East London/Essex MX5 servicing

[16simon]

Hi all, my mk1 MX5 is due a service and cambelt change: Dandycars and EverythingMX5 are local(ish) to me and are charging about the same to do this work. Aklthough it is a bit annoying that this is almost double the £150 that FreelanceMazda in Kent are charging.

Any recommendations for either place - or somewhere else would be much appreciated - thanks!!

[vrsmxtb]

Why not travel the extra 30mins to Chatham then?

I had an engine swap at Everything MX5, all felt a bit backstreet scrappy but no issues with the work and supplied parts. The chaps at Freelance are very good, they're my local place. Never used dandycars so can't comment.

[IanOE]

I used to take my mk1 MX5s to Everything MX5 to get work done. As mentioned previously it looks a little rough and ready, but I always had good service and never had any issues. It was pretty reasonably priced too.

I got a new hood supplied and fitted by Dandycars and it was all fine, but I didn't get any other work done there.

[16simon]

Thanks both for the replies.

I'm really confused about the pricing, as Dandycars actually want £340 just to do the cambelt.... plus more money for the service, yet FreelanceMazda will do both for £150. I would go to FreelanceMazda but they don't open on Saturdays and getting the car there during the week means driving out in the evening, travelling home by train, then back out by train the next day to collect it....

I had a chat to EverythingMX5 on the phone and they seem decent, and £290 for a service (change oil, plugs, air filter etc) and a change of cambelt seems like a good price so I'll take the car there tomorrow.