Good Lotus garage - Scotland?

[markuskj]

Hey guys,

I live in Aberdeen in the north east of scotland, unfortunately there has not been a proper Lotus garage here for about 5 years and so I have been taking my V8 to a compotent but general mechanic.

It appears that I may need to open the engine up this year so wanted to get it right, so I ma now looking for a reputable garage somewhere is scotland - has anyone any suggestions?

There is a company called Murry Motor Co in Edinburgh who deal in Lotus but are they any good?

Thanks guys

Mark

[britten_mark]

As they have a bit of a monopoly they seem to be very pricey, just ring around for comparitive servicing quotes.

My car had a full Murray service history before I bought it. Took me a while to realise whilst it was part of their used car selection they had stamped the service book with a "C" service when they had done little more than an oil change. I only discovered this on reading the detailed service printouts (which not everyone keeps); had I relied on the service book who knows what calamity could have ocurred. I had to get one done sharpish when I had not budgeted for one, ouch. The service manager never responded to my letter asking for explanation by the way.

A small point but one worth sharing methinks! Thanks for reminding me, I always meant to send a little note to Lotus about it...


>> Edited by britten_mark on Friday 3rd June 09:49

[markuskj]

No worries for the reminder mate!

Cheers for that advice, very sound. I need a specialist I can trust and bloody hate being ripped off by large dealers whos mechanics usually care little about the marque. If you know any smaller specialists I am all ears!

Cheers

[SteviebV8Esprit]

Hi Markus,

I have just had my V8 serviced at a garage called Drednaught Garage in Callander. Great people. They are actually a TVR and MG Specailist but also cater for Lotus & Ferrari.

They have just carried out a 'B' service on my car and the report they also provide is extremely comprehensive! I was alomost not wanting to listen! Turns out, I had a small leak from my radiator, tracking was a touch off and they advise keeping a wee eye on one of the coolant hoses going the one of the turbos. Now thats what I call an inspection!

They also bought all the parts from Murray (who wanted £800.00! for a service!) these guys did it for £317.50. Now thats what I call reasonable!

I know its a trek, but for these cars its worth it. Here is their number: 01877 331 099. Ask for Arlean or Brian (he's the owner). Ask him about his 520bhp Rover ZT race car. Awsome!

All the best,


Steve

[markuskj]

Dear Steve,

Thank you so much for this, you are right that for these cars it is worth it - I will give them a call today!

Cheers again

Mark

[SteviebV8Esprit]

Hi Markus,

not a problem. I just picked the car up today. Service was perfect and car is running like a dream! Happy Days!

Cheers,


Stevie

[markuskj]

SteviebV8Esprit said:

Hi Markus, not a problem. I just picked the car up today. Service was perfect and car is running like a dream! Happy Days! Cheers, Stevie

Thanks mate - I just dropped them an email. A bit of a drive, but just what the car was for. Are they your local garage?

Some sweet pics of the MG, hope to see that one.

Cheers

Mark

[SteviebV8Esprit]

Hi Mark,

sort of. They are about 30miles from where I live (Airdrie).

The MG race car is incredible, 520bhp N/A !! Total animal!

Also, Brians road car, another ZT V8, has 420bhp! It has a f**k of super charger on it. Its one of the best sounding cars I have ever heard!

Glad to be of help buddy. Hope you get things sorted out. Let me know how you get on.

Cheers,


Stevie

[markuskj]

Just got this back from aan email I send from their website:

Hi Mark,

Unfortunately we don't have any experience on the Esprit, so we don't work on them.

Regards

Claire Luti
Service Manager

Weird, I have asked for cnfirmation that this is the right Dreadnaught garage - they did have a MG racer on the site etc.

[markuskj]

I just spoke to Brian at the garage, he was a really good help but confirmed that they are not interested in looking after the V8 beyond a service as they do not feel that they have enough knowledge of the sp[ecialist engines to cope with the kind of work I needed.

I can respect a man all the more when he turns away work to be honest, and he did give some good pointers.

Oh well, back to the search!

[stevieBV8esprit]

Oh,

sorry Markus. I did just ask them for a service right enough, well that and new disk and pads.

Certianly very honest. Did they recommend anyone else then?

What other work does your car need?

Cheers,

Stephen

[markuskj]

stevieBV8esprit said:

Oh, sorry Markus. I did just ask them for a service right enough, well that and new disk and pads. Certianly very honest. Did they recommend anyone else then? What other work does your car need? Cheers, Stephen

Cheers mate,

He said that he would have a think and let me know RE other garages - nice chap.

I am looking fir a lace that can do some head work and tuning, i have low complression in 2 cylinders but the curent mechanic is not a Esprit expert.

Cheers

Mark

[SteviebV8Esprit]

Oh, I see. Sounds like some major stripping required!

Let me know how you get on bud. Can never have enough info re garages!

All the best,


Stevie