Over christmas I finally took the plunge and bought a 2007 mk3 mx5 1.8. - 22k on the clock - seemed a bargain at £5.5k
On the test drive it seemed great, however after a few weeks of ownership I’ve noticed a few things that may…or may not be problems.
The sensitive throttle combined with a very low clutch biting point makes driving in traffic not much fun. I often seem in danger of either stalling the engine, or at the other extreme, pushing too hard so that I wheel-spin off from a junction. Getting a bit more used to it now, but is still an issue - especially on hill starts. Just wondered if this was usual?
On a cold start the engine noise sounds fine. However after 15-20 minutes running it seems to develop a slight whiring noise from the engine for a few seconds. Not sure if its constant, but definately more noticeable once I come off the throttle, and especially in a low gear. Hard to describe the noise really - I’ll try and record on my phone and put it on youtube. Would love to know if anyone has had anything similar, or can diagnose from my very vague description!
I bought the car from a small independant garage who also gave me three months warranty, so would rather get this sorted sooner rather than later…
Just signed in for the first of many visits? I’m sure that you will pop your location in your profile, and the year and model of your MX5 in your sig. This helps enormously when we try to answer questions…
Hi ? I found the clutch very light when new , just as you describe , but soon became used to the feel . As for the sound you hear I would sugest you use the waranty to get it sorted now .
1. Yes throttle/clutch is very different to previous cars and takes a bit longer to get used to. I put it down to the seating position - low and legs almost straight. I have my seat right back as far as it will go. You will get the hang of it.
2. Can’t help with anything noise related. Is the heating fan off? A/C off? Warm car up until you hear the noise. Leave engine running, pop open bonnet and have a good listen to the engine - perhaps you can pin-point it that way.
I had a problem with a very low bite point on my MK3 2.0L sport from new. The fdealer said the clutch was none adjustable but I found some instrictions on a Miata site. I can’t work out how to attach a .pdf file, so send me an email to jim@varnom.com and I will send the file to you.
I came from a Volvo V70 auto as an everyday drive so i also found the clutch light. Didn’t take me long to get used to it. As mentioned the driving position is different to ‘normal’ cars!
As for the noise then i can only say that mine does no it, either hot or cold. My car has 13k on it so i dont know if it’s an age or milage issue.
Thanks for all your replies. Finally got around to taking it to my local garge to take a look at.
The clutch issue is probably a non-issue according to them. It is quite low, but not as low as they would be worried about it or would fail an MOT or get picked up in a service. I’ve kind of got used to it to over the last few weeks, although driving in snow and ice with a sensitive clutch has not been pleasant.
As for the engine noise - they did notice it and had a good listen under the bonnet, and took the car up on the ramp and checked underneath.
Seemed to be coming from the exhaust manifold they said, but didn’t seemed overly concerned. Checked for evidence of exhaust / fluid leaks under the car and couldn’t find anything. Infact they said the underside of the car was so spotless that it looked as if the previous owner hadn’t even taken it out in the wet ever. They suggested I monitor it, as at the moment its so slight that it would be difficult to diagnose, even if it is an issue.
So…bit of a relief, and pretty impressed with the garge. They spent 1/2 hour looking at the car, and didn’t charge me a thing. Kept saying how nice it was too
Now hopefully I can start to enjoy the car properly. Just need to pluck up the balls to take the roof down…
I also had concerns about clutch position. Had it checked by Mazda dealer and told its exactly where it should be which to me seems a pretty long way down. My day car isa focus so I find quite a change when I drive the mx.
As for the engine noise and reading other posts I think I would just drive the car and enjoy as you appear to have had it checked out.
The values that these Mk3s are going for is incredible. I thought I got a good deal on my Icon at £6700 but yours seems exceptionally good. You would have lost a lot of money from new. Perhaps that’s just the times we live in.
Get the top down even when it’s clod it’s great!!!
I took the car to a Mazda specialist in the end which confirmed there was an issue with the engine/exhaust noise, but couldn’t be more specific unless I booked the car in for a full diagnostics check. They then charged me £60 for telling me this.
I then took the car back to the independant dealer as it was still under warrenty, and his local non-specialist garage had a look.
They changed the exhaust manifold gasket…which didn’t solve the issue, and then replaced the EGR valve…which also didn’t solve it. Its going back again at the weekend, but apparantly the garage are out of ideas. If anyone has any suggestions on what else they could check when I take it in I’d be most appreciative…
Can not help with your mk3 as I drive a mk1 but I am sure some one on here will help.
