Sounds super unusual for an MX5 to be so shoddy.

I think you've missed the boat on them swapping it for a new one.

I have been communicating and complaining since day 1, believe me, I think it's because I am a woman and I just get fobbed off with coffee and smiles

Write to Mazda GB. Tell them what you'd like (I.e another marque) and you're going to list the cars faults on every online review + write to every car mag's agony aunt section.

Then do it. Don't ask them for a deal, it'll just have faulty traction control!

This is where some daft idiot comes in and says something along the lines of...

'yes, your car must be a lemon, it was probably made on a friday afternoon, when the staff were just thinking about the weekend and cutting corners, eagar to get home'.

Some people get unlucky I guess. If the fault is persistent, then they must not be sorting it out properly...

"Water Retention" is what older ladies get, what you have is a leak, rain lands on the car and is getting in somewhere, spray a hose at the car and try and identify where, either a part is broken, a seal has a gap or something isn't mating together, it isn't rocket science, it isn't mysterious and it will not be impossible to sort, a lot of open cars (and some tin tops) do leak water in, try this if it is coming through the fabric hood, mine was coming in and running down the A pillar and dropping off the dash and dropping onto the carpet, one application has stopped that, still get a bit in the boot but thats one for the summer.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005WIF4NI/ref=asc_df_B...


The seat coming loose is probably either the frame cracking or the bolts that fix it to the car coming loose, one will require the seat to be taken apart and welded, the other the bolts tightening, perhaps using some "Thread Lock" or Nyloc bolts, have you actually had a look at any of these issues or do you just get despondent or take it to the dealers, fair play if its in warranty but if not it is your problem so a quick look with a torch will let you see what is happening and understand what the problem is.

The car shouldnt have these faults, but sometimes cars do and it is amazing how simple some of the issues actually are.

No you shouldn't have to put up with that but it isn't new any more, its five years old. I cant imagine you would need to strip the interior to trace a leak, sit in it and get someone to squirt the car, if its in the boot, dust something around as a tell tale to show where any water has run down, post on MX5Nutz or the MX5 Owners Club and they will no doubt know the potential leaks in the Mk3 MX5, your car wont be unique with these faults, forums are great for finding out what is going on.

I once had the misfortune to own a BMW E60 5 series, which needed 11 dealer visits in 2 years. I tried to get it replaced, to no avail. Just put it down to experience & steer well clear of the brand in the future....

I would 100% be thinking about getting rid of this coming up to summer.To get the most back on your investment.

I agree fully with what Andy has said. Three attempts to fix a fault. With a variety of faults, that's just a nightmare to manage.
There is no easy win choice for you - keep it and some of the problems you've had may contribute to further problems (like rust with the water leaks) or sell it and take a financial hit on replacing it with another car.

I'm not sure what trade-in values are like but it's a popular / desirable car and should sell well. Most reviews are favourable, you've just been really unlucky.
If you are having to pay for these repairs, maybe see if Mazda can offer an extended warranty or something (chargeable) or an independent warranty if you are worried about further expense.