Elise 'A' service checks

[braddo]

Hi all,

I've seen that all the a/b/c services for elises involve various checks including the condition of suspension, steering rack etc.

If an Elise has had an A service in the last couple of months from a reputable specialist, is this a decent substitute for a pre-purchase inspection as regards the car's condition underneath? After reading a couple of buyers' guides I'm a touch paranoid about things like steering rack and gaiters, ball joints etc.

I'm looking at purchasing an S1 - the one I have my eye on has good provenance, very low miles and annual service history and I'm wondering if a pre-purchase inspection is really necessary. Obviously I'll have a look over the car myself (and a decent test drive) but I won't be jacking the car up or taking the wheels off on this guy's drive...

Thanks a lot,
Brad

[bogie]

depends really, on the place and the bill...if its just a bill for work carried out or advisory stuff on there as well ...obviously its very easy for a car to have gone in for an A service, owner gets a phonecall, advising new bushes and rack required, but they are selling it 2 weeks later so they just say "no thanks" and pay £200 for the service

some places will put on the receipt, work they have advised, that hasnt been done ...a bit like blackmail to the owner really

[braddo]

Good point, thanks, I'm hoping the bills will include any advisory stuff. If they don't an inspection looks a lot more likely.

Servicing has been done by Sinclaires, if that helps.

Brad

[bogie]

braddo said:

Good point, thanks, I'm hoping the bills will include any advisory stuff. If they don't an inspection looks a lot more likely.

Servicing has been done by Sinclaires, if that helps.

Brad

it will be a bill then, my car went there for about 5 years ..but its also likely that they will know of the car if you ask them ..it may be just as easy for piece of mind to pay an hours labour - £50 and they can tell you if theres much needs doing to it .

[braddo]

Thanks. The car is based in the Oxford/Aylesbury area though (aren't Sinclaires in Essex?) - does anyone know anyone nearish to there where the car could be taken to?

[djaques]

Call Brooke Kensington in Bicester (01869 325551) speak to Simon - top bloke. He has looked after my S1 for 5 years now, can't fault them.

[jondude]

I can understand your concerns and the advice above is good, but personally I wouldn't bother with another inspection - you will be paying the same soon for the official service, so why not wait?

Sinclaires are not cheap and will, effectively, charge you the same as an 'A' service again.

The car has been serviced regularly and this owner has not, as do many, left out the recent service despite selling the car - that in itself is rare.

You have to go by your instincts and gut feelings with buying 2nd hand, and the owner's attitude and manner can make about 90% of the deal, I'd say.

If you really are worried, how about asking the owner if work was advised at the recent service, gently pushing for him to accept you ( or he) call the dealer to check? If he knows you are going this way, he will either say ' sure, let's call them' or realise it may be best to come clean.

[TIPPER]

Why not jack the car up and take the wheels off? You're the buyer and want to satisfy yourself about the car before you buy.