I took my 2019 MX-5 ND to Western Mazda in Edinburgh for servicing, and they’ve quoted me £900 to replace two tyres, the rear discs, and the calipers (£300 for the tyres and £600 for the brake assemblies). It seems quite expensive to me.
My question is: Is it worth having the work done at the official Mazda dealership? Or would it be better to look for an independent mechanic to get a better price?
The thing is, I bought the car in 2024. It’s a 2019 model that has always been serviced at an official dealership. I also bought it as a Mazda Approved vehicle. My intention is to keep taking it to Mazda every year for servicing so that the service book remains fully stamped.
Would you recommend changing these parts at another garage, or should I just pay what they’re asking to have it done at Mazda?
Are you sure that they are ‘replacing’ both callipers in that price? It is unusual for them to need replacing, but you have not said what the milage is,
You have not said what brand of tyres they are quoting for, this is important as prices for tyres varies from very cheap to very expensive.
You are right to proceed with caution. You need to know exactly what is wrong with the tyres, discs and callipers that requires them to be replaced?
The mileage of the car is about 24k. About the brakes, they mentioned that they are “corroded”. It seems reasonable to me since the car sleeps outside in Scotland. I’m fine with the change, the tires too. I was just wondering if they were trying to charge too much.
I’d ask for a proper breakdown of the parts they’re proposing to change. For example, you’ve mentioned rear discs and calipers, but no mention of new brake pads?
Also as Malc pointed out, what tyres are they proposing to fit for you?
I got a full set of tyres fitted for £336 so I think you 2 budget tyres are expensive. I’d go to a tyre fitter and get a quote, match the others or choose your preferred tyre.
Regards the rest of the work can’t really comment if it’s good value (worth it) I’d hope they’d be using genuine Mazda parts, you need a breakdown of costs and parts concerned.
OEM for the 2L ND are Bridgestone Potenza s001. Personally I think they are great and bought them again. However, you might find it’s almost a de facto forum right of passage to dislike them.
Having read your replies I would suggest that they may be taking ‘advantage’ of you.
You do NOT want budget tyres, look at Asda Tyres and Black Circles for a comparison.
For the brakes go to an independent and ask for their opinion. I see no reason that you would need new callipers but why not post a picture of both rear discs and callipers so we can have a look.
Very unusual for calipers to need replacing if they are not damaged or cracked.
Unless the corrosion has got inside via a split seal, then it can be cleaned off (vapour blasting etc) and the caliper can be rebuilt.
In any case, if they are saying that the caliper is so badly corroded that they need replacing, then why have they not quoted to replace the presumably also badly corroded brake pipes and flexible couplings?
Purely my preference of brand, I am on my 5th set of this brand, recently had a set fitted to my ND and daily driver too.
Hit the coupon code in and it brings the price down to £90 per tyre fully fitted. Or check out your local tyre fitters, do a price match as I did it. It can at times be favourable to give your local place/garage a shot at supply and fit price wise.
Sorry, edit…..that is Blackcircles the online tyre website below
Another thing I want to mention is that they brought up in the servicing is that they are advising the replacement of NSR hub carrier, for which they want to charge me 1150 pounds. I’ve found a thread about this topic in other forum and how it is not normal to need to replace it at such low mileage (https://www.mx5life.com/threads/attention-all-nd-mk4-owners.48611/). I’m trying to address this directly with Mazda UK to have them paying partially. If that doesn’t work, I’m still covered by a Vertu Motor Assured warranty I paid when I got the car and that is not expiring until next month.
It would be good to know your opinion about this too. I’m quite new in those things and I would appreciate any insights.
rear discs and pads for ND rear: £86 delivered.
calipers, as above ‘‘if’’ they both need doing, could be sourced 2nd hand for very cheap. if theyve already failed by 24k in your area/weather, cost effectivness will be 2nd hand as you will need to do regular replacements i suspect.
I think they are referring to the rear bushing. They can wear prematurely, not very good really for the mileage. My ND is on around 24k miles 10 years old, I may have the same problem although ATM minor movement in the bushes, I intend to inspect properly this year.
Depending on where you are in the country I know of an MX-5 specialist who can do that job, probably not with those bushes shown, price was pretty good last time he quoted on them.
