I obviously knew that I wasn’t using my 1992 Mx5 a great deal, but only by looking at past MOT’s / receipts did I realise how low the mileage was :
2017 Purchased as fresh import
2018 (677 miles) MOT only as “serviced” pre sale & subsequent remedial work
2019 (489 miles) MOT only as minimal miles
2020 (220 miles) MOT due
…given I have already skipped a couple of services is a service now necessary?.. even with such low mileage (The oil still looks fresh on the dip stick)
Your thoughts please
Hi, personally, I’d get it done - the oil might look fine, but servicing covers all mechanical aspects of course - things like brake fluid may well need changing and rubber components, seals etc. may need attention with that low mileage.
Phil
If I read correctly , last service was done as a pre-sale service in 2017, about 1400 miles ago. (not sure how much you can trust that service, some garages are great and ensure everything is perfect before sale, others will do the minimum and ‘paper over the cracks’ so to speak).
Either way, brake fluid is unlikely to have been done unless you asked for it, and should be changed every three years - so I would get this done. Engine oil and filter, I would also change, they do degrade over time as well as miles, so yes change that.
Other fluids, 'box, diff, coolant, may or may not need doing. Depends on what was done back in 2017. Those fluids can last years, but are very unlikely to be changed unless specifically asked for, and your car is almost 30 years old. If I didn’t know the history, I would certainly be changing everything so that I knew going forward.
Even screen wash. It can go gooey with bacteria unless you use one with a biocide (well known problem in many BMWs as the fluid is kept warm and encourages bugs to grow which then causes gloom which then blocks pipes, jets and pump. I use BMW fluid in both our Mazdas for the risk avoidance).
Also with such minimal usage, need to keep an eye on tyres for cracking and flat spots, battery for degradation, and every moving part for seizing. Best to give the car a run up to temperature every three or four weeks to keep things slick.
If the car is a long term keeper, but only if, the thing that’s missing in your post is the cambelt/water pump service unless you have clear evidence it’s been done.
Bar that, I must 100% agree with all else that has been said.
Best to change brake fluid every 2 years really for a kick off.
I take the pragmatic view the wee beasty is not costing much to actually run in terms of fuel, tyres etc but it’s be good to know it’s plug & play when you choose to do so…not to forget buyers do like to see service receipts.
Not being funny, but the best service after it’s all done is to take it for a 20/30 mile “spirited” run every other 2 weeks or so.
A service includes inspection of safety critical parts. You might not spot that tear in the inner sidewall of a tyre, nor the crack at the top of a spring.
Thanks for the input. I suspect the dealer opted for the “paper over the cracks option”, though an independent specialist verified (whilst replacing a cracked thermostat housing) that the cambelt and water pump had recently been changed.
I shall follow the combined wisdom and get it serviced