Trustworthy reliable garages to go to for Work on an Elise
Discussion
I am going to need to MOT my Elise soon. It's the first Lotus I have had, and my problem is I don't know of any lotus specialists in my area Somerset, Dorset or Devon that I can trust not to rip me off and claim this and that needs done when all I may need is an oil change.
Also with a 2003 elise am i even needing to think in terms of a lotus specialist, or is that wise regarding resale value.
Any help or suggestions in these areas would be appreciated.
CJS
Also with a 2003 elise am i even needing to think in terms of a lotus specialist, or is that wise regarding resale value.
Any help or suggestions in these areas would be appreciated.
CJS
Anywhere can MoT it (just check the mileage first in case they decide to go for a hoon).
To be honest anyone can service one too, I mean it's only an old Rover engine in a plastic and aluminium tub. Personally, I wouldn't get anything other than a specialist to do anything more complicated than a routine service though and the chances of it not needing something else done at that service are fairly slim so mine goes to a specialist for servicing too
To be honest anyone can service one too, I mean it's only an old Rover engine in a plastic and aluminium tub. Personally, I wouldn't get anything other than a specialist to do anything more complicated than a routine service though and the chances of it not needing something else done at that service are fairly slim so mine goes to a specialist for servicing too
I thought I might add. Oil changes are easy enough to diy or get a local garage to do the job. Same with brake pads etc although you might like to specify what they put in.
Its worth getting the car checked over by a specialist occasionally - someone that understands the chassis and suspension - items that will pass muster on a eurobox will often need replacing on the Elise. Having the suspension properly set up will make the world of difference to your car.
If you go to SW Lotus talk to them about having them set the suspension geometry to their fast road settings.
Its worth getting the car checked over by a specialist occasionally - someone that understands the chassis and suspension - items that will pass muster on a eurobox will often need replacing on the Elise. Having the suspension properly set up will make the world of difference to your car.
If you go to SW Lotus talk to them about having them set the suspension geometry to their fast road settings.
Chris49 said:
Sportmotive in Salisbury are the only place to go for decent Lotus services in the Dorset area.
Yes.. they inspect as per Lotus recommendations and make a judgement call on whether something needs replacing or not. The main dealer in Dorset just replaces it regardless and charges you Ferrari labour rates !.. of course it is your decision
Grinnders said:
Chris49 said:
Sportmotive in Salisbury are the only place to go for decent Lotus services in the Dorset area.
Yes.. they inspect as per Lotus recommendations and make a judgement call on whether something needs replacing or not. The main dealer in Dorset just replaces it regardless and charges you Ferrari labour rates !.. of course it is your decision
Another Vote for Sportomotive. They just did a full C service at 84k miles, new exhaust bracket, rebuilt the gear linkage and a few other odds and sods for a bit over £600. They have looked after my Elise for 8 years now and never let me down or surprised me with an unexpectedly high bill!
Regards
Spunagain
Regards
Spunagain
Grinnders said:
Chris49 said:
Sportmotive in Salisbury are the only place to go for decent Lotus services in the Dorset area.
Yes.. they inspect as per Lotus recommendations and make a judgement call on whether something needs replacing or not. The main dealer in Dorset just replaces it regardless and charges you Ferrari labour rates !.. of course it is your decision
kambites said:
Anywhere can MoT it (just check the mileage first in case they decide to go for a hoon).
To be honest anyone can service one too, I mean it's only an old Rover engine in a plastic and aluminium tub. Personally, I wouldn't get anything other than a specialist to do anything more complicated than a routine service though and the chances of it not needing something else done at that service are fairly slim so mine goes to a specialist for servicing too
This is true but with a Lotus and British standards you need to take care. As Kambites touches on, you do need to take the car somewhere which will not find a Lotus exotic...your ultimate fear is using a place which has never seen a Lotus and with a few 17 year old apprentices working there....no, no, nooooo!!!!To be honest anyone can service one too, I mean it's only an old Rover engine in a plastic and aluminium tub. Personally, I wouldn't get anything other than a specialist to do anything more complicated than a routine service though and the chances of it not needing something else done at that service are fairly slim so mine goes to a specialist for servicing too
Also, the garage MUST know how to jack the Elise and take care when doing so. They must also know how to warm the car properly to help pass the emissions test.
When all that is taken into account, it is far easier for your sanity to take the car to a specialist for the MOT. They may charge full whack....around 55 quid I think....but this time it really isn't worth taking the car to a 'special price for you' place, where you get the MOT for half price, but a wrecked car back.
I was at a garage today, that performs MOTs and the tester there said that there are a number of Testsing Centres that either wont MOT the Elise/Exige at all, or will, but only if the owner has removed the under trays first.
Not come across it myself yet, only had one MOT done so far and that was at a main stealer. Be interesting to know if others have heard/experienced this
Not come across it myself yet, only had one MOT done so far and that was at a main stealer. Be interesting to know if others have heard/experienced this
Gassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff