New CX-7 Owner Maintenance Chores

[Bstrom]

Hello all,
As a 1995 Miata owner, I have always considered Mazda to be an unsung Japanese brand that many have not come to know. So, in view of inflated used car prices for Toyota and Honda vehicles, I felt fortunate finding a super clean 2011 CX-7 with only 79k miles.

After arriving home and starting due diligence on maintenance, I discovered the dealer didn't do any at all, although the claim of a 140 point inspection gave me the impression they would attend to some of these items. Foolish me.

Dealer Replacement Parts:
Air Filter
(4) New Milestar 225/65-17 Grantland tires - uh,oh - performance hit!
Front rotors turned / new pads

My Maintenance:
Oil - Mobil1 0-20 High Mileage Full Synthetic w/ Mobil1 10,00 mile filter
Coolant - still clean, topped off
Air box to intake tube clamp was super loose - filter replacement by a hack mechanic(?)
Cleaned MAF sensor - still very clean
Plugs - look original (FoMoCo's) and pretty burnt up - amazed I'm not seeing a code. Ordered Mazda/NGK Laser Iridium Spark Plugs L3Y2-18-110 ILTR5A-13G for immediate installation on Thursday

Cosmetically it is in great shape for a 6-year-old - nearly perfect interior (a couple vinyl scuffs in rear cabin area/numerous tiny lost paint flecks on hood, a few superficial dings)

Gave the interior fabrics/mats a good ScotchGuard treatment and ArmorAll'd the plastic surfaces. Vehicle runs and drives like new - very peppy and good handling overall for a crossover. Clean engine bay and and undercarriage.

Questions:
1) Should I expect to replace the timing chain on my 2.4L nonturbo after hearing all the bad news about the 2.3L turbo motor issues, or is it unique to that motor only?
3) Anything specific to keep an eye out for on this model?

Preliminary Observations
The 2011 model seems to be a well made version with a stout motor/tranny and good fit/finish. No real issues reported on forums for the 2.4L models. Am hopeful it will provide long term reliability (appears the circa 2007/8 turbo models were more problematic).

Transmission Fluid Change
At 79k it was filthy, pitch black (probably original!), so don't believe for a minute you're not getting the same filth as engine oil. The internal clutch packs are shedding material that needs to be removed along with the oil/additive deterioration.

Changes at 30,000 miles may be a suggested interval but I intend to do it every 20,000 to preserve maximum reliability. You'll only need 3.5 quarts for each 'drain 'n refill' - measure the emptied amount from your vehicle but that should bring you right to the top mark on the tranny dipstick. I even jigsawed a hole in the plastic pan to avoid having to take it off to pull the Allen head plug - that's makin' it easy! (Engine oil plug already has an access panel too.)

However I determined the 2.4L tranny uses M5 fluid, not 3309 or T-IV. I got Mazda 0000-77-112E-01 Transmission Fluid from NORTHTOWNE PARTS on eBay for just under $13 per quart.