Customer Feedback Review: Mr E
What model did you choose?
MK Indy RX-5
What was your intended use of the car before you built it?
Road use with a few track days with friends.
What made you decide on the MK Indy over the competition?
Much more competitively priced than other larger more well known brands. However the final build quality and finish of parts from MK were just as good as any other brand. Great feedback from other builders who had recently completed their cars and a growing network of people supporting others builds and making the build progress much more collaborative and social too!
Using the MK car configurator and project calculator tools, how close were you to the budget when you finished your car?
I did not use the car configurator, however Neil spent a great deal of time with me on the phone ensuring that car I was speccing, in the way I was approaching the project would suit my needs and allow me to get on the road as quickly as possible.
How was your overall buying experience when dealing with the team at MK (both good or bad)?
The buying experience was extremely straightforward, great communication from Neil, and later Sean helped ensure I had all the parts I needed, I was aware when my kit would be ready and when it came time to collect and visit the workshop, I was able to spend a number of hours with Sean going through the build process, potential pitfalls and lessons learned from other builders.
What could the guys at MK do to improve the buying experience?
The experience is pretty faultless, all items are on the website, clearly coded and named, with an accurate description. Possibly for less experienced builders there could be more ‘complete kit’ options, but part of the fun is figuring out what you need and integrating parts at your own pace!
How did you find the build manual?
The build manual was very clear, all instructions were easy to follow, images with indication were present when needed and it followed a logical progression through the process.
The only adjustment I would make to this (and I would be happy to do for other customers in the future) is to move the manual to an online live document so that adjustments could be made quicker, it would load more smoothly for people accessing it on their phones (as I do when in the garage) and would allow hyperlinked and live elements (such as videos) could be embedded.
Was the build process how the manual described it?
Yeah totally straightforward and in a logical way. It is designed so that you have a rolling chassis pretty quickly, which is helpful for garage space, then you can work on different aspects of the build in a slightly different order if required. I.e. I was able to do my wiring loom modifications in my lounge over Xmas whilst leaving the bodywork assembly steps until March time when the weather was a little warmer!
We’re there any items throughout your build process that we’re a surprise to you and caught you out?
Nothing really, I would suggest that everyone skims through the manual before their build and identifies what they feel will be the most challenging parts for them personally. For me I had not done any electrical work before so a little research on wiring diagrams, multimeters and relays was in order (which I greatly enjoyed).
Was there anything that you feel needs adding / detailing further in the build manual?
Other than what I mentioned above about the layout/electronic format, it is really straightforward. The other aspect I would think would add great value to it is allowing the linking of other peoples build pictures videos to it too – i.e. a video on how someone lowers the engine in using a hoist and leveller (I know MK are beginning to add a few of these themselves already)
How did the team at MK deal with any technical questions (if any)?
Very quickly, I did not have many questions throughout my process (as many were answered by reading the manual!) but on the rare occasion, Sean and Neil were happy to help over the phone.
How was the IVA application process?
Filling out the paperwork was less than 30 minutes work really, selecting a few pictures from the build process took 30 mins, upload the whole thing to the IVA people was less than 60 mins in total. I did spend many hours on the phone trying to get through to the text bookings team when it came time to book my test, but when I finally got through, I was offered a test within 4 days!
How was the IVA process?
Much less scary than some would lead you to believe. If you follow the manual and use a bit of common sense and care when building your car, you will have absolutely no issues. Simple things like U trim and nut covers are all that is required above and beyond the standard build. The IVA guys were super helpful and really wanted to pass the car, rather than nitpick things that would see it fail!
Now you have a finished vehicle, how do you intend on using it moving forward?
Install my big TD04, Get it tuned and return to a few track days for more fun! Possibly a few more upgrades, Wilwoods, and maybe some upgraded bodywork!
Describe your overall experience of buying, building and registering your car.
10/10 - I wouldn’t change a thing, though I haven’t completed my registration yet, but it looks straightforward!
What could the team at MK do better in the future?
Not necessarily better, but increasing the community will grow the brand and the whole process from buying a car, to buying into a community of like minded people who build, track, race and have a good laugh - as that is what most people who buy these cars have in common!
Would you recommend MK Sportscars?
Wholeheartedly, I would, and have done already to others.
Any further comments.
A great process start to finish, I cannot wait to start building another one!
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