Typical servicing costs?

[JINBA ITTAI]

I just joined the MX5 community with getting a 10AE in June and I'm just starting to get a feel for the mods options (infinite!) and ongoing maintenance costs.

Re the latter, I wanted to get input on whether $900 for something less than a major service is typical? See attached invoice from my recent service at MX5 Factory (note I supplied my own oils for engine, trans and diff).

On the one hand, I thought MX5 servicing costs would be moderate given they are essentially a Mazda 3 platform, but on the other hand maybe there's a case to be made that they are now classic cars and therefore justify a more premium price level? I'm not quite sure what perspective to take here and open to hearing others' views.

MX5 Factory Invoice - 20 July 2017 copy.pdf

[smy0003]

The mx5 isn't based on the mazda 3 platform.
It has a similar engine to a 323 but that's where the similarities end.
That being said, parts are not expensive, however old cars need a fair bit of tlc which adds up.
I'd suggest doing all those small, time consuming maitenence things yourself as they are easy to do with a basic socket set. That's where you'll save your money.

Sent from my LG-H815 using Tapatalk

[93_Clubman]

Not saying an MX5 is a classic or not, but don't think classic vehicles necessarily justify a premium - many classics are fairly basic, but a specialist vehicle might. That said, don't think the MX5 is a specialist vehicle.

[ManiacLachy]

This wasn't a typical service. They replaced all the fluids, replaced the clutch slave cylinder, and it looks like you asked them to do a check on a few other things too. So despite you providing several of the oils, labour was well up on a typical service and the cost of the replacement clutch slave.

Nothing here jumps out to me as being out of the ordinary. When you go in for a normal 10k service costs will be much lower.

[Code4]

Looks fair to me.

[Mr Morlock]

The idea before putting a car into a service or repair is to ask for an estimate of cost then in theory no surprises. For an MX-5 a Mazda dealer would be a good start point- additional items like a replacement can be verified sometimes just with a call to the customer. MX-5 service costs are moderate- it is very ordinary technology by todays standards but labour is expensive. I don't think its quite right to post an invoice with the suppliers name, though I am from another time now forgotten , and clearly some already think this charge is not unreasonable.

With a bit of organisation its very easy to do basic services one self albeit with a few oil spills at times. The vehicles may be serviced once a year e.g. 10,000 klm and the cost of oil and filter is not expensive. MX-5s are light cars and not heavy on brakes and componentry. Also the cars are robust and the best value you can get for an affordable sports . Just enjoy it and just maybe do a little reading on basic servicing. Some guys over service cars and buy premium oils they dont need etc etc- find your own comfort point.

[93_Clubman]

don't think its quite right to post an invoice with the suppliers name

Nothing wrong with transparency.

[JINBA ITTAI]

Thanks for all the input.

I shared the invoice to foster a transparent and objective discussion, and I think this is what has occurred.

My key takeaways are I need to do more research and DIY the simpler items to minimise costs, and if I need professionals to do more complex work then clarify early to avoid surprises.

I'm happy to move on.

[Regie]

Looks very fair to me.

400$ odd labour, it would take 4-5 hours to do what you had done. Spot on the price you paid.

Invest in some good tools, a workshop manual and get your hands dirty! Ive never paid for a service on any of my cars (outside of warranty that is)

[Mr Morlock]

Transparency could have been readily achieved by not showing the provider and the customers name was blanked out. Does the provider get asked about posting it?

[Code4]

Thanks for all the input.

I shared the invoice to foster a transparent and objective discussion, and I think this is what has occurred.

My key takeaways are I need to do more research and DIY the simpler items to minimise costs, and if I need professionals to do more complex work then clarify early to avoid surprises.

I'm happy to move on.

You got it in one. There are lots of ways to enjoy your MX-5. One way isn't always the only way. Don't let the forum mafia stop you from posting either.

[pcmx5]

In the end you got some useful feedback and a respected repairer was shown to be in the ballpark for cost so cannot see how any harm has been done either way.

Peter

[project.r.racing]

This wasn't a typical service. They replaced all the fluids, replaced the clutch slave cylinder, and it looks like you asked them to do a check on a few other things too. So despite you providing several of the oils, labour was well up on a typical service and the cost of the replacement clutch slave.

Nothing here jumps out to me as being out of the ordinary. When you go in for a normal 10k service costs will be much lower.

This...

Fuel filter, sump plug and washer, clutch slave cyl. All these things add up.

So yes this wasn't a typical service.

[JINBA ITTAI]

In the end you got some useful feedback and a respected repairer was shown to be in the ballpark for cost so cannot see how any harm has been done either way.

I'm 100% with pcmx5 on this.

@MrMorlock -- owner's name and residential address is blocked out for Privacy reasons (Privacy laws govern information that identify an individual -- can't be too careful these days) but shop's name on the invoice was left as is because this is already in the public domain and does not identify an individual. This is similar to posting up a dyno sheet from a tuning shop.