Discussion
I've just got round to servicing my S1 Elise. It's 18 months sincce the last service (yes, very bad, I know), and I don't know whether to take it to an official dealer (quoted 420 pounds, plus VAT, for just the standard stuff), or an independent specialist.
Seems a hell of a lot of money, considering that only 18 months ago (and 2,000 miles), it was back at Hethel, and had everything checked, fixed, and aligned.
Any advice about where is best to take it?
I am in South Herts, so St Albans is the closest dealer.
Given I am trying to justify this as a cheap car, a likely bill of £600 once they find something to fix, seems a bit steep.
Seems a hell of a lot of money, considering that only 18 months ago (and 2,000 miles), it was back at Hethel, and had everything checked, fixed, and aligned.
Any advice about where is best to take it?
I am in South Herts, so St Albans is the closest dealer.
Given I am trying to justify this as a cheap car, a likely bill of £600 once they find something to fix, seems a bit steep.
Go to Sinclaires, they're not far from you: www.lotusrepairs.com - that's where I'm taking mine for it's service in a fortnight.
Presumably thats a C service at that price? If so you really are dicing with death a bit as they replace the cam belt in that one, and if it goes you are looking at a much bigger bill. The cambelt is rated for a certain number of miles, but also ages irrespective of miles.
There are cheaper places to get things serviced (i.e. Sinclaires (but no stamp), Wilsons Essex (cheap for a proper dealer), but you aren't helping yourself by being slack on the services as it will cost you more in the long run when you try to sell it.
It'll probably run a lot better too once its had plugs & oil changed.
p.s. Elises are cheap sports cars. They aren't cheap cars compared to boggo hatchbacks.
>> Edited by DanH on Monday 1st September 23:20
Not really comparing it to a bog standard hatchback (am trying to get a deposit down for the new Aston, and I know how much that'll cost to service...), but it still seems a lot only a year and a half after I had the full service done back at Hethel. It's the quote for an B service, too, not a c.
When is it due to have the cambelt replaced? Seems unusual to need one at 4 years old, with only 17k on the clock. Also, I'm surprised at a K series needing new plugs after so few miles.
I'm only getting it serviced to sell it, so any stamp in the book is fine by me.
When is it due to have the cambelt replaced? Seems unusual to need one at 4 years old, with only 17k on the clock. Also, I'm surprised at a K series needing new plugs after so few miles.
I'm only getting it serviced to sell it, so any stamp in the book is fine by me.
Thanks, think I'll use this Sinclair's place. I doubt that on a 4 year old car the difefrence between a specialist and a main agent on one of the stamps is going to make too muuch difference. Especially considering the previous service was a complete going over at Hethel.
Actually, that service was the most I've ever had. Once you add the 800 pound speeding fine I got on the way home to the £1500 pounds I paid to the nice men at Lotus!
Actually, that service was the most I've ever had. Once you add the 800 pound speeding fine I got on the way home to the £1500 pounds I paid to the nice men at Lotus!
85 in a 50. Dual carriageway, no traffic for miles, middle of nowhere. No junctions. Sign that said 50 hidden behind a bush.
They also gave me 6 points.
Overall, I don't exactly feel that the punishment fitted the crime, or that justice was done.
Did consider saying to Mr Magistrate "You'd do the same if yu had a Lotus", but discretion got the better of me.
They also gave me 6 points.
Overall, I don't exactly feel that the punishment fitted the crime, or that justice was done.
Did consider saying to Mr Magistrate "You'd do the same if yu had a Lotus", but discretion got the better of me.
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