bleachberu

Dear Bros,

Just wondered if anyone here order parts from abroad online? Would be great if you could share your experience.

I noticed many items not stocked locally and must be ordered anyway. I find some websites (recommended by overseas forums) can supply itemsfaster & cheaper. Key is of course shipping cost which depends on the product you want.

Installation could be done locally so just incur labour cost.

Any thoughts?

Cheers,
B

mkl22

mine is a JDM 6MT ordered the 2nd oil cooler off ebay from a parts shop that strips wrecks. the part was ok, it was missing one of the hose clips(workshop managed to fabricate something to secure it well). It has been working fine so far for 6 mths. managed to save half the price of a brand new one.

bleachberu

Hi Mk,

Looks like it worked well for you. And given you ordered from a shop that strips wrecks!

I wasn't even that adventurous, thinking of ordering from forum recommended vendors in the US.

Where did you do your installation? DIY or garages?

Cheers,
B

mkl22

did it at a garage. guess how much? $20 or $30. was a pretty good install too. think it was autodynamac at ubi.

bleachberu

Wow, good savings mate!

I'm thinking of coilover & braking upgrades but ordering the parts myself. Do you have recommendations for good installers?

Many thanks.
B

mkl22

i usually DIY what i can and do different parts of the car at different places. I tend to go to Riverview Auto at AMK for engine/electronics stuff. They have the full diagnostic equipment for mazda. They have not failed in anything yet. They are reasonable too. Ah Liang there is their best diagnostic guy and they are a fully equiped workshop. A/C stuff will be Markcool at woodlands. for chassis and suspension stuff should be ok at most places, just need to check alignment at Kenny's after its done. BTW mine is JDM, so its PI. Didnt want to be tied down to exhorbitant charges at the agent thus i got a PI.

coilover and brakes? what are you thinking of getting? I decided not to mod much anymore. just drive relatively stock. burn too much money in mods. rather dump it into another car later.

tata

Indeed this is very good info. you don't want to stuck in one place and you manage to find various sources in engine, electronics, AC etc .. etc ... I am also driving a PI and I've ordered stuff from ebay in US before but more cosmetic stuff not enginer components though. And you are right car price is so attractive these days and you rather dump your money into your next ride

Anyway my 8 mileage coming to 30K and I think is time for major check up. Do you have any shops to recommend ?

Thanks for sharing

mkl22

actually in my opinion for 30k there is nothing much to do also. just treat the rotary like any other internal combustion engine. a rotary engine is not rocket science. this is what i did when i bought mine at 2 yrs and 16k km.

1) Engine oil. (DIY)
2) Gear oil
3) Rear diff oil
4) Brake fluid flush
5)Coolant change (DIY)
6) Stock Air filter (DIY)

I think that was about it. I have yet to change plugs. Plugs are rather ex at approx 180 per set. maybe i'll change them at 40k or 50k.

I did 2-4 at riverview. used redline oil and motul brake fluid. Costs was approx 50-60? not sure.

tata

Thanks for your advise I will keep that in mind by the way how about aircond services ?

bleachberu

Hey bros,

Happy New Year! Best wishes for 07!

MKL: Thanks for the tips. Will check those places out. Yes modding is very costly with very little monetary resale value. I'm trying to keep this virus in check too! LOL I'm looking at Tein at the moment for my coilovers.

Tata: I think a lot of members here go to Monster Garage. They know the car pretty well so you may want to check em out. Don't know how they charge though.

Cheers,
B