Ahh…the old, they are in a meeting tale.
Yup, all of them…they do it every week apparently. More ammo
Just my opinion.
A matter for your good self and none of my business really and tell me to shut up, BUT…
Keep it all close to your chest as remember this forum can be read by the public.
At the end of the day you want to keep matters positive both with the dealer and Mazda UK and to work in your favour.
Courts are a pain, stressful etc etc. 
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You do make fair point, however I told them I had started this thread last week! The idea being that there was no point in them trying to make out this was unheard of. I also used the Piston Heads buying guide which (bizarrely) was published on Sunday past and of course mentions the 'box issue. I appreciate that not everyone has or will be affected by this issue, but as these cars age it does look like the more and more could be affected. Ultimately we are now at the end of day 6 with no resolution in sight so the option I had was to apply some more pressure which I did, politely but firmly. Obviously, if things became more ‘official’ than that would a different kettle of cogs.
Cheers
From experience (Volvo, Vauxhall, VW and indeed Mazda) the Manufacturer no matter which one, will take NO notice of any Forum or other independent opinion/advice (Rodders on this issue for instance) and will quite rightly even though it be a right pain will go through the motions.
The main problem is the fact that each and every issue world wide has to be dealt with and documented properly to achieve the correct result for both dealers and the customer.
Also, each dealer is a franchise and therefore technically independent to a degree from the manufacturer.
Hence,“Countryboy’s” advice.
Example this year. Volvo stop/start not working. Said it was the main battery. Said they tested and was fine. Three trips later requested them to do an extended software programmed 45min running check. Yes, sorry Sir the program has said the battery is duff, (Warranty) been fine ever since.
I wish you luck and am sure it will all come out in the wash.
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Yep, I think most folk have been on the end of this at some point and the going through the motions, ticking boxes etc will always have to happen. Doesn’t stop it being really annoying though!
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All very sad, reflecting on the numerous other ND “issues” from a company who got their first effort so bullet proof & correct 3 decades back. Just plain odd. Of course, the first and last share zero DNA and the first is really just a simple big boy’s Meccano set in comparison .
@KennyP I know the car was registered in 2017, but it might have been made in 2016.
Have you decoded the VIN to find out?
For example mine was registered March 2018 but PDI was October 2017, so was kicking around in the showroom for a long time.
A 2016 production may explain the gearbox being an early model.
Hope they do the right thing and just replace it.
I must admit, if there is one thing puts me on edge buying another MX5 it is this. I just don’t want the hassle if unlucky enough to get one with a ■■■■ gearbox
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Not a problem really, forewarned is forearmed.
Either buy a later model ND or check which gearbox is fitted if buying an earlier ND. If the dealer can’t confirm which gearbox is fitted, walk away, simples.
You don’t need to rely on luck
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Thanks Mister H - if a 1.5 sport (2015 model) - would there be an issue? I’m guessing to be safe on a 2L model it should be post-2018? Apologies for seeming naivety as to what gear box / models to avoid!
Correct - the accepted wisdom is that 1.5 cars are fine and 2018 on 2.0 cars are significantly better than earlier ones.
I have a 2018 1.5 with 18k on the clock and it’s definitely a bit stiff and notchy in 1st and 2nd for the first 2 or 3 miles, after that it seems ok but it’s something I’m keeping a close eye on just in case…
This might not be completely accurate, but to get a 2.0 litre with the revised (184) engine and improved gearbox, you’d need to get a later 2018 car (68 plate) Mine was registered in September 2018 and I think it is quite an early ND2 2 Litre…
Rob
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Tbh what’s the worst that could happen?
The OP rejects this car. Buys an ND2, of which there are plenty around, which later on when out of warranty has a gearbox issue.
Give it to Rodders to permanently sort out, maybe £1k?, even £1.5k.
Problem solved, and in the greater scheme of things not a huge amount of money, and no further issues.
I hope the Mazda dealer comes good and replaces the ‘box as they should, but if not there are other straightforward options after the car is rejected.
The legal option is just daft imho, - the only ones to gain from that are the lawyers.
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Interesting, notice (didn’t before) re the TSB latest reads ND soft top only -
quote: 2016-2017 MX-5 vehicles (soft top only) with VINs lower than JM1ND***H121392 (produced before
September 6, 2016) unquote.
so if you are outside that range ??? I have a 2017 RF that has a very early 2016 gearbox, at 14K miles, out of warranty and just beginning to make noises, a trip to Rodders on the cards methinks.
Thanks everyone; this is really helpful & much appreciated
That version of the TSB looks like a US only one as is that VIN range (I think)
Later TSB here which also gives the date and serial number of the first (?) gearbox production change.
From this I learned that my 2017 reg Arctic (produced no earlier than Nov 16, looking at the production month on some plastic components) has a modified gearbox (presumably version 2).
EDIT: There’s a list and links for more TSB’s here - I don’t say it’s exhaustive.
Evening everyone. The car has been rejected officially with a full refund due to take place. It has not been very pretty doing this. I have had to be fairly forceful on occasion which of course makes you a total PITA in their eyes. The long and short of it was Mazda UK were going to take at least another 2 weeks umming and ahhing about what they might do. I basically gave an ultimatum in writing of 12 noon today to the dealer. The actual salesman that we used was very decent indeed and honest to boot. I told him this personally. The rest of Mazda? I think you can answer that on your own. Big thanks for all the support on here, a number of moot points raised were put to good use to help achieve an outcome that financially is welcomed but leaves a somewhat sour taste with how it should have been.
Will we look to buy another? No. What will be buy? No idea at this stage but everyday is a school day.
Cheers all,
KennyP
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Hi Kenny. Sorry it had to come to this but under the circumstances it was the right, only, thing to do! Don’t let this put you off the ND, just don’t go for an ND1 with the 2.0l engine! I had one of the first ND’s in this country in 2015, a SE-L Nav 1.5l, great, fun, trouble-free little car which I unfortunately lost in Jan this year when it was rear-ended by a hit & run crook. I also have a ND 30AE from 2019 which has the latest 2.0l engine and gearbox, great car, feels like my 1.5l, but with more oooph! Wait a while before rushing to get another make, as I doubt you’ll find anything comparable for the money. Good luck!