Thorny Little Servicing Question...

Thorny Little Servicing Question...

Author
Discussion

cre8toruk

Original Poster:

250 posts

136 months

Sunday 6th April 2014
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Hi All,
I've got a peculiar one that I need some impartial advice on.

I've got a lovely 2004 Ardent red (hard topped) 111s that's done just 23,000 miles.
The car when first owned was kept in storage for quite a few years (6 I think), then was bought by the second owner who drove it for a bit and then sold it to me.

The car itself has only ever had 4 services, the first one at 1600 miles or so, the second at about 8500 the third (a C service + belts) at 12500 miles and the last one when I bought it at 19500 miles. The next service in the book is due at 36,000 miles but at this rate it won't be due for another 2 years (I'm only doing about 5,000 miles per year). Should I continue servicing it annually or do I wait 2 years and get it done then.. If I do get it serviced at say 25000 miles (in a couple months when it's due) due I get the garage to stamp the book or not bother?

I'll be getting it done at an independent garage anyway as B&C want 3 times what they'll charge me for what is basically an oil and filters service.

Cre8.

grumpy

966 posts

240 months

Sunday 6th April 2014
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My 55 plate 111S has done around 27,000 miles. I do between 3,000 and 4,000 miles a year and have it serviced every year at the same time as the MOT. My local garage does this for me, (the owner and me go way back).
They have done a clutch, belts and the "usual" stuff, it's only a K series after all. More recently they've had the front clam off to do the blower resistors and a few up-grades. New ally rad, hoses tow post and ss brake hoses.
They also flushed the cooling system and changed the brake fluid and in previous years fitted a new CDL unit and lighting relay pack.
So in essence, I'd get it serviced every year.

kriggi

84 posts

222 months

Monday 7th April 2014
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I own an Exige S so not a K series engine but the Toyota one. I do around 2,000 to 3,000 miles a year and was advised by a well respected independent who has serviced this and my previous Elise that given the low milage and the fact that I don't track it (one day though!) it only needs to be serviced every two years.

I'm sure there are those who will disagree with this but I'm happy with it being serviced every 2 years. I'm not too fussed about the service history as this car is definitely a keeper.

Ultimately it's up to you, if you're intending on selling it within the next 4 years then I would probably service it every year just for the service history but as it's history is already a little sparse perhaps every other year will be fine depending on milage and if you track it or not. It is after all an engine designed for use in heavier cars so really isn't that stressed in the lightweight Lotus.