Elise Service intervals
Discussion
I had my Elise serviced last May and since then have done about 1200 miles before she was put to sleep for the winter. Although I don't envisage another 'light mileage' summer, I don't expect to do more than 4000 a year.
As I read the service book it suggests service every x,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first.
I am tempted to have it done only when the mileage suggests it is due, probably every 2or 3 years, but what are the implications for the car and for resale values does anyone know?
Get it serviced! Try Fibreglass services in Sussex if it's near you. Change from £150 for an A service. Nobody in their right mind will buy an Elise that hasn't got a proper history - there are loads on the market that have. It simply isn't worth NOT getting it done.
As the saying goes - penny wise and pounds stupid.
As the saying goes - penny wise and pounds stupid.
A problem can be that the oil will get a bit acidic and quite unhealthy if left too long ( although this is less a problem with fully synthetic ) and there is a chance the brakes will seize, certainly rust, through lack of use. If you do not use a battery conditoner, it will die.
You don't have to go mad, a decent run once a month ( with very low revs and a gentle throttle for at least 20 minutes ) will keep all happy. ( Decent means around 3 hours )
As for the service record, I'd say it depends on the car and the price you paid. If it is a early S1, then it is unlikely the £200-£500 service bills ( each time ) will be 'earnt' back at sell time. ( If you have paid say £9k for one and you invest a few grand on servicing, it will maybe - maybe - get you an extra £500, as it seems unlikely any decent Elise will go for less than £7k )
Personally, I'd prefer to buy from an owner who has changed the oil and filter every six months and who can convince me he has looked after the car.
It does mean a lot to many customers, admitted.
It will also mean your car should be in good shape, which obviously means a lot.
My bottom line: If you plan on keeping the car ( as you should! ) then go DIY. Save yourself thousands and do the job properly.
If you know you will sell in a year or two, get a service record - no need to use Lotus dealers as the costs here will be impossible to justify and you will be seriously out of pocket.
You don't have to go mad, a decent run once a month ( with very low revs and a gentle throttle for at least 20 minutes ) will keep all happy. ( Decent means around 3 hours )
As for the service record, I'd say it depends on the car and the price you paid. If it is a early S1, then it is unlikely the £200-£500 service bills ( each time ) will be 'earnt' back at sell time. ( If you have paid say £9k for one and you invest a few grand on servicing, it will maybe - maybe - get you an extra £500, as it seems unlikely any decent Elise will go for less than £7k )
Personally, I'd prefer to buy from an owner who has changed the oil and filter every six months and who can convince me he has looked after the car.
It does mean a lot to many customers, admitted.
It will also mean your car should be in good shape, which obviously means a lot.
My bottom line: If you plan on keeping the car ( as you should! ) then go DIY. Save yourself thousands and do the job properly.
If you know you will sell in a year or two, get a service record - no need to use Lotus dealers as the costs here will be impossible to justify and you will be seriously out of pocket.
I had thought about just getting oil and filters as an interim measure between the 'proper services'. It is a 2000 series 1 with 20,000m on the clock. I am probably more concerned with making sure it works for me as this is my long term toy, although resale value is an issue to some degree.
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