(lets create) A List of US Independant Mechanics?

[karmavore]

If one doesn't exist, how about everyone posting their fav. indie?

Luke.

[JeffYoung]

Flying Circus Cars, Durham NC. Simon and Toby are great guys, English to boot. Specialize in Range and Land Rovers, but know Triumph/MG/Jaguar very well. Have worked on Esprits and are good for most repairs.

[jfitz981]

Sounds like a great idea.
Burkes Automotive,PA 610 872 5760
Great mechanic!

[Lotusacbc]

I have heard nothing buy good things about RS Motorsports, a Lotus mechanic located in NJ

[techspy]

Exotic Auto
Surfside SC (near Myrtle Beach)
used to be owned by Rob, now owned and operated by George. Competant work on Ferarri Jag and Lotus.

John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html

[sobemike]

Claudius is an excellent mechanic in the Los Angeles area in CA. He is a joy to work with and very knowledgable.

[dzhony]

I would like to add to the RS Motorosports entry... Ralph is a great guy and has always been willing to help me with my Esprit. He explains exactly what he will be doing for any work, and takes the time to show me what was done and why. Whenever I have called him with a question, he has been willing to answer them even when my car was three states away.

RS Motorsports
Telephone [phone]
Postal address 26 Bogert Street Closter, NJ 07624 USA

Jon

[madmike]

My guy, THE man in the VA/MD/DC area, Jaime Goffaux at Yesteryear Motorsport.

Yesteryear Motorsports
6350 South Hanover Road
Suite B
Elkridge, MD 21075

[phone]

[NJGSX96]

I would like to second RS Motorsports as Ralph was a big help in me finding an Esprit as well as giving advice on repairs. Many Lotus owners from the NJ/NY/PA area use him and give nothing but good reviews. The man uses a torque wrench on everything and when I say that I mean EVERYTHING. Very by the book. I do my own work, but if I had to go somewhere, it would be him.

I will second Jamie as well. The PO for my Lotus used him and was happy with him, although I had to redo the axle seals he did 3 months later. However, he did offer to do them for free and he also gave me an extended warranty for a bunch of work the PO had done. I would of course have to drive down to VA but don't think for a second I wouldn't have if something happened!

[feffman]

The Boston area is fortunate to have Mike Fridmann proprietor of Michael's Motorsports (www.MichaelsMotorSports.com).

Michael's Motorsports
55 Middlesex Ave.
Natick, MA 01760

[phone]
[e-mail]

[MikeyRide]

NJGSX96 said:

I would like to second RS Motorsports as Ralph was a big help in me finding an Esprit as well as giving advice on repairs.

He's not independent. Ralph is actually an official Lotus service center, just not a car dealer. He even got to go to the official dealer Elise unveiling at Barber Motorsports Park.

Agree on all points though. His shop is always spotless and he will not be rushed. Exactly the person you want working on your car.

[lotusacbc]

How are the rates over at RS Motorsports by the way?

[MikeyRide]

$85/hr I think. You pay book labor + Lotus list on prices. Relatively expensive but worth it IMHO if you want things done right the first time.

[autocross7]

Daniel Baggett at Baggett automotive in mobile Al is great...


Drive topless!!!
Cameron

[NJGSX96]

I didn't know he was an official Lotus center. Nice to know.

As for pricing, expect to pay out da butt on anything Lotus. Another reason why I do my own work. The labor and parts prices I have seen from service places around the world are just mind boggling and enough to make a grown man cry. If there was a demand for it, I would change spark plugs in the Esprit all day every day for the prices I have seen quoted on that job.

[lotusacbc]

NJGSX96 said:

I didn't know he was an official Lotus center. Nice to know. As for pricing, expect to pay out da butt on anything Lotus. Another reason why I do my own work. The labor and parts prices I have seen from service places around the world are just mind boggling and enough to make a grown man cry. If there was a demand for it, I would change spark plugs in the Esprit all day every day for the prices I have seen quoted on that job.

LOL Thats not cool. That its so expensive that is