[Pat]

In February last year we had a fiasco in replacing our faulty cd player under warranty.
The cd player has gone wrong again but sadly is no longer under guarantee
What should we do get another replacement (but not Mazda as we don't think they are reliable enough) or go for MP3 player.
Are other cd players easy to fit ?
All help gratefully received
:?:

 

[lwindridge]

I suppose the next thing to as is - have you got an iPod? If not, you could go for an adapter fascia panel and a decent MP3 compatible player (avoid the super cheaps, the amp's are terrible!).
If you have got an iPod Kenwood do a fantastic adapter which transfers the controls to the radio - I have one in my Mk1 and it's great!
Just found a single din adapter on eBay - http://tinyurl.com/6an2uul which should do the trick fine.

 

[Pat]

I would have to start from scratch as haven't got an iPod or MP3 player(don't know much about these things being as i am of the "old school"still use me gramophone lol!!)
Seems like its not going to be cheap whatever the option
Must admit we are not prepared to pay £5oo for another Mazda unit as this is the third faulty one we have had
Many thanks for the info
Which do you think would be the easiest and/or the cheapest way of solving the problem?

 

[Jot]

i'd still write a letter of discontent to Mazda
I think there are 'how-to fit' doings on places like the OC
Maybe even .com
I have a vague memory of seeing one but didn't read properly as it's not something i've had to approach yet
Good luck, Pat - happy hunting

 

[lwindridge]

If you've not got an iPod then, look at an MP3 compatible head unit, JVC or Kenwood are a fairly safe bet - Sony has always left me feeling rather underwhelmed like you're paying for the name.
The one I have in my roadster cost me £99 with the iPod adapter, so expect to get something about the £70-£80 mark for decent quality. Combine that with a facia converter plate and you should be sorted for a lot less than a genuine Mazda unit.
If the dash surround is anything like the hood mechanism, it all snaps together quite simply, but I'm sure someone will have a guide online somewhere.
In fact, I've just had a look at the dash surround piece and it's possible you'd just need a cubby box or similar to place below the new radio - Clix, bring me your car so I can take it apart and see lol

 

[Pat]

Once again many thanks for your help
Jo, i've given up with Mazda UK when i've approached them before with a problem they just couldn't care less.
Seems once they have got your money its Bye Bye

 

[safaristu]

Not sure on the head unit but mp3 player don't mess around just buy a apple iPod or iPhone

 

[Pat]

Just phoned Halfrauds and they can do a cd/radio,fitting and all the gubbins for £275.
Would an iPod or iPhone be cheaper?
Sorry to sound thick but we have no idea about these things:confused:
Still in the dark ages

 

[lwindridge]

I'd be wary of letting Halfords fit a radio for you - historically the guy who does the fitting is the one who drew the short straw regardless of his technical abilities!

 

[Pat]

When we had the 2nd unit fitted at a Mazda main dealer it wouldn't work so i mentioned maybe thats faulty as well.
They wouldn't have it saying no it must be the wiring at fault.So they checked poor Flos wiring (took 4 days) and then decided that the other unit was faulty after all:mad:
Any ideas as to where i could get the job done if halfords aren't that good?
Sorry to keep going on about thisops:

 

[clix]

Pat, I can see from your avatar that you've a Mk3 Option Pack but what year is it?
Bear in mind peeps that the Mk3 is a double-din, not a single.

If you'd want to keep the existing stereo, it's way cheaper to go the Audiolink route, from MX5Parts: http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/940
Allows the input of iPod/mp3 players. You can pick up an iPod Shuffle for around £30 or any generic mp3 player would do as long as there's a "normal" headphone out jack.
Yes, £82.25 (correct at time of writing) is a lot for a bit cable and a box but look at the price of a new stereo, the fitting and the hassle.

 

[Pat]

Right it now seems that mr Patnav doesn't want to go down the iPod route (more old fashioned than me!!!)
So seems like a new CD unit
Oh by the Clix Flo is an 07

 

[clix]

Oh by the Clix Flo is an 07

Cool.

Sorry to keep going on about thisops:

No apologies needed, that's what the forum is for. You may get a variety of answers and rough price guides, but only a few avenues will be right for you, your situation and your budget.

Combine that with a facia converter plate

I missed reading that bit didn't I?

Clix, bring me your car so I can take it apart and see lol

Noooooo :lol2:
True knowledge is but a short-ish drive away, remember PH Sports Cars, Shardlow?
Most things there, not saying this unit is but, are upwards of £25 (last I heard.)

 

[Ali5]

Buy a scandisc mp3 player - i treated myself at xmas. 16 gig i had for less then £40. it's very cool, and I am glad I bought it

 

[Mark]

Pat - have you looked on Ebay for a secondhand Mark 3 stereo?

How long are you intending to keep your MX5, as the lack of a working CD player may put off a potential buyer if you sell it (sorry her) when it is relatively new?

 

[Pat]

Hi Mark we are a bit wary of getting another Mazda cd player with our past experience of them.
Have been looking into other makes of radio/cd player but it seems like a minefield out there!
Mr Patnav definitely not into modern technology he won't even use a mobile phone:rolleyes:
We have no intention of selling Flo any time soon but as you say having a cd that doesn't work doesn't help sell her if we did have to.(perish the thought)

 

[Mark]

Pat - any decision on the CD as yet?

 

[safaristu]

maybe worth a bid MAZDA MX5 MK3 BOSE 6 STACK CD / + CLIMATE CONTROLS

 

[Pat]

We had Flo booked in at Underwoods today to get her looked at but typically the cd player has worked ok for the last few days!
Now not sure if it is an intermittent thing or if there was something on one of the cds
So at the mo we are waiting to see how it goes

 

[Jot]

test with brand new CDs - or pre-recorded - but there seems to be an issue regardless so they need to pull out their fingers