Just visited Andy at his new business in Gosport. Previously of Solent Mazda he is a top guy who gave me some excellent advice on my 1.8 NA. Thought I’d put the word out for him as he’s only been going for a week and is trying to set up a customer base. Really local to me so I’ll certainly be using him for the things I can’t do myself like diagnostics.
G’day mate, welcome to the Forum
Good to be able to add another independant to the list
Thanks Geoff. I’ve been hiding in the background picking up all the good advice that the forum has to offer; hopefully my first contribution will help out local owners and help get this business off the ground as well.
Nice one Russ.
Local to me, I’ll give him a try when I need something done 
A need to keep costs under control means more and more owners will seek service and repair support from the independant sector. Additionally, as earlier models age, these specialists can provide skills and know-how that will be gradually lost from the mainstream Mazda dealer network.
Please add your comments, perhaps a description of work done (if its worth mentioning), and add a placemark to:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=
107793477177105560695.00046659bb73a170a89d7
Changing the title to the specialist’s name in your reply will make scrolling thru’ the list easier.
Autolink, near Winchester, Hants.
I’ve used Autolink on a number of occasions for non-routing work; they arranged to have a Roadster repainted, for a very reasonable price, and had a replacement engine fitted. They can undertake routine servicing and other repairs. Their reupholstered leather seats look very high quality to me (factory fitted look). Autolink also supplies parts, both genuine Mazda and OE, and delivery is quick. I’ve found them very easy to get hold of by phone and email, and they are always very willing to offer advice. Andy Stott, the founder, is foremost an MX5 enthusiast (and has been known to race them), and is very knowledgable about the cars.
Website:
5-Speed is a new MX5 specialist based in the Midlands (Notts). Steve Morecroft is a Ferrari-trained mechanic, and long-time owner of a very powerful Mk1 MX5. So far, my experience of 5-Speed has been limited to an engine and driveline inspection check. Steve seems to be exceptionally meticulous in his work. His workshop is clean and roomyy, and well supplied with tea and biscuits. Steve can undertake all normal servicing and repair work, but also seems well equipped to embark on more ambitious tuning of MX5s, particularly Mk1s. He is also experienced in installing Mk2 and Mk2.5 engines into Mk1s.
Website:
Sam Goodwin is a West-Midlands MX5 specialist; both sales and servicing. I have used Sam for routine servicing jobs as well as supplying/fitting a new hood and fitting coil-over suspension. Sam’s mechanic Steve, is efficient and knowledgable. Rates are very reasonable. Sam has also carried out full restorations of MX5s, and these are done to a stunning standard.
Website:
Also another thumbs up to Autolink & or course MX5parts [Y]
Personally, I found Freelance Mazda in Chatham Kent excellent value…and a nice guy to boot.
All discs & pads changed, new water pump,Full service including cambelt change for £500.
And he picked my car up from Surrey, and bought it back 24 hours later, leaving his 5 with me (Thats about 45 mins/miles from Chatham to me).
Methinks I gotta bargain
Great work at reasonable rates and good guy
[:D]Yesterday I had a cam belt & water pump change at 5 speed (http://www.5-speed.co.uk/) near Nottingham.
The business is owned & run by Steven Morecroft and I have to say I was very impressed by him, he did a great job.
I found him to be very enthusiastic and his rates are very reasonable.
I would have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone.
Don T
You are not alone in that recommendation. May be worth you adding a comment to this thread.
We’ve just had the hood on our mk1 replaced by Autolink in Hampshire.
The replacement hood whilst not an OE one is of excellent quality
and has been fitted very well and all at an excellent price (just shy
of £300 inc. VAT).
I’d have no hesitation in recommending Autolink.
Well worth the trip from my home in west London.
Having bought my MX privately last week I wanted some re-assurance that it was ok, and what needed to be done to get it fully checked up to date.
Having phoned and visited a number of garages I went to Autolink today (as recommended by posts on this site) I met one of the mechanics initially, who was very helpful, and then we were joined by Andy Stott the owner.I found the guys there very helpful, and interested in helping me. (Best to phone for an appt, especially as they are busy during main part of the day). I went there at 1600 hrs today and they looked at the car and the rather chequered service record and advised me of what they tought needed doing.
They struck me as very honest, and did not try to rip me off by suggesting work which did not need doing. I have booked it in for next Wednesday, and their assessment of what actually needs to be done will cost me a lot less that some other garages recommendations. I think these guys are real enthusiasts who know what they are doing and will deal ,with you in an honest way.
I’ll post the outcome after next weeks service has been done.
All the very best with the new venture Andy.
Get it right through these challenging times and you will be well positioned for the glorious upturn!.. in 2020!! [:)]
We have a few customers down your way, who we will happily direct to your door.
apprentice
Just come back from collecting the car. The guys have done a great job, oil as clean as a whistle, waxoiled parts of the chassis (standard part of their service) really helpful and good advice given and all for a very reasonable price. Loan car available which helps as I live 30 miles away.
Top stuff and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Autolink UK, I’ll certainly be using them again.
Wayne Bates in eccles - loves doing up your car and enjoys spending time getting your car up to spec. Cheap, has lots of bits and parts and knows Andy Stott well too. I also use autolink. If you want waynes number pm me. I am there every week now for new jobs and bits to my car.