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Best Workshop Manual For Mk1

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3.9K views 18 replies 13 participants last post by  Meerkat  
#1 ·
As I will hopefully be picking up my 5 in the next few weeks, I figured I should invest in an owner's / workshop manual.

I am by no means a qualified mechanic, more of a competent DIYer, so I would prefer more of a "layman's" guide than an all-out professional reference.

As the car will already be in quite good condition I won't be planning any major changes, but obviously will be carrying out regular maintenance and dealing with any issues that might crop up.

The obvious option is to go with the trusty Haynes, but since the MX5 is more of an enthusiast's car, I wondered if maybe there might be other better options out there?

I have done a few searches online and come up with a few results:

Standard Haynes: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mazda-MX-5-Service-Repair-Manual/dp/0857335650/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432297377&sr=8-1&keywords=mazda+MX-5+manual

Rod Grainger: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mazda-MX5-Workshop-Manual-Enthusiasts/dp/1845840836/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1432297466&sr=8-2&keywords=mazda+MX-5+manual

'Renovation' manual: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mazda-MX-5-Renovation-Manual-Hardiman/dp/0857330063/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1432297504&sr=8-3&keywords=mazda+MX-5+manual

I would appreciate anyone's thoughts on this... Ta :)
 
R
#2 · (Edited by Moderator)
The Haynes one is pretty rubbish! It's kind of like "To remove brake pads, first remove wheel then calipers then pads." Not very clear instructions!

I'm going to get the Rod Grainger one at some point as I think it's the best, used it once as my farther in law has a copy, clear instructions with images and doesn't seem to skip steps like the haynes.
 
#4 ·
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#8 ·
Thanks for all the advice guys. Rod Grainger it is then!

Cheers for the link there too Frontslide, looks like a good resource. I would like to have a paper version as well so I can have it with me while I'm working.
 
#13 ·
There is an official Mazda manual floating around online, all 1600 pages of it! Alternatively I can upload it on Friday if needed?
 
#15 · (Edited by Moderator)
As said, Mellens.net (Thank you so much Mr. Mellens whoever you are) the factory manuals found there are what I use, I have both Rod Graingers manuals and they are excellent in general, especially with electrical tests, however I did a water pump recently and the info on that particular job was pretty scant it has to be said..

I also have both the Haynes manuals, a good read and big pictures but with DIY jobs like swapping a hood or refurbing rear calipers (both of which you'll do at some point) you'd learn more from guides on here and Youtube to be honest.

So my recommendation: PDF's of your car model from Mellens.net and Rod Grainger's 1.6 or 1.8 manual.

The 'garage' section of Miata.net is also really good, a bit 'american' but there's lots of experience on there, it's been around since ten years before this forum existed. http://www.miata.net/garage/
 
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