I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: Service schedule
Hi, Ive just picked up my 48k Jun 2013 and as far as I can see from the service history it’s due everything going by time rather than mileage. Mazda history for the first 5 years then local oil/air/plugs over 3 local services up to Dec 2023 and only done 1500 miles since.
My plan is to do oil/filter, brake fluid, coolant, trans oil, diff oil and check drive belt and steering fluid. Front tyres are mint but date looks like original Khumos, rear have been changed in last few years (also look mint) but I’ll put a full new set on soon.
I feel I just want to put a peg in the ground for my ownership but my question is am I being over cautious with such a low mileage car?
I would do exactly the same as yourself and check/change all fluids when I’ve bought a car unless you can absolutely have proof it’s been done recently. It’s also important to know what’s been put in, say engine and gearbox oils etc.
Hi Paul. I took much the same approach with my MX5 when I bought it a couple of years ago. For my own peace of mind, I got all the oils changed (engine oil, gearbox oil, diff oil). I was lucky to find a good independent garage in south Manchester where one of the mechanics is an MX5 enthusiast, and they understand my approach to preventive maintenance. I also put a set of new tyres on, and “fresh rubber” made a big difference, made the car much livelier and more responsive
Just had brake fluid and coolant changed last month, alongside another “full set of oils”.
As already said change all the fluids as a base point.
I have a 2013 3.75 Sport Tech Nav and have experimented with a few different gearbox oils……
Stick with a GL4 ONLY.
Just my opinion I would use this as it’s great from cold use.
All booked in at a local garage recommended by a mate who’s on his 9th MX5.
Will get a quote for tyres when there but I’m thinking of a set of Khumo tyres at £95 ea fully fitted inc vat. Don’t think it’s worth the saving on lower budget tyres as these will probably last me at least 5yrs.
Thanks Philip, I was thinking of doing that once I definitely decide to keep the car long term at the end of the summer. I’ve just sold my motorbike so me and the wife will decide whether the MX5 is to be its long term replacement this year. I think it might be
Gone in for service today, engine, brake service and coolant. Mechanic says he can change the transmission and diff oil but if I want but thinks it would a waste of money as he’s confident that if inspected it would look clean and new. Can’t really argue with that. Getting a stamp in the book for this year will do me. Coolant hasn’t ever been done and brake fluid was last done 2017.
Plan for future is MOT in Dec and clear any advisories. Get it under sealed and probably new set of tyres this time next year (rears at least to match fronts).
All,being well today will have confidence in it moving forward ready for summer fun.
Personally I would. Not sure what the NC gear box oil interval is, but if it isn’t at or before 5 years (the last time it was at a Mazda dealership), it might never have been changed. Even if it was changed at 5 years, that would have back in '18.
5yrs £60k for an NC. Never been done as far as I can see but it’s low mileage and 1 lady owner. Mileage will go over 50k this year so I’ll most likely get it done on next years service. Don’t want to explode the gearbox whilst backing off the drive
Yes, fair enough. I did similar with a NISSAN Elgrand I used to have with brake fluid. It was on 4 years (as per the Japanese service history it came with), but the mechanic doing a test on it said it was fine, so the plan was to do it the next year. I ended up selling it anyway.
They did the gearbox oil after all. Said they’d seen worse but seeing as I’d mentioned it they changed it. Also did rear pads as they were thin and decent spark plugs. So three extra jobs and all done till next year.
I did top mine up when I had the centre consul out fitting a new Kenwood unit.
Does that make a difference I don’t know, (I doubt it to be honest).
It’s all down to the synchromesh bulk rings etc at the end of the day.
As they are a soft metal which can wear/deteriorate with incorrect oils.
Just my opinion, but I think they uprated the 6 speed gearbox slightly from the 3.5 onwards.
I can tell you I used Total a couple of times and then went to the Castrol literally after a few months with some research (GL4 ONLY) and will stick with that.
Total recommended it but that was a GL4 and 5…
