New member (soon to be owner) in South East

[Paolo.Fazzino19]

Hi All

After months of sitting on this forum and watching what feels like every youtube video on MX-5’s in existence, I placed an order for a new ST Homura in Aero Gray yesterday which should be with me by end of the month.

After managing to negotiate a great deal, standard man maths kicked in I had to pull the trigger. Getting the aero pieces (minus boot lid spoiler) fitted by dealer and it’ll be going straight in for a full body PPF (just to add to the agonising wait!).

I was considering the OEM lowering springs from new but I decided against as I want to experience the car in stock handling form first and then make a decision from there where to take it and appreciate any handling upgrade if necessary.

First mod will probably be to replace the silencer (after the aerial of course). Cobalt seems popular and sounds good in the videos but these things are hard to judge really without hearing irl so it’s a bit of a punt. Any feedback welcome or would love a demo if anyone is feeling generous in East Sussex/Kent (I’m near Tonbridge Wells).

This will be a keeper (famous last words as autotrader keeps refreshing) and keen to keep it in decent condition. On that note, what’s the view on getting some form of rust prevention treatment early on in an ND’s life? I’m not that far from The MX-5 Restorer in Pevensey and wondering if I should get them to treat the car early on.

With regards roof care, Fabsil Gold seems to be a recommended annual treatment so thinking this is probably worth doing as early as possible but again, any feedback welcome as this is all new to me. First time I’ve owned a soft top and I’m planning to use this as my daily and it’ll be parked on the driveway all year round (my garage is the domain of a couple of motorbikes).

Will post pics as soon as I’m in possession and looking forward to joining the community.

Cheers

Paolo

[T_J_P]

Welcome and yes get it under sealed and wax treated if it’s a keeper.

[Andrew_FR]

Got my new Homura in Sept 25 so hope the following is of interest. Pre purchase negotiations included trade in for my ND1, discount, ceramic coating and boot lid spoiler. Like you I considered lowering springs and decided to wait. Straight after delivery I booked it in with the MX-5 Restorers for corrosion prevention, first appointment was for beginning of January. They previously did a great job on my ND1 and while not a daily driver I wanted to use the new car year round without worrying too much, or at least limiting the worry about corrosion. Car features towards the end of their first workshop video of 2026.

Once I was happy that the car was a good ‘un I started on some changes. First I swapped over stuff from the ND1, stubby aerial, rubber floor mat, alloy pedals, dash cams and Mazda wind blocker.

The wind blocker is a favourite of mine, with the windows up and top down motorways are greatly improved, also it’s handy for mounting the Garmin mini dash cam (finally found a use for the ISO fixing point, routed the cable through it!).

Next I went Alcantara mad fitting Mazda doorcards, dash, brake and gear lever hoods. Also MX5things padded centre console lid, expensive for what it is even in the standard leather I went for but really comfortable.

Then a Zensport half grille, ordered from them without the logo. My car came without the number plate mounting that has caused others here some grief so if you are considering this you might want to speak to your dealer while you can and get it omitted.

I decided I wanted to go for the Eibach lowering springs so added them to the corrosion prevention work. BTW I went for the clear waxy type corrosion treatment, it’s not as durable but you just couldn’t have that black tarry stuff on a brand new car as Chris at the Restorers put it. Really glad I went for the springs they do reduce body roll and improve handling, it’s how the car should be. Ground clearance is still good to clear road humps with ease.

Photo with new springs. Grey side indicators on Machine Grey just had to be done!

Exhaust. I was disappointed with the standard exhaust sound, it certainly seemed quieter than my ND1, so I started to look and eventually bought a Goodwin Super Q Roadster silencer. Expensive but it comes with baffle options which I liked. In the end I run it without the baffle and it is just right for me, the car has found its voice without shouting. The anti drone thing does work. Also I fitted a Mazda sound delete kit to reduce induction and engine noise in the cabin.

Hood protection. I use a Cabriolet Supply half cover and a Classic Addition full cover (only when the car is clean). Appreciate using a cover on a daily driver is a faff.

Without a cover you will need to consider some form hood protection treatment but don’t forget the rain water drain filters. Plus budget for window regulator replacement in the years to come.

To say I am happy with my Homura would be an understatement I love it! Next up is fitting the full Mazda aero package when the weather is warm enough and some wheel spacers.

Hope you enjoy your Homura as much and final suggestion is to join the owners club, if nothing else the discounts on the above have covered membership cost for a few years to come

[Paolo.Fazzino19]

Thanks @Andrew_FR, you’ve given me lots to think about. Car looks fantastic on those lowered springs. I’ll almost certainly go down this route in due course and probably when it goes to MX-5 restorers for treatment, currently booked in for June. Agreed on the clear waxy treatment after having a good chat with Chris, he convinced me this is the way to go on a new car.

Just a few follow up questions I hope you don’t mind…

Grey side indicators on Machine Grey just had to be done!

Were these from mx5parts? Have you done the reflectors as well?

Then a Zensport half grille, ordered from them without the logo. My car came without the number plate mounting that has caused others here some grief so if you are considering this you might want to speak to your dealer while you can and get it omitted.

I’m not up to speed on the number plate mounting issue you’re referring to. What would I be asking to be omitted and what would be the benefit if I want to replace the grill?

Next I went Alcantara mad fitting Mazda doorcards…

I do love the look of the alcantara parts. Were these pretty straightforward to fit or in hindsight better to get dealer to do?

Cabriolet Supply half cover

Any idea this this compares to the one Mazda supply as an option as they look pretty similar price?

Sorry for all the questions, I feel like I’ve got a lot to get up to speed on

Cheers

Paolo

[Andrew_FR]

The sequential side repeaters came from Jazz Performance, also got an LED bulb set from them which upgrades the cabin, boot and rear number plate lights. Cabin light is worth doing. No side reflectors.

Some dealers fit a front number plate plinth that is riveted on and needs drilling out to remove it to fit the Zunsport grille. I used wedge shaped 3M sticky pads to secure my number plate. The forum search will bring up posts. If I wasn’t fitting the grille I would think the plinth is rather neat.

Fitting the Alcantara parts is reasonably straightforward, Google for videos to see in detail. It depends really if you have removed trim in the past and are happy to do it on a brand new car. Always worth asking your dealer first, you might get a good price and their workshop staff should have the experience to do the job without breaking anything if it worries you.

By coincidence I have a Mazda half cover (it arrived as an extra in a eBay purchase misidentified as an MX-5 Parts cover) so can compare the two. The Mazda one is light weight and probably less durable but effective, I leave it in the boot for trips away. The Cabriolet Supply is a heavy duty thing built to last, it’s the one I prefer.

[Paolo.Fazzino19]

Couple of pics from collection day on Monday. Dealer had been instructed not to clean the car and yes, it was pretty filthy which is always strange when picking up a new vehicle.

Did about an hour drive to the PPF fitters. Big shout out to Supercar PPF in Tonbridge who have been great to work with and had already made a trip to the dealer to fit track wrap to protect the car en route.

Weather was even pleasant enough to get the roof down, so took it easy, enjoying the new car sensations, going through the gearbox and revelling in all of the lovely sensations these cars give you.

Now need to wait a week to pick it up and the real fun can begin