere, and I think it goes, yes you can supply your own oil, (and maybe other consumables, filter etc. ) and that is your consumer right, but if the service centre/ mechanic believe it is the wrong stuff, they can also refuse.
To day I paid for a log-book service, and supplied my own oil. They willingly complied.
BARME1 said
08:25 PM Apr 19, 2017
HI I use my locl mechanic to do my BT 50 which is coming up on its 70k I supply all my own oil and filters filters I by on line from sparebox on line and by the 4x4 kit the oil I use is TOTAL and again I by that in 20 litre drums as they tack 9.5 with filter if you go google and find your local total agent they willgive you the good oil cheer
I'm now due for a 40K service, and have been reading up on it. The last two services, done at a well known Mazda service establishment, the paper work lists :-have checked the gearbox oil level, (sealed gearbox) checked the clutch (automatic) you would think the mechanic would notice the difference, rotated the tyres, I think this must mean jacking up the vehicle and spinning each wheel, as the wheels haven't moved position since I brought it, and looking into the engine oil used, after 3 emails they seem to have a reluctance to tell me the specification for the oil they use, me thinks they are not using the recommended product.
So for this service I have to pay $400 to get a signature in the log book.
Both the Ford Ranger and the BT50 use oil with a recommended specification to meet the ACEA A5/B5 requirements. Still looking into this, but I think it is a poor show.
You can get log book stamped and be legal.
I'd go every 40k though.
As they normally update the electronics on computer then.
Having the right software to do so.
A friend owns a new (18 months old) Mazda something.
Recently he took it to the main dealer for a schedule service - no issues.
One week later he noticed a screeching noise coming from the front. He took it back to the dealer and the noise turned out to be the metal backing plate to a worn out disk pad coming into contact with the disc! And this at 25,000km
The dealers skimmed the disc for free but charged for new pads and the labour to fit them. Personally I think they should have been begging his forgiveness.
Stay well away from main dealers is my advice and not only based upon the above.
It doesn't has to be an Mazda dealer to sign your log book
for instance your local mechanic or say Ultra Tune can do any service for you
( Not sure if they have to use Mazda parts )
Cheers John
Ian
From my experience and talking with others, a very common problem, Tick and flick also a problem,,,, tick the list and flick away.
My Landcruiser ute had the WRONG g/box and rear diff oil at a Dealer service. I knew something was different as the g/box was very easy to change when cold stating (usually takes a while for g/box changes to smooth out as oil warms up).
Had CORRECT grade g/box oil used but too late for rear diff,,,, needed new pinion bearings and luckily the crown wheel and pinion were ok.
So many places pushing different brands of oil etc that don't meet specs required.
I had 8 apprentices working for me in late 80's and the new tick off log book training was just being introduced,,, very poor training was easy to cover up.
We are now seeing the results IMHO.
Good tech are hard to find,,, just ask a dealer.
My 2 cents worth
I had an unavoidable oil change in Canberra a few years ago - supplied filters & engine oil in two 6L containers. Told them to leave the extra oil in the container (the engine took 10.5L). When I picked up the car, both containers were empty! Yes, 12L of oil went in the sump so I had to drain the excess out at my son's place!
So another good point with the diesel-gas system is that I can extend to oil changes on a bit when on a trip.
For those with Izuzu MUX, DMAX, there is one service that costs $1200 in Townsville but only $900 in Darwin (a friend's experience)
I learnt this recently from toyota when purchasing a vehicle.
I am a diesel mechanic by trade, but only if i have an ABN number and a registered buisness can i sign the service/log book to keep the warrenty in tact.
Once its out of warrenty, its up to me weather i carry on paying someone else or do it myself.
IMHO, i dont believe second hand cars fetch more in a sale with 'full OEM service history'
Hope this helps.
Kezngaz.
And it frustrates me to have to pay to have work not done. Its all pretty simple and all I am doing is paying for a stamp in the log book.
If I understand correctly, Holden hook up to a computer to diagnose if any probelms, not sure if others do?? The service is not due until later in the year at this stage so plenty of time to decide.
Almost all mechanics hook up your vehicle to a computer these days, even going back 10 years ago. We used to get our 2005 BA Falcon, bought new serviced by a local mechanic & he'd hook it up & get a computer printout every time.
Ford service on our Ranger was pathetic. Just a TICK THE BOXES exercise usually done by a hungover apprentice. Always ticked tyres rotated, never ever done. Started taking it to a local diesel mechanic. Great service!
Had our current car a Nissan Navara serviced at the dealer that we bought it new from 2 years ago. Last time at the 40,000km service it cost us $1000 for an oil change & not much else. Taking it to our local diesel mechanic from now on.
-- Edited by Desert Dweller on Wednesday 12th of April 2017 03:18:28 PM
I wouldnt think twice about challenging them if you believe they havent done something they say they have.
I once had a squeak on the front of engine on start up that lasted 2-3 mins.
VW had the car for 7 days trying to find it, we had it back and next morning it squeeaked again.
I asked them what they had done, they said.it didnt do it whilst they had it.
I took the car there, removed the belt and showed them the alternator had a tight spot.
I got a new alternator.
My point being, dont let them get away with it. Question them then tell them your going for a second opinion if your not happy.
After all they want your money...
Kezngaz.
In the mid 80s my step father-in-law bought a new Nissan Skyline from Useless (oops, Eustice) Motors in Adelaide. He had a look at what had to be done for an early service according to the owner's hand book (involved retensioning the cylinder head), etc.
When he picked up the car, they said "All done, no problems" - the cost is $xxx!
He popped the bonnet, had a look & said "No, the service has not been done according to the book." So he jumped up & down & made such a noise that the Service Manager became involved. They asked how he knew the service was not done & he pointed to the rocker cover bolts. He had marked them all with a lead pencil & being a retired aircraft engineer with Hawker DeHaviland, he said that screwing down those bolts would mean that they would not still be in their original spot due to compression of the gasket.
So he stood over them while they did the service!
I believe the more that we talk about getting the job done right the more confident people will be challenging those who say the did it right.
I never let on to the service dept staff what i do for a living, and enjoy the BS that comes out their mouths when happily telling me 'everything is fine'.
I was once told that 'the head mechanic has done a software upgrade on your rear suspention, free of charge'!!!!!
Have a great easter break and keep safe.
Kezngaz.
Look on the bright side Ian
Although you have to have the service, to keep up the warranty on a new vehicle, $400 is cheap compared to some other vehicles
When I got my second hand Fiat Ducato, I asked many other travellers with the same model, about servicing it, (so that I could pick up some tips)
From what I can make out, I am the only owner doing his own service
The previous owner said that it just had its first 30,000 kilometre service
It was carried out by a local used car yard
They had a sticker on the windscreen, with their name, but no date or mileage written on it
There was nothing in the log book, and the oil was most certainly not full synthetic
The original Fiat oil filter was still on, and filthy, so I guess that they had done an oil change, (with whatever they had on hand), but not the filter
Original owner said that the service was $400
The cost of a Fiat Ducato service, from Fiat here in the west, (according to other travellers), appears to be around the $1,100 to $1,400 mark
The service intervals are every 30,000 kilometres
I do mine before each big trip, or at least once a year, which is normally about every 20,000 kilometres
I staple extra pages into the logbook, document everything that I do, and sign it as owner driver
And that's why I know they don't diagonally rotate the wheels because I mark each one with a marker pen. Also the wheel nuts are coated in mud & you can tell that a wrench hasn't been near them.
-- Edited by Desert Dweller on Thursday 13th of April 2017 05:27:55 AM
Yes of course they do. They do not have to accept your business on the basis of your terms.
In any case the question is irrelevant because without a chemical analysis there is no way you can be sure which oil they actually put into the engine.
It's More that an actual service has been done at regular mileages I think.
In my case anyway.
Would never buy a car with no regular record,
incl a few regular wksp stamps for software upgrades.
Mine go in every 40k for upgrades.
Plus RACQ have free wheel rotations at Beaurepairs several times a yr.
Haven't paid for one for about 5 yrs now.
Have two on B'fast bar for these 2 at next services.
Mine are always done accordingly. WITH Full Synthetic oils right through,
Every car I ever owned had full record,
down to plugs. tyres and wiper blades from day I bought it.
I ALWAYS supply Engine and Transm. oils (by the 20ltr drum, cheaper
for same oil)
Plus check on what he puts in elsewhere.
Local ex mines diesel tech does mine here. (Layoff coupla yrs ago)
He's bloody good and very thorough.
All old filters and parts in box in boot.
I always mark everything that has to be moved to do
on first coupla services with new mechanic.
Once you've spoken to him, he'll normally know you know..
just too old\stiff. to climb around underneath anymore in my case.
Going down. Fine.
Getting back up. hmmmmmm. Lets you know.
PS.
A bloke can accept. Refuse. anything he wants to.
Just means that sometimes he loses that job.
I've ALWAYS supplied my own main oils. NOBODY yet.
Including main dealers. Have ever objected.
"Drum in Pass seat or boot". OK.
He's probaly one that pours $10 oil and charges for $30 oil
Strange town
I always went to local taxi driver. and asked who did their servicing.
most use contractor. Most use a GOOD RELIABLE one.
Tell me Desert Dweller. does it not concern you putting a document online that shows all the relevant descriptive numbers (chassis, engine et al) together with your personal telephone number for the world to see? I thought you would be more cautious.
Indeed. I noticed it the other day and was surprised.
Some people seem to be quite happy to put considerable personal information on the internet, I prefer to stay rather more covert.
Quite a few years ago (1994 ish iirc) this new internet thingie came along for those of us in the technology area and who worked at universities or a very few of the large multi nationals. It wasn't much - no World Wide Web - but e-mail, ftp and usenet (news groups) were available and I became a regular poster to one of the electronic design groups under, most of, my real name. We pretty much all used real names then as did the very knowledgeable Winfield Hill, co-author of the standard work "The Art of Electronics". A lovely bloke. This was fine because the only people on the internet were us geeks and "identity theft" and "phishing" were phrases still 16 years from being coined.
Anyway; one time on usenet I had a charged argument with another Australian about some highly technical aspect of electronic design (he was wrong of course :) ). We both remained civil but the exchange was heated. He too was using his real name.
Six months later, as I sat in his office having just handed him a quotation for $75k of work I realised who he was! Thank God he didn't twig who I was! :)
Following that lesson I never again used my real name on the internet.
Being paranoid about security takes a lot of enjoyment out of living a good life.
Good Luck.
I didn't say it was "dangerous" just that I consider it inadvisable.
I don't know about you but my details have not been in the phone book
for 15 years or more.
And it's not just his phone number... from that I can easily discover
his address is:
x0 xxoxxxxa Xxxvx
Xxxxxxgxxx
Victoria
xx3x
So now I have his and his wife's name, address and telephone number I
can really start to dig....
The real issue is that once you put information on the internet it is
there *FOR EVER*! You can never remove it... and it accumulates.
And do remember; paranoia is an "irrational" fear of persecution -
in these times they really *are* out to get you....
Your choice of course.
We supply our own oil when we have our service done on our Ford territory at the Ford dealer in Brisbane never had a problem with this
To day I paid for a log-book service, and supplied my own oil. They willingly complied.
HI I use my locl mechanic to do my BT 50 which is coming up on its 70k I supply all my own oil and filters filters I by on line from sparebox on line and by the 4x4 kit the oil I use is TOTAL and again I by that in 20 litre drums as they tack 9.5 with filter if you go google and find your local total agent they willgive you the good oil cheer