Skip advert
Advertisement

Mazda MX-5 RC

Our Mazda MX-5 has been in the wars – but we gave it some ‘scuff love’ and patched up the bodywork with the help of Halfords’ Smart repairs expert team...

  • SHINY PAINT: Good as new,the red paintwork complements our MX-5’s simple styling.<BR><BR>THRILLS: A classic rear-wheel-drive,front-engine set-up makes the roadster a hoot on the road.<BR><BR>ROOF: Touch-of-a-button convertible motoring is great fun – when the weather permits.
  • ENGINE NOISE: The 2.0-litre powerplant is short on charisma, which isn’t in keeping with the rest of the package.<BR><BR>CABIN COMFORT: We knew it was going to be snug, but some of the hard plastics in the cabin, plus the small roof space, are a chore on long journeys.
Find your Mazda MX-5
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

We’ve renamed our long-term Mazda the M-hex-5 – because the little drop-top has had more than its fair share of troubles. But it’s now ready to shine again!

None of the Mazda’s maladies has been of its own doing. Indeed, all those to drive the two-seater have praised its sharp handling and ability to turn even dull journeys into fun trips.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Yet as we reported in Issue 994, it suffered the misfortune of someone running over the roof, denting the boot and scratching the bonnet. Since then, the left front wheel has been kerbed and the right front wheelarch scuffed.

However, Halfords came to the rescue with its nationwide Smart (Small and Medium Area Repair Technique) service. The process is easy, and could save hundreds of pounds in repairs. Instant quotes for work are offered at all branches, following which a technician from Smart repair firm Shine! fixes the damage at a Halfords store, or at a site of your choice.

The firm’s vans are custom-built with on-board power and lots of kit to restore any car, and the staff have plenty of experience in bodywork. So an appointment was made for our battle-scarred Mazda.

Only the kerbed wheel and front wheelarch needed to be resprayed – some less scrupulous bodyshops could have claimed a total repaint was needed. With the bodywork sanded back, primed and masked off, technician Mark Bootes used his PDA to download the correct mix from paint supplier DuPont for our Mazda’s True Red colour.

It was mixed in the van – there are enough shades to match any hue, including metallics and pearlescents. A top coat and lacquer were applied and the area baked by a portable heater. The job was done. The ‘walk-over’ damage, meanwhile, wasn’t as bad as first thought.

The dented bootlid popped back into place, while the bonnet scratch was soon buffed out. With the front arch and kerbed wheel resprayed and dried, it was time for Shine! to carry out its other speciality – a full valet.

No detail was left untouched and the cabin looked as good as new. It should stay that way for a while, too, as the team applied Autoglym’s Lifeshine finish, guaranteed for five years.

The top-quality service came at a price – the valet was £299, and the repairs £210. But the good news is our MX-5 is looking immaculate again – let’s hope it continues to keep its nose clean.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior test editor

Dean has been part of the Auto Express team for more than 20 years, and has worked across nearly all departments, starting on magazine production, then moving to road tests and reviews. He's our resident van expert, but covers everything from scooters and motorbikes to supercars and consumer products.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
Best used cars to buy 2024
Best used cars 2024

Best used cars to buy 2024

From city cars to large SUVs, here’s our annual pick of the star performers that’ll save you thousands when you buy them used instead of new
Best cars & vans
22 Nov 2024
Jaguar concept car teased further in new image
2024 Jaguar badge teaser image

Jaguar concept car teased further in new image

The all-electric concept promises to have bold styling and showcases polarising new logo
News
22 Nov 2024