"A" Service + Cambelt Change

[magarnett]

Just come off the phone with the dealer expecting just to have an "A" service on my 111S (1999 with 9,000 mls) and he's stated that Lotus have brought forward the cam belt service to 4 years or 36,000 miles. Any views on this. Also he quoted £450 all in for both. Anyone else had similar work done and is the price reasonable?

Mark

[bogie]

Price is OK - usually ranges from £450-550. And yes theyve dropped it down - although I thought it was 4 years or 48000miles

[aromat]

I recommend a belt at 4-5 years or 35k miles to be honest.

Make sure they know what they're doling with the VVC would be my only caveat. 2 bexts to change and a different kettle of fish to your normal belt change.

I know a lot about elises and am reasonably well respected but don't do VVCs becasue I only do tip top work - I haven't seen enough VVC ones done and don't know the associated problems.

cheers

[Peter Calver]

I am frightened by the prices I see on this forum for Lotus servicing - are garages taking the mickey. Certainly the bills I got with my car reflect that they are.
I did the Belt myself on our car(not a VVC I admit but not that different) - full C service - new braided brake flexibles - rear pads - sorted out the undertray bolts front and rear - for a little over £200 in parts. The Elise is not rocket science - just a liitle cramped. Try Wilsheres Garage, New Wimpole near Cambridge - MG specialists for a quote.

[bogie]

I thought the Elise was cheap to run !

specialists charge approx £40 an hour - dealers £90

at a specialist expect to pay

A service £180
B service £250
C service £450-520

...try a TVR - £600 for a 6K and £1200 for a 12000 ! eek

[zebedee]

those TVR examples bogey - are they specialist or dealer prices?

[bogie]

dealers - specialists are about £450 and £900-1000 (tappets every 12K miles - lots of labour)

[Steevo]

Definitely go for the cambelt change. The belt on my standard S1 broke at 5 yrs and 43K miles. If you think the servicing costs are high, you should have seen my bill for a replacement engine!
Cheers.

[waz]

MOT £ 30.00
'A' Service £ 82.50
Steering Gaitors £ 54.45 (£13.65 parts + £40.80 labour)
Cam Belt £149.50

TOTAL £316.45


Guys this was my bill for my last service (A). Done by Horizon Motorsport, Cradley Heath. Spealists in our wonderful car..

www.horizonmotorsport.co.uk/