MX-5 OC Forum

 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.

http://www.mazford.com/index.html

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:

www.autolinkuk.co.uk

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:

www.5-speed.co.uk

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:

www.samgoodwin.com

Also another thumbs up to Autolink & or course MX5parts

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

Yesterday I had a cam belt & water pump change at 5 speed (http://www.5-speed.co.uk/) near Nottingham.

 You are not alone in that recommendation. May be worth you adding a comment to this thread.

http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/t/4788.aspx

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.