Complete MX-5 Newbie needs help

[YRRunner]

Hi everybody. I have just acquired a 2007 2.0 Sport (am I correct in thinking this would be classed as a Mk3.5?). I got it from a car auctions so there isn't a great deal of history that came with the her. The car is in fantastic condition though and has a warranted 21,800 miles. Unfortunately there is only one electronic Mazda Dealer service record which was at 4,100 miles. No documented evidence of anything since, which concerns me a little. Should I get it serviced by a Mazda Dealer in order to build up a Main Dealer SH, or (this would be my preference) should I go to an MX-5 specialist who can really tell me about the car from an expert perspective (I need to know everything about it) and also advise me on some good mods. It has the usual Sport refinements, 6 Speed/Leather/Bilsteins/Bose etc. but I'd like to know what other improvements I could do to the car (may do the odd track day) to enhance it. I just don't have much faith in main dealers, especially ones who have a whole plethora of different dealerships but seemingly only one service garage that also services Seat, Peugeot, Vauxhall... you name it. Are there any PH's here from the Yorkshire area that can recommend a good indy? Or am I best off getting the official "stamp" in the book initially?

Also, it only came with one key fob and that key doesn't work (I assume the battery is dead). Where could I go to get a replacement fob and how/where can it be cut and programmed (I expect the main dealer will want anything between £100 and £200 quid for this). I have attached a pic of the key below. Can someone advise how to get the fob open (I don't wanna break it) and where I can get a battery from? Any views, suggestions and advice is greatly appreciated and gratefully received.

[snotrag]

Roddisons, Sheffield just next to meadow hall. 0114 244 5300 iirc.

Runs, prepares, races Mx-5s. Only person other than myself that works on my car.

I'm sure he'll let you bring your car down for a look and advise. Top company, very highly rated on the forums.

[hornetrider]

YRRunner said:

Hi everybody. I have just acquired a 2007 2.0 Sport (am I correct in thinking this would be classed as a Mk3.5?). I got it from a car auctions so there isn't a great deal of history that came with the her. The car is in fantastic condition though and has a warranted 21,800 miles. Unfortunately there is only one electronic Mazda Dealer service record which was at 4,100 miles. No documented evidence of anything since, which concerns me a little.

Welcome. OK being an 07 you have a Mk3. The 3.5 was introduced in 2009.

If it was serviced at 4100 miles that would have been the initial 12 month service approx a year after it was first registered, most likely. So - sometime in 2008? According to Mazda it needs servicing every 12.5k or 12 months whichever comes first, so if it hasn't been seen since 08 I'd get it serviced soon.

It's up to you whether you take it to Mazda - they're not actually expensive I've found - iirc I paid 180 odd for my 2nd service which includes brake fluid as well as oil/filter.

Out of curiosity if its not been serviced how are the miles warranted? Mind you presumably it has a few MOTs by now.

[YRRunner]

hornetrider said:

Welcome. OK being an 07 you have a Mk3. The 3.5 was introduced in 2009.

If it was serviced at 4100 miles that would have been the initial 12 month service approx a year after it was first registered, most likely. So - sometime in 2008? According to Mazda it needs servicing every 12.5k or 12 months whichever comes first, so if it hasn't been seen since 08 I'd get it serviced soon.

It's up to you whether you take it to Mazda - they're not actually expensive I've found - iirc I paid 180 odd for my 2nd service which includes brake fluid as well as oil/filter.

Out of curiosity if its not been serviced how are the miles warranted? Mind you presumably it has a few MOTs by now.

It probably has been serviced (judging from the condition), just more than likely not by a Mazda dealer. From what I can gather the previous lady owner worked at a military air base, so perhaps she had one of the garage pool lads look after it, or some indy. There's just little or no documentation to be had with these auction house cars. MOT's are there and show an appropriately rising mileage. I've checked the oil and looked at the oil and air filters - both are aftermarket, FRAM and K&N, neither show signs of age or neglect. Bilstein's look clean, no leaks. I just want to rest easier, so will have everything checked through properly. The key fob is annoying me though - can't remember the last time I physically had to use a key in a car lock! I think it was my Austin Healey Sprite!

[YRRunner]

snotrag said:

Roddisons, Sheffield just next to meadow hall. 0114 244 5300 iirc.

Runs, prepares, races Mx-5s. Only person other than myself that works on my car.

I'm sure he'll let you bring your car down for a look and advise. Top company, very highly rated on the forums.

Thanks Simon.

[mondayo]

YRRunner said:

snotrag said:

Roddisons, Sheffield just next to meadow hall. 0114 244 5300 iirc.

Runs, prepares, races Mx-5s. Only person other than myself that works on my car.

I'm sure he'll let you bring your car down for a look and advise. Top company, very highly rated on the forums.

Thanks Simon.

Another vote for Roddisons from me, took my Mk1 there for him to look over which he did, and didn't even charge. I top bloke and very helpful and informative.
As mentioned above, he races Mx5's and currently he races Mk3's so will know them inside out I'd of thought. Not that local to West Yorkshire, but you can drop it off with him and leave it for a few days for him to look over.

[sbird]

Definitely worth taking it to Roddisons. My car's been up to him before and will be going again soon for some handling improvements (aka suspension that doesn't look like Inspector Gadget's car).

If you're looking to take it on track he'll point you in the right direction.

Batteries - I haven't taken a Mk3 keyfob apart, but you can buy batteries for most fobs from ebay for about 50p or go to a local key cutters and pay a fiver.

[YRRunner]

Got a battery today, fitted it and it worked, briefly. I sat in the car and pressed the lock button. The alarm wentr off and carried on going until I put the key in the ignition and started the car up. Since then the fob, with new battery, won't work again and doesn't light up. Is this a case of re-programming or ???? Frustrated now .