[Astros]

I just bought my car (2014 Mazda 3) and wanted to do some maintenance myself. The dealership changed my oil and suggested to get my cabin air filter done for $58.

I declined saying I would do it myself - even though I've never done it. Anyway, I went onto Amazon and found an after market cabin air filter for $9.97 from cleenaire 4561. It kind of shocked me to see it for so cheap.. I was expecting at least $20? But it is rated good.


Is there any downside from using an after-market filter rather than having a dealership put in an OEM one? It seems to be good quality but this is something I dont know much about

Thank you!

 

[da_jokker]

For the cabin, def go with aftermarket. TheRe are different types depending if you want hepa type filter, charcoal, or just the basic.

You can also get the part number and shop online and usually always find it cheaper than what your deal is trying to charge you.

 

[MeteorGray]

I would consider this a non-critical and simple part that the aftermarket should be OK for. I remember the days when we would lower the windows without the need for filtering air to the cabins.

 

[Road Trip]

Another option for those who do not have Amazon Prime, but want OEM and a great price from Tascaparts: $20.48. If you buy anything else from Tasca along with this, shipping should be very reasonable.

http://www.tascaparts.com/?p=catalo...n=all&search_str=Cabin air filter KD45-61-J6X)

 

[g-hood]

I bought the OEM version on Amazon from China. Compared it with the OEM I bought from the dealer and they are identical. Just $10

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JUDQ89E/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Nieklas1]

Another option for those who do not have Amazon Prime, but want OEM and a great price from Tascaparts: $20.48. If you buy anything else from Tasca along with this, shipping should be very reasonable.

http://www.tascaparts.com/?p=catalog&mode=search&search_in=all&search_str=Cabin air filter KD45-61-J6X)

What I don’t get is their shipping’ part will be way cheaper then dealer I’ll add it to cart then shipping 125$ wtf?
even small stuff like a console lid they wanted 58$ to ship I didchrome window trim with the black rubber ones each part like 20-30 per window shipping $219…. I don’t get it? It doesn’t cost that fn much to ship’ I’m in wyoming not fn Amsterdam half way around the world

 

[CerealKiller]

Those posts are 5 years old.
CK

 

[zero_gravity]

honestly, it's a cabin filter. who cares. it doesn't need to be high end. i buy some cheap ones off amazon and they work just fine.

 

[Sternchallis]

The cabin filter is only there to protect the a/c and heating heat exchangers and fan from debris. If you had a soft top/ open sun roof or are out walking then you are breathing the same air. So ashas been suggested find the cheapest one that will fit and remove periodically and vacuum leaves etc off it.
You can also buy a non mazda air filter, but I always buy a Mazda Oil and Fuel filter, they are critical.
To make the engine air filter last you could lay a few of those tumble dryer tissues on the top to cover it and check for leaf debris every time you wash and vac your car.