Hi All,
I am a new member of the forum. I currently live in Aberdeen and am a proud owner of a blue 2.0 mk3 MX-5 (2009 model) since November 2014. I am following the forum for a while and decided to join as I would like some advice from the more experienced owners on some issues. Apologies I did not introduce myself in a separate post, but I have some quite urgent queries.
1. I have to go for an MOT test tomorrow. I did some research to decide where to go for the test and I am considering the following options:
a) Aberdeen City Council Fleet Services Division: I read that, while the MOT test is quite expensive (£57) there, this tends to be the cheapest option taking into consideration that it is a test centre only and not a garage and thus, I will avoid being charged for needless service.
b) Halfords Autocentre: I read some good reviews and the MOT cost is quite low (£30). However, I am concerned they may force me to accept needless service costs to pass the test.
c) Kwit Fit: I read some good reviews and the MOT cost is quite low (£30). However, I am concerned they may force me to accept needless service costs to pass the test.
Could you please advise which is the best option? If you know a better test centre than the ones I listed, please let me know.
It will be the first time I will go for an MOT test, so any advice will be welcome and appreciated.
2. The car was last serviced in 09/2013, however has only done 5000 miles since then (34000 miles in total).
Reading the forum I understand that the the service consists of air filter, oil (fully synthetic 5w30), oil filter, gear box oil, break fluid and the standard checks.
I did some research in the forum and found the following recommended garages in the Aberdeen area:
-Paul Bowers (01382456222/07801551293)
-George at ‘On the Road Again’ in Peterculter
-Paul Mackie at ‘Firstdrive’ in Stonehaven
-‘Tyre Services’ at Altens
-The previous owner suggested ‘Castlepark Garage’ in Ellon
a) When would you advise me to service the car considering the last service date and the mileage since then?
b) Which is the best value for money oil and gearbox oil (6 speed gearbox) for a 2 litre mk3 MX-5?
c) Which is the best garage in Aberdeen in your opinion and why (regardless of if included in the above list)?
3. Could you please recommend a good value for money detailer in the Aberdeen area? The last owner sold me the car with a few scratches on the alloy wheels and also the colour of the car is not very shiny. How much would it approximately cost to fix these?
4. I am considering to change the rear tyres of the car. I read good reviews about the following tyres:
Toyo TR1, Kumho KU39/KU31, Kankook K110, Michelin Pilot Sport PS2/PS3, Goodyear F1 Asymmetric, Uniroyal Rainsport 2
I am looking to buy decent tyres in a reasonable price, so I would probably look at the Toyo, Kumho or Kankook.
Which is the best ‘cheap’ tyre in your opinion?
5. Unfortunately, I may have to sell my MX-5 in a couple of months, as I may leave the UK permanently. Apart from the MOT, which is obligatory, should I do the service/change the tyres/fix the alloy wheels/polish the car? These are not necessary as the car is in an excellent mechanical condition and safe to drive.
Does it make sense to pay the aforementioned costs from a seller perspective? Will I be able to achieve a higher price and get the money back?
Thank you in advance for your time, assistance and advice.
Regards,
Andreas
Can’t really understand spending too much money on a car if you’re selling.
Do the MOT, do a short service, say oil and filters change, brake check and put it up for sale. Treat it to a decent wash, polish and wax. Proper detailing can be expensive if from a professional.
If the tyres are decent and pass an MOT then why spend the money, again if you need to then Kumho are what I have fitted, a decent tyre.
I use my local garage for MOT, it’s full price but they don’t try to find work for themselves type of garage. My daughter took her car to Halfords recently for MOT and I found out after they did work to the car in my opinion didn’t require doing. Also Quickfit is another I would avoid (just my opiinion) I have no idea about the others you mention, not remotely close to any of them.
If the car is presentable with a good clean up and as said MOT and service then go with that. Wisebuyers price guide is a good guide for SH car values, folk will only pay what they want to, if you follow. If you spend more money on getting it it absolute tip top condition will you reap that money back when selling? it’s a difficult one to decide. Service history is a must with most buyers, as is an MOT so make them a priority.
For the MOT, if you don’t have a known trusted Garage in the area then this;