Garage recommendations for MX5 servicing - Walton / Surrey ?

[Chuck21]

Hi all,

My girlfriend has just bought a lovely Mk2 Phoenix and I was hoping somebody might be able to recommend a good independent garage for servicing/repairs etc - just looking for somewhere honest, reliabale and reasonably priced. We're based in the Walton/Weybridge area but happy to travel within 30mins....

Thanks in advance.
C

[NiceCupOfTea]

I would recommend Freelance Mazda in Chatham - a bit outside your area, but well worth the trip. He is very good and cheap too - full service inc cambelt for £160+VAT iirc.

[Planet Claire]

If he can fit you in, Phil at Performance 5 is very knowlegable about all things MX5. Just call him on his mobile number if you want a quick response .

[maz8062]

If Romford is not too far, Russ & Bo at MX5mad are spot on, reasonably priced and know a bit about mx5's.

I've met all 3 companies listed so far - The guy at Freelance Mazda is a very very nice person and is very popular if not a bit too far in deepest darkest Kent. Russ and Bo have done all my work over the years and I'm just waiting for free slot in Phil's diary.

Good luck

[Jonny671]

NiceCupOfTea said:

I would recommend Freelance Mazda in Chatham - a bit outside your area, but well worth the trip. He is very good and cheap too - full service inc cambelt for £160+VAT iirc.

How cheap?

His labour charge must be very low, shirly.

[NiceCupOfTea]

He works out of a single industrial unit so I reckon he must keep his overheads low. Have a look in my profile for his costs for work done on my car.

www.freelancemazda.co.uk

Just noticed it is in fact £150 ex VAT for cambelt service.

My first service:

- Full service (oil, plugs, etc.)
- Cambelt changed
- Air con regassed
- Diff / Gearbox oil changed
- Coolant renewed
- Cam cover gasket changed as weeping
- Timing belt idler pulley replaced
- General check over (Brakes fine, Brake fluid fine)

£335 all in.

Recently:

Full service, head off and all HLAs replaced with known good ones from s/h head, air con regas and time advanced - £429.

[Jonny671]

NiceCupOfTea said:

He works out of a single industrial unit so I reckon he must keep his overheads low. Have a look in my profile for his costs for work done on my car.

www.freelancemazda.co.uk

Just noticed it is in fact £150 ex VAT for cambelt service.

My first service:

- Full service (oil, plugs, etc.)
- Cambelt changed
- Air con regassed
- Diff / Gearbox oil changed
- Coolant renewed
- Cam cover gasket changed as weeping
- Timing belt idler pulley replaced
- General check over (Brakes fine, Brake fluid fine)

£335 all in.

Recently:

Full service, head off and all HLAs replaced with known good ones from s/h head, air con regas and time advanced - £429.

That's good that is.

Is that plus or ex VAT?

Ours aren't that cheap, i'll be the first to admit it.. But i'd imagine our overheads are abit higher than his.

At the end of the day, aslong as the service and quality is good it doesn't really matter who you go

[NiceCupOfTea]

Those prices are inc VAT and what I paid. I think the prices on his website are ex VAT but very competetive.

He really does know his stuff.