Lotus Main Agent or Esprit Specialist?
Discussion
I have just bought a 1998 V8 GT (in fact I pick it up this weekend) and I know that it is just about due an 'A Service' as it has now been 12 months since the last one.
My question is – where should I get the car looked after? Main Lotus agent or specialist? Does anyone use a garage that they can recommend? ...or a garage that they would not recommend?
I've had a couple of Elises before and I had them both looked after by 'JCT600 Brooklands' – a Lotus main agent in Leeds. They seemed good to me, but now that the Esprit is no longer made do the main agents still have the skills to keep an Esprit in top nick?
I live in Sheffield and I am often in London with work so I can take it to a garage that is reasonably close to either.
All thoughts welcome!
JP
My question is – where should I get the car looked after? Main Lotus agent or specialist? Does anyone use a garage that they can recommend? ...or a garage that they would not recommend?
I've had a couple of Elises before and I had them both looked after by 'JCT600 Brooklands' – a Lotus main agent in Leeds. They seemed good to me, but now that the Esprit is no longer made do the main agents still have the skills to keep an Esprit in top nick?
I live in Sheffield and I am often in London with work so I can take it to a garage that is reasonably close to either.
All thoughts welcome!
JP
Hi
If i were picking up a new car(to me) and it was nearly in need of a service i would have expected that the garage do it before i take delivery of the car ,after all its only an A service.that then would give you some time to search around for a descent garage,i use Esprit Engineering very knowledgable bloke,good prices but maybe a bit far for you.
Nick S4s
If i were picking up a new car(to me) and it was nearly in need of a service i would have expected that the garage do it before i take delivery of the car ,after all its only an A service.that then would give you some time to search around for a descent garage,i use Esprit Engineering very knowledgable bloke,good prices but maybe a bit far for you.
Nick S4s
I don't think you need worry about main dealers being out of touch with the Esprit. Even when the Esprit was still in production, a main dealer might only sell half a dozen each year ( if that ) so it's not like they had any more to service anyway.
Mine goes to Chris Neil in Northwich and they are fine.
Adrian
Sport 350
Mine goes to Chris Neil in Northwich and they are fine.
Adrian
Sport 350
which is the A service?
(ready for a lotus owner to think OUTSIDE the box)
if the A service is basically a normal service take it anywhere
as they are only going to change, oil/plugs/fuel filter/air filter/check brakes(adjust)/etc etc
or if your confident do it yourself. my service cost about £50 (mate owns
a garage, so parts only) but a normal service at a normal garage will be
around £100 - £150.
if its the cambelt change then this is a totally differnt thing.
a part breakdown for a service:-
oil filter (£5 of a cortina - serious)
fuel filter (not sure)
brake pads (if needed pug 405 coupe £25)
air filter (buy k&n for £50 and never need another)
oil (which ever you prefer £30ish - i use semi syn)
plugs (if needed, personal choice, can go upto £80 for iriduim)
>> Edited by karluk29 on Friday 10th February 10:53
(ready for a lotus owner to think OUTSIDE the box)
if the A service is basically a normal service take it anywhere
as they are only going to change, oil/plugs/fuel filter/air filter/check brakes(adjust)/etc etc
or if your confident do it yourself. my service cost about £50 (mate owns
a garage, so parts only) but a normal service at a normal garage will be
around £100 - £150.
if its the cambelt change then this is a totally differnt thing.
a part breakdown for a service:-
oil filter (£5 of a cortina - serious)
fuel filter (not sure)
brake pads (if needed pug 405 coupe £25)
air filter (buy k&n for £50 and never need another)
oil (which ever you prefer £30ish - i use semi syn)
plugs (if needed, personal choice, can go upto £80 for iriduim)
>> Edited by karluk29 on Friday 10th February 10:53
karluk29 said:
which is the A service?
(ready for a lotus owner to think OUTSIDE the box)
oil filter (£5 of a cortina - serious)
If I remember correctly the Lotus one has a drain down valve to help lubricate at startup, and its only £15 anyway, so its daft economy (along with skimping on brakes and tyres))
well thats odd, as the one that was took off is exactly
the same, might be a different model
and as for skimping on brakes, you all may be loaded (fair play)
but my theory was this:-
i phoned the main dealer who wanted over £200+ for brake pads
(are you haveing a laugh)
pug 405 coupe have the same "BREMBO" brakes, and there pads are
around £20, makes sense to me. and i havent checked but i assume
the pug is a heavier car aswell. or am i mistaken and im thinking
your a f1 driver and need £200 lotus pads, that in my opinon where
worse. or get green stuff pads, i think there around £50.
save money by more toys, not skimping if they do a better job, and
as for tyres, mine are the bloody fortune anyway as im on 19"s, but
never pay the first price you get given ha ha ha ha
the same, might be a different model
and as for skimping on brakes, you all may be loaded (fair play)
but my theory was this:-
i phoned the main dealer who wanted over £200+ for brake pads
(are you haveing a laugh)
pug 405 coupe have the same "BREMBO" brakes, and there pads are
around £20, makes sense to me. and i havent checked but i assume
the pug is a heavier car aswell. or am i mistaken and im thinking
your a f1 driver and need £200 lotus pads, that in my opinon where
worse. or get green stuff pads, i think there around £50.
save money by more toys, not skimping if they do a better job, and
as for tyres, mine are the bloody fortune anyway as im on 19"s, but
never pay the first price you get given ha ha ha ha
I'm going to carve up my filter next service and see if the valve story is correct.
I'm certainly not loaded, tell the truth I can't really afford the car at all. However I would always put good branded tyres on any car than buy budget Hongikokis ("Oh yes guvnor, Khazakstan company owned by Michelin"....WELL THEY ARE NOT FECKING MICHELINS THEN ARE THEY) and spend the savings on accessory tat.
As for pads the greenstuff are the worst I have ever had, I slung them and fitted Ferodo Pug 406 ones as an emergency stopgap; they actually produce less wobble! There are loads of better options without paying double dealer prices, I'll try Ferodo 2500s for when the car gets out of the garage soon.
I'm certainly not loaded, tell the truth I can't really afford the car at all. However I would always put good branded tyres on any car than buy budget Hongikokis ("Oh yes guvnor, Khazakstan company owned by Michelin"....WELL THEY ARE NOT FECKING MICHELINS THEN ARE THEY) and spend the savings on accessory tat.
As for pads the greenstuff are the worst I have ever had, I slung them and fitted Ferodo Pug 406 ones as an emergency stopgap; they actually produce less wobble! There are loads of better options without paying double dealer prices, I'll try Ferodo 2500s for when the car gets out of the garage soon.
An A service shouldn't cost £400 if you go to a specialist (dealer yes). But if you want the stamp you pay yer money. Most Esprit owners know all the good specialists so if it ever came to selling as long as a familiar name is in the book its fine. (check out www.Lotusespritworld.co.uk for a selection)
I have used Ferodo 3000 (my GOD! stop dead on a penny) but they glazed and started an incessant squeell after a track day so changed to DS2500 which AP supply as standard in their kits. Very good pad, almost as good as 3000 but not as extreme, I heartily recommend.
Green Stuff ok if you NEVER thrash the car. Otherwise in the bin. (who would never go fast in an Esprit...)
Good luck with your beasty.
db
I have used Ferodo 3000 (my GOD! stop dead on a penny) but they glazed and started an incessant squeell after a track day so changed to DS2500 which AP supply as standard in their kits. Very good pad, almost as good as 3000 but not as extreme, I heartily recommend.
Green Stuff ok if you NEVER thrash the car. Otherwise in the bin. (who would never go fast in an Esprit...)
Good luck with your beasty.
db
only go fast in mine on a dead flat road LOLOL, pay the price
for lowering 2" and 3" he he he
as for tyres, i will admit i do have one cheapo on the car as i
had a blow out and needed doing fast, but as my rears are stupid
size only 4 companys make them i think. well they did, might be
more now, so i have to pay top wack. i like dunlop sp 9000's. they
last ages, ok there not toyo's and super soft but i like to keep
my cash in my pocket for more than 3 months lol. misses and myself
have them on our cars, and hers is a 400bhp rwd tyre (& esprit)
eater
. and they still last ages
>> Edited by karluk29 on Tuesday 14th February 09:21
for lowering 2" and 3" he he he
as for tyres, i will admit i do have one cheapo on the car as i
had a blow out and needed doing fast, but as my rears are stupid
size only 4 companys make them i think. well they did, might be
more now, so i have to pay top wack. i like dunlop sp 9000's. they
last ages, ok there not toyo's and super soft but i like to keep
my cash in my pocket for more than 3 months lol. misses and myself
have them on our cars, and hers is a 400bhp rwd tyre (& esprit)
eater
. and they still last ages >> Edited by karluk29 on Tuesday 14th February 09:21
I’ve picked up the car now and have done about 400 miles in it. It’s an amazing bit of kit! The steering is sensational and the engine pulls like a train.
Funny things have got on to brake pads, because the stoppers need a little upgrading – it has EBC Red Stuff pads (Brembos) and they don’t seem up to much. A Few years ago I had some EBC Greens on my Elise and they were utter rubbish. I changed them for Pagids (which cost three times as much) and they were superb – total confidence on the road and I couldn’t make them fade at Donnington Park which is a very hard circuit on brakes.
On my Caterham race car a similar story – Pagids cost a fortune but are worth every penny. I’m not sure if they make any for the Esprit though – I might have to invest in a set of Ferodos.
JP
Funny things have got on to brake pads, because the stoppers need a little upgrading – it has EBC Red Stuff pads (Brembos) and they don’t seem up to much. A Few years ago I had some EBC Greens on my Elise and they were utter rubbish. I changed them for Pagids (which cost three times as much) and they were superb – total confidence on the road and I couldn’t make them fade at Donnington Park which is a very hard circuit on brakes.
On my Caterham race car a similar story – Pagids cost a fortune but are worth every penny. I’m not sure if they make any for the Esprit though – I might have to invest in a set of Ferodos.
JP
Mr JP said:
On my Caterham race car a similar story – Pagids cost a fortune but are worth every penny. I’m not sure if they make any for the Esprit though – I might have to invest in a set of Ferodos.
Yes, you can get pagids for the brembo esprit. I had RS14 and i know of at one owner who has had RS15.
I actually found them too extreme for road use TBH... but they would be great on a track. I found the ferodo ds2500 a great all round pad, good for the track but not too extreme for road use.
If you're really serious about braking (ie you're doing a lot of track days) then an upgrade to AP's is well worth doing. I think this is with out doubt the best mod i did to my v8.
Ah – you can get Pagids. Thanks for that.
I bought the Esprit as a road car only but in the few miles that I’ve done it seems that good that I might have to take it out once or twice.
I’ll probably give it a go on some high quality pads first and see how they go. What’s the money for a set of APs? I’d guess at 3k.
JP
I bought the Esprit as a road car only but in the few miles that I’ve done it seems that good that I might have to take it out once or twice.
I’ll probably give it a go on some high quality pads first and see how they go. What’s the money for a set of APs? I’d guess at 3k.
JP
I did my upgrade with all genuine lotus parts, second hand however.. cost me 1600 in total. Lotus price is about 4k, pukesprit.de can do the upgrade for a lot less plus there are several other options out there - check out the LEW page on brake upgrades.
BTW, i know a little about your car.. first owner after lotus was a chap called paul blake - he had the car over in the states (never road registered) for a time.. i exchanged emails with him several times but never met the bloke. i looked at it when SW lotus were selling it some time later - was bought from them by mike bews in s wales.
>> trying to past in a link but it wont work. paste together these two in your browser to see the add from 02:
http://web.archive.org/web/2002080302
www.lotusespritworld.co.uk/sale.ht
i give up. last bit should read "html"
>> Edited by rob.e on Tuesday 14th February 16:31
>> Edited by rob.e on Tuesday 14th February 16:32
BTW, i know a little about your car.. first owner after lotus was a chap called paul blake - he had the car over in the states (never road registered) for a time.. i exchanged emails with him several times but never met the bloke. i looked at it when SW lotus were selling it some time later - was bought from them by mike bews in s wales.
>> trying to past in a link but it wont work. paste together these two in your browser to see the add from 02:
http://web.archive.org/web/2002080302
www.lotusespritworld.co.uk/sale.ht
i give up. last bit should read "html"
>> Edited by rob.e on Tuesday 14th February 16:31
>> Edited by rob.e on Tuesday 14th February 16:32
Thanks for the AP upgrade info – if I don’t get on with the Brembos with new pads I’ll look into it.
Thanks too for the info about the car. I know it was the Lotus press car from mid 1998 to 2000 during which time it got all over the place - various mags, on Top Gear etc. During this time it also did the Gumball 3000 with the Gumball founder and Jason Priestly (poss product placement by Lotus?) doing the driving – they came 2nd but I’m not sure how they score these things. It’s even in Top Trumps.
I knew it went to the US after that (US service stamp) but I didn’t know who owned it then. Then as you say to SW Lotus.
I almost forgot - servicing. HR Owen in London want 560 GBP for an A Service – ouch. A lot more than the 395 GBP that JCT 600 Brooklands in Leeds (also a main agent) charge.
JP
Thanks too for the info about the car. I know it was the Lotus press car from mid 1998 to 2000 during which time it got all over the place - various mags, on Top Gear etc. During this time it also did the Gumball 3000 with the Gumball founder and Jason Priestly (poss product placement by Lotus?) doing the driving – they came 2nd but I’m not sure how they score these things. It’s even in Top Trumps.
I knew it went to the US after that (US service stamp) but I didn’t know who owned it then. Then as you say to SW Lotus.
I almost forgot - servicing. HR Owen in London want 560 GBP for an A Service – ouch. A lot more than the 395 GBP that JCT 600 Brooklands in Leeds (also a main agent) charge.
JP
I have a 98 GT3 which has only done 21,000 miles. Main dealer (JCT 600 Leeds) wanted £5700 to 'sort out' a list of problems they found at the A service last week. Total rubbish. They charged me £550 for changing the oil. Took the car to my local garage (also MOT station) and they could find no problem with ANY of the suspension bushes that JCT said needed replacing. They said it needed a clutch £1310 ! It turned out to be the slave cylinder which I got fixed for £60 parts and £28.99 labour !
I will not go back to main dealer. Most enthusiasts that will buy your car will accept if a specialist garage has done the work. For West Yorkshire you got to Chris Foulds in Huddersfield 01484 666552.
About pads EPC Red are track pads you will not get them hot enough on the road in fact they will be dangerous. EPC greenstuff are ok but the best for Brembo is hawk pads. They have a fast road set which are carbon fibre based and are in fact cheaper and kinder on your discs. You can get them from pnm engineering 0151 630 6101 who are very very nice people !
I will not go back to main dealer. Most enthusiasts that will buy your car will accept if a specialist garage has done the work. For West Yorkshire you got to Chris Foulds in Huddersfield 01484 666552.
About pads EPC Red are track pads you will not get them hot enough on the road in fact they will be dangerous. EPC greenstuff are ok but the best for Brembo is hawk pads. They have a fast road set which are carbon fibre based and are in fact cheaper and kinder on your discs. You can get them from pnm engineering 0151 630 6101 who are very very nice people !
If you look at the list of Lotus main dealers you will find at most a hand full who have been Lotus agents for any length of time. Take your car to a local specialist but where possible use Lotus original parts (brakes are a matter of taste , model, and driving style)Using original parts saves having to get the job done twice when the cheaper part fails or does not fit properly. If you know a good thourough mechanic and you are knowledgeable enough to give them some guidence tips use them for basic servicing such as the a service but provide the Lotus A service schedule and make sure they stick to it.
If you want Lotus service parts with a discount contact me "Mike" I am the newest Independant Lotus parts dealer in the UK "Northern Sports Cars" 07790273095. (Advice is free)
Good luck with your new purchase.
If you want Lotus service parts with a discount contact me "Mike" I am the newest Independant Lotus parts dealer in the UK "Northern Sports Cars" 07790273095. (Advice is free)
Good luck with your new purchase.
I have used Kelsport (Kelvedon Motors) in Spalding...top job for a C service at £1700...but the job list was 2 meters long - I jest you not!
Ohterwise...I have visited Gordon Lamb in Sheffield for a test drive of the new 111R Elise....oh god that was fun! But they gave my Esprit a full check over free and topped up the fluids. Their workshop is amazin! So you know you will get a good pro job...no idea of cost though.
I will probably give them a try next time I need anything more than oil and filters.
Oil and filters...find a mate or do it yer sen.
It is after all a drop of Mobil 1 and a spanner to change the filter.
Steve
Ohterwise...I have visited Gordon Lamb in Sheffield for a test drive of the new 111R Elise....oh god that was fun! But they gave my Esprit a full check over free and topped up the fluids. Their workshop is amazin! So you know you will get a good pro job...no idea of cost though.
I will probably give them a try next time I need anything more than oil and filters.
Oil and filters...find a mate or do it yer sen.
It is after all a drop of Mobil 1 and a spanner to change the filter.
Steve
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