new to mx5s and wanting advice

Ants · Post by **Ants** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 8:57 pm

I'm in the process of getting a 96 1.8 which has been off the road for the last year. Could anyone help with letting me know who are the best people in the Franklin or Auckland areas to work on it, as my mechanical knowledge and ability range is somewhere between 'laughable' and 'ye gods!'.

As far as I know there were few problems with it prior to going off the road, but sitting there can't have done it any good. I've tracked down the advice on spark plugs and leads (NGK BKR5), but are there any other basic parts that, when in need of replacement, should have a specific make of part? If so, what?

Any help would be appreciated.

marinerbluemx5 · Post by **marinerbluemx5** » Sat Oct 18, 2008 8:07 am

I haven't found a good shop yet, but I did pick up a copy of this manual, and I can say it's excellent:
http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info. ... ucts_id/30
The MX5 is a pretty straightforward car, so it might be cheapest to just fix it yourself with some tools. Also, after seeing the terrible job that places that should know better (like the dealership) have done on my car, I'm now trying to do everything myself on it.

Euen · Post by **Euen** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 11:46 am

Welcome to the forum

I agree with MarinerBlue, The enthusiasts manual is extremely helpful. If they think a job is beyond the home mechanic, they will say that. Make sure you get the 1.8 version. I got mine from Techbooks in Newmarket.

The general concensus is that regular oil and filter changes with a good oil and the original Mazda filter will keep your 5 running well.

There is also a wealth of maintenance info in the garage section of Miata.net.

Keith Jones · Post by **Keith Jones** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 12:11 pm

I'm with Euen and Colin and do all my own work.
However, if you don't trust your capabilities try Glyn at City Garage in Auckland city. They know MX5s inside out and give MX5 club members a discount (can't remember how much).
I've referred several people to them and they have all commented positively.

Keith

Post by **jif** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 12:51 pm

2008/10/17 Ants <mx5talk@mx5forum.co.nz>:

I'm in the process of getting a 96 1.8 which has been off the road for the
last year. Could anyone help with letting me know who are the best people in
the Franklin or Auckland areas to work on it, as my mechanical knowledge and

Brett of roadsters-r-us is in Helensville (is that close enough? I
need to get out more...

... he's on 09 420 8770.

-j

[Posted via external email]

Ants · Post by **Ants** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 2:40 pm

Many thanks guys. I'll need to check out the club website more thoroughly once I've joined. If anyone else has any recommendations, please continue to post.

ianbell · Post by **ianbell** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 9:23 pm

Hi. I live in Pukekohe and use a mechanic who lives near me to work on my MX5 when needed. He will also check out the car for you. His rates are very good (far cheaper than Auckland labour rates) and he does a very good job. Post a reply here with a contact number if you want to speak to him and I can arrange it. - Ian Bell

Ants · Post by **Ants** » Tue Oct 21, 2008 5:05 pm

Thanks Ian, I appreciate the help. You can contact me on 021 1153142 outside 8.45am-3.30pm during the week or during the weekend, just not too late!