Where do you get your Elise serviced

[BMWChris]

I'm thinking of buying a series 1 for fairly regular use. Maybe 6000 miles pa. My local Lotus / Morgan / Aston specialist (the Stratton Motor Group here in Norfolk) is very expensive.

I think i know the answer but i was wondering if, being a K series it could be serviced like a 10 year old rover 400 - ie in my bloke on the corner!

[RobM77]

Theoretically, yes, but personally I wouldn't unless you really trust the guy. A knowledge of things to look out for and quirks of the car will pay dividends in the long run with any performance car.

[stew-S160]

BMWChris said:

I'm thinking of buying a series 1 for fairly regular use. Maybe 6000 miles pa. My local Lotus / Morgan / Aston specialist (the Stratton Motor Group here in Norfolk) is very expensive.

I think i know the answer but i was wondering if, being a K series it could be serviced like a 10 year old rover 400 - ie in my bloke on the corner!

is the elise a 10 year old rover though? about the only thing really comparable is the engine. thats all well and good, but the elise has alot more that needs checking that alot of 'normal' places would'nt even consider checking.

im actually getting mine serviced tomorrow by allon white sports cars in cranfield. they deal with lotus and morgan so they do actually know about the cars.

on my previous cars, ive done the servicing myself, but ill pay for it on the elise due to the special nature of the car.

[jondude]

You probably have some decent independents in your area...or you could do basic servicing yourself then get the suspension/brakes etc looked over by a specialist, making clear you want a report, not the work done on a blank cheque. Then take it from there.

[noodleman]

Kelsport in Spalding

http://www.racecar.co.uk/kelsport/

[ganglandboss]

My cousin is a qualified mechanic so I take it round to him. The benefits are that I get to see everything done, I trust him, I learn more about the car and I enjoy getting my hands dirty in the process. The only downside is that he no longer works in the motor trade, so I don't get a service stamp. I do make sure I keep all the receipts for parts and fluids etc. and take loads of photos when doing it.

[Zebede29]

noodleman said:

Kelsport in Spalding

http://www.racecar.co.uk/kelsport/

I absolutely, 120% totally second that - a superb place, worth the drive. Not much to look at once you get there, but don't let that put you off. Pat and the teckie boys there live, sleep and breathe Lotus and Pat is such a fantastic guy, he'll help you out any way he can. What he doesn't know about Lotuses isn't worth knowing!

(He used to race for the Lotus factory team in his younger days - cut him in two and he'd have Lotus running through his body like a stick of rock!)

[RobM77]

The key issue is familiarity with the car. For example, I've spent the last 6 or 7 years looking after my own racing cars, and my last one didn't have a single nut or bolt on it untouched by me. I had the engine and gearbox completely apart four times! However, I wouldn't service the Elise - and the main reason for that is that I'm not familiar with the car and what to check etc. I leave it to a specialist.

[TonyHetherington]

A service isn't just an oil change though - it's checking all over the car. You'd be completely utterly 100% nuts to go that route.

Either an independent or a main Lotus dealer isn't expensive at all - especially not on 6000 miles a year. £150 for an A-service?! The peace of mind it brings is well worth it.

[S Works]

I'd agree with Tony. For the sake of one drive each year, get it to a good specialist.

Local places are fine for things like oil changes, brake pad/disc changes, tyres etc., but you want someone who really knows the car to give it the once over at every interval.

[The Bumblebee]

BMWChris, how much are Stratton quoting you? Mine is due for a service too and that is my local Lotus dealer. Better start saving up!

[slatess1]

Always use Hanger 111 which isnt far from you and they give excellent service / advice

[toxic frog]

how much do the factory charge for servicing?

[Tin Hat]

toxic frog said:

how much do the factory charge for servicing?

About the same as everyone else in my experience - Be careful about waiting while they service the car, a standard A service took them 6 hours, presumably it was in a queue and they just made me wait (I was in no specific rush to be fair!)They did however track test the car when they were done!
I thought that the service at Sinclaires near Romford inspired the most confidence

[lincoln lad]

Got to be Pat Thomas @ Kelvedon - superb every time !

You can always sit by the huge lake in his garden whilst you wait..top job every time.

[S2john]

Tin Hat said:

toxic frog said:

how much do the factory charge for servicing?

About the same as everyone else in my experience - Be careful about waiting while they service the car, a standard A service took them 6 hours, presumably it was in a queue and they just made me wait (I was in no specific rush to be fair!)They did however track test the car when they were done!
I thought that the service at Sinclaires near Romford inspired the most confidence

Totally agree with the above statement regarding Sinclaires. Had an A service done there 3 weeks ago. Took 3 hours, & the service was so thorough & fully explained once completed. No hesitation taking her back for the next one

[Zebede29]

lincoln lad said:

Got to be Pat Thomas @ Kelvedon - superb every time !

You can always sit by the huge lake in his garden whilst you wait..top job every time.

LOL thats 3 votes for Kelvedons.....Pat, if you're reading this, do we get a loyalty discount next time?! hehe

[Lawrence5]

Hangar 111 or GST down in Newmarket....... Dealers are not great and pricey. The state of mine coming from dealer servicing was worrying

GST are my favourite guy who runs it is exLotus man and boy........

Wouldn't trust a backsteet garage - jack in the wrong place and you can puncture the chassis. Remember going into a tyre place and they wanted to jack on thes suspension arms

[lincoln lad]

I don't think Pat has mastered the art of internet use which is a shame :->. If he had, i'm sure he'd be pleased with the feedback..

Edited by lincoln lad on Wednesday 17th October 12:13

[Zebede29]

lincoln lad said:

I don't think Pat has mastered the art of internet use which is a shame :->. If he had, i'm sure he'd be pleased with the feedback..

Edited by lincoln lad on Wednesday 17th October 12:13

We should print it out and post it to him lol

(assuming of course that Royal Mail's Elite Crack Squad have got back to work enjoying their job security and perpetual demand for their service - there will never be a day when the world doesn't need post)

[oops sorry about that mini-rant there, lost my way for a second]