MX-5 Servicing

[Wigeon Incognito]

Not the most exciting topic in the world but I just had a horrifying (to a man who is to money what an eraser is to graphite) quote of £525 to do the big service (cam belt, tensioners etc etc) on my MX-5.

Its a '98 Mk1 S and so far has a full main dealer history from new which I was intending to keep that way but that seems to be a very expensive option!

Does anybody know of a reasonable main dealer or a good specialist in the Bristol area?

Thanks,

WI

[anonymous-user]

Put down the KY and find an indie. Or, pick up a spanner and do it yourself. The Mk1 is a lovely car to work on.

Couple of threads on the MX5OC that might point you in the right direction:
http://mx5ocforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php
http://mx5ocforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php

[steve bowen]

Massively over priced as the mx5 is a sensible car with the engine the correct orientation in the engine bay meaning cambelt changes are super easy etc not like 99% of modern cars where the engines the wrong orientation making the job a bitch and often charged around the price you mention.

Most independant places will charge £100 including a new belt to do an mx5 cambelt. Then all you have left to do is new oil £20, oil filter £6, fuel filter £6, air filter £15 , brake fluid £10 & coolant change £10. All of which are easy and should be no more than 2 hours labour. Don't believe any mazda garage that'll tell you it does alignment etc you need a proper 4 wheel alignment place such as Wheels in motion or any listed on their website to do that properly. If you car needs doing normal charge is £100

[steve bowen]

Cambelt, both tensioners & cam cover gasket £49
www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/216

Air filter £3.95
www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/525

Oil filter £1.95
www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/527

Fuel filter £10.34
www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/232

Set of 4 spark plugs £7.47
www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/235

Set of IG leads £24.79
www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/234

you get the idea

[Wigeon Incognito]

Thanks for the advice. I'm not a particulary experienced spanner man so wouldn't trust my ability to do the work myself but seeing those prices really shows what a rip off it is!

Stuff the full Mazda service history!

[juzzyp]

There's also some great walkthrough guides on www.miata.net in the garage section.