I bought my first MX5 last week (2007 07 plate) and am really enjoying driving it so far. Lots of fun.
I had the 5th year service and MOT done before I picked it up but just noticed that the MOT had an advisory note on it which said as follows:
“001 Offside front Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint [2.4.G.2]”
Not knowing anything ‘technical’ about cars I don’t actually know what this means!
Would appreciate if anyone could advise me if this is something that I need to have looked at ASAP - or should I be getting on to the Mazda garage that I got it from any asking them to do it? I got 12 months warranty but don’t know if this sort of thing would be covered.
I looked at MOT history on Direct.gov and in 2010 it failed the MOT due to the same thing “Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage insecure (2.4.G.1)” but I guess this was sorted out as the MOT certificate was issued.
The MOT done in 2011 also stated that
Nearside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
Offside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
These items weren’t noted on this years MOT so guessing they were done - I’ve got the Mazda full service history but it doesn’t go into any detail about what works have been carried out.
Any help would be greatfully appreciated on what I should do next…or where I can view the extended Mazda service history?
The MOT tester is simply covering his back. It is the antiroll bar droplink (drivers side) which has some wear. They are well known for failing on the Mk 3, and 2. Simple job to replace, My advice would be to have the link replaced. MOT advisories have come to have rather nasty and insidious implications of late in that if the car is involved in an accident the insurance company will say that it could be a contributary cause, even if nothing could be further from the truth, any excuse at all to avoid paying the claim. Never give an insurance company any ‘wriggling room’ is also my advice.
Price for the link on MX5 parts site is £33.84. Fitting, I really would not know as I do all my own work, but when I fitted two rear ones to my car it took about 15mins per side. Only two nuts to remove! Hope this helps.
Apologies forgot the warranty question. I very much doubt if they will be replaced under warranty, it will be put down to wear and tear! You could try though nothing lost.
A week ago! current law states that any fault which occurs within six months of purchase, certainly on a five year old car is deemed to have been present at the time of sale. For further information take a look at Honest John’s website.
By all means speak to the Mazda dealer this links wearing or breaking loose are a well documented fault on the MK3 if you bought from a mazda dealer did’nt you get warranty with it so back it goes to the dealership just explain in a firm manor and dont loose your rag with them. Don’t forget this does no good for tyre wear and handling, as for doing it yourself its not a difficult job, but its known that the ball joint nut to round off and make it difficult to remove
Believe me I won’t be doing the work myself - I can just about fill up the screen wash! ??
Will give the dealership a call tomorrow and ask them what they can do - only issue is that I bought it from Rivervale down in Brighton and I'm up in north Kent which means a 140 mile round trip and at least a 1/2 day off work.
The Mazda warranty I got isn't dealer specific so wonder if I can take it to my local dealers who are only 3 miles away. Worth asking the question I guess.
What I'm a bit annoyed about is that the sales guy just said 'here's your mot certificate and service history document' he didn't tell me that there was a advisory note. I've only just looked at the docs today and noticed it!
i’d be inclined to take it back to the dealer who sold it to you, ask him to explain why he didn’t tell you about the advisories, tell him to get it sorted, and while he’s at it, to reimburse your petrol/time off work costs…and remember, be firm with him, the last thing he wants or needs is a disgruntled customer making things awkward for him in his nice showroom…i speak from experience here
