Taking the Michael-Servicing:replacement parts
Discussion
Just got an estimate back from my Lotus specialist over here in France. I don't wish to name the garage but there aren't that many.
Originally an estimate for changing the front discs on my Exige 240 PP.(Big Brakes) Includes pads, fluids etc etc. So start off at around the £1400 mark. Then decided to have an estimate for a general check up. The estimate comes back with one or two surprises and one or two add ons that I really don't appreciate. Not certain how they work out what should be changed.
Amongst other things, they noted spark plugs. My current ones were changed less than 1000 miles ago.
They have put 4 coils on the estimate. Don't understand that one.
Service B is also listed, with spark plugs being included-why should I need new plugs in a service if they are listed separately as an item to change, and Im certain they have a longer life than 1000 miles
There is a charge for test driving the car after the service(£40)
Anyway, a lengthy bill which ends up at £4200. I knew about the discs and pads when I bought the car.
I think they forgot to charge for the tap water used to top up the window washer, no doubt another £50
Suffice to say my car will be going elsewhere. I think Thierry Verhiest in Ostend who were excellent when dealing with my last problem.
It might even be worth my while to come across to the UK for a trip. Hangar 111 or perhaps somewhere in Kent.
As for the discs, do I stick to original parts or should I consider other discs. I was quoted for AP Perce.
Originally an estimate for changing the front discs on my Exige 240 PP.(Big Brakes) Includes pads, fluids etc etc. So start off at around the £1400 mark. Then decided to have an estimate for a general check up. The estimate comes back with one or two surprises and one or two add ons that I really don't appreciate. Not certain how they work out what should be changed.
Amongst other things, they noted spark plugs. My current ones were changed less than 1000 miles ago.
They have put 4 coils on the estimate. Don't understand that one.
Service B is also listed, with spark plugs being included-why should I need new plugs in a service if they are listed separately as an item to change, and Im certain they have a longer life than 1000 miles
There is a charge for test driving the car after the service(£40)
Anyway, a lengthy bill which ends up at £4200. I knew about the discs and pads when I bought the car.
I think they forgot to charge for the tap water used to top up the window washer, no doubt another £50
Suffice to say my car will be going elsewhere. I think Thierry Verhiest in Ostend who were excellent when dealing with my last problem.
It might even be worth my while to come across to the UK for a trip. Hangar 111 or perhaps somewhere in Kent.
As for the discs, do I stick to original parts or should I consider other discs. I was quoted for AP Perce.
Spoken to Hangar (UK) and Thierry Verhiest (Belgium)
Both extremely helpful and friendly.
Awaiting replies.
Just to underline how much the French are taking the p.ss, labour charges in France are 120 Euros. The Belgian Lotus dealers are at 60 euros. Half price.
Hoping to see the final bill at half price too! £2000 was largely what I'd budgeted for and it seems it should come in at around that figure. Still not cheap but was part of the negotiation when I bought my car
Both extremely helpful and friendly.
Awaiting replies.
Just to underline how much the French are taking the p.ss, labour charges in France are 120 Euros. The Belgian Lotus dealers are at 60 euros. Half price.
Hoping to see the final bill at half price too! £2000 was largely what I'd budgeted for and it seems it should come in at around that figure. Still not cheap but was part of the negotiation when I bought my car
Just had the news back from Belgium. The work and parts will come in at around the £1300 mark.
Not only does the French dealer charge for add ons, they charge higher prices than official Lotus catalogue prices. All in all a scandalous affair. I'm raging at how they have the nerve to consider themselves as Lotus specialists but there we go. I refuse to name them but if you're ever stuck in Paris they are the only ones listed. They seem to have a good reputation which is strange. To me they are just like our friends in Birmingham who also remain nameless.
Anyway, once again, thanks to the people at Hangar for their friendly advice. I'd loved to have come across just to see the set up but that adds £300 to the costs.
Not only does the French dealer charge for add ons, they charge higher prices than official Lotus catalogue prices. All in all a scandalous affair. I'm raging at how they have the nerve to consider themselves as Lotus specialists but there we go. I refuse to name them but if you're ever stuck in Paris they are the only ones listed. They seem to have a good reputation which is strange. To me they are just like our friends in Birmingham who also remain nameless.
Anyway, once again, thanks to the people at Hangar for their friendly advice. I'd loved to have come across just to see the set up but that adds £300 to the costs.
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