Advice for new Mk3 owner

[VictoriaYorks]

I’m new to this section but I just bought a 56 plate and I’m trying to familiarise myself with it.
I don’t have the owner manual which is a bit of a pain, it’s a 2 litre sport that’s been engine swapped with a 2010 engine.
I know there are things like drain holes I should be checking, but I don’t know where they are. Is there any other ongoing stuff I need to keep on top of? Any general advice for a new owner?

[Turbofun]

I would suggest joining this group of FB - a helpful bunch
NC Mazda MX-5 MK3s (2006-2015) www.nc-europe.club
https://www.facebook.com/groups/nceurope.club/

[Yeti97]

http://www.duratecnc.co.uk/?p=52#comment-63
A guide for new-owners by a PH'er. I have an Mk3 as well and there's nothing more I could add.

[VictoriaYorks]

Thanks, I did have a read of that thread before I bought but I’ll keep it bookmarked.
The only thing I’m struggling with is it doesn’t seem to like changing down gears, say you’re in third or fourth coming up to traffic, but it then starts moving, if I try to go for second I almost need to leave it in neutral before it will go in. Maybe I just need to drive it differently.

[VictoriaYorks]

Turbofun said:

I would suggest joining this group of FB - a helpful bunch
NC Mazda MX-5 MK3s (2006-2015) www.nc-europe.club
https://www.facebook.com/groups/nceurope.club/

I’ve requested to join

[VictoriaYorks]

I’ve sorted out the problem I was having with the gears, I think t was partly due to it having been sat for a while when it was for sale, and partly due to me not pushing the clutch all the way in - the shame!

[Evoluzione]

If the biting point is ridiculously low then the answer is in the guide pointed out to you.

[tr7v8]

VictoriaYorks said:

Thanks, I did have a read of that thread before I bought but I’ll keep it bookmarked.
The only thing I’m struggling with is it doesn’t seem to like changing down gears, say you’re in third or fourth coming up to traffic, but it then starts moving, if I try to go for second I almost need to leave it in neutral before it will go in. Maybe I just need to drive it differently.

Had my Mk3.5 2010 2L PRHT Sport Tech for 5 years now. Keep an eye on the oil level, some use it some don't but never ever let it get low. They munch crank bearings if they do.
I have a gearbox oil change every other year which massively improves the gear change, especially 1st to 2nd & 3rd to 2nd.
Also get the diff oil changed, my indie has changed a few diffs recently so get the oil changed on that.

[ARHarh]

I have had mine for nearly 6 years now so my memory of what mine needed when I got it is not great. Gearbox oil change made a lot of difference. I also seem to remember adjusting the clutch pedal. The brakes needed a rebuild as all calipers were sticky. New slider pins and good clean had that sorted. Since had new front calipers due to stuck pistols. The drain holes need checking and can be difficult to find first time. Check youtube for vids on how to clear.

[DWDarkWheels]

Changing gearbox and diff oil is a 25,000 mile service item. If it's long overdue ( as my 2007 was), getting it sorted will slick up the transmission.

[littleredrooster]

VictoriaYorks said:

Thanks, I did have a read of that thread before I bought but I’ll keep it bookmarked.
The only thing I’m struggling with is it doesn’t seem to like changing down gears, say you’re in third or fourth coming up to traffic, but it then starts moving, if I try to go for second I almost need to leave it in neutral before it will go in. Maybe I just need to drive it differently.

Mine was awful when I bought it. A change to Millers fully synthetic made a big difference, but if you're near to the member Evoluzione on here, he has a special mix which is supposed to work very well. It's all in his blog, linked somewhere above.