Any 5-friendly independent garages near Cambridge/Newmarket/Ely?

General Discussion Forums MX-5 Chat
2

Hi fellow '5ers,

I bought some third-party bits a while back (front wishbone, clutch kit, timing kit) and it’s a bit out of my comfort zone doing stuff like this. Does anyone know of a local 5-friendly independent garage that would fit these for me? Looking for a slightly cheaper alternative to the Mazda dealership in Cambridge…

Car is SORNed at the moment.

Martin

3

Martin, Before I make this suggestion I’ll say I have no knowledge of the work of the garage or have ever used them.

You could try BC Cars in Haverhill which I understand is run by a guy named Brian Chandler who races 5’s.

4

Thanks for that.

Once I’vegot my battery charged, and can work out how to get a clutch-less car to a garage, I’ll let you know where my Eunos ends up!

Martin

5

You do of course have EMG on your doorstep with Roadster Robbie at your service, and whilst a main dealer they do give discount to Club members and Robbie’s first class attention…

6

See my first post…

 

7

Do Manchet’s to repairs or just recovery?

I’ve used St Michael’s Garage in Ely before but I’m not sure he could get your SORN’d car to the garage.

 

8

Booked in at St Michael’s next week - will have to get the AA to tow me out there (hopefully).

Don’t trust Manchetts really. Prices are, um, a movable feast… For example, they quote an “all-in” price for a full service, then say things like “Oh, we had to change the pollen filter”. So, what’s the definition of a full service? Never come away from there having spent less than £400, ever.

 

9

I’ll remember to avoid them if I can.

I can’t remember the guy’s name, but when I was talking to one mechanic at St Michael’s when I had the old Project Merlot exhaust fitted, he seemed like a true car guy and came across as really genuine. I think he was the same price, or maybe a few pound dearer then City of Ely Motors, but I felt like he’d do a better job.

 

10

I spoke to him today, and got exactly the same impression - I actually wanted to let him have my car. It seemed like he would enjoy working on it. I’ll let you know how it goes (assuming I can persuade the AA to tow the car there from Burwell - a bit difficult for me to drive it with a non-functioning clutch and a duff battery!).