""warning"" Specialist In Mk

[mark_graphic]

 

I have just had the most terrible experience with an apparent Lotus specialist

in Blakelands industrial estate Milton Keynes called www.racingdevelopments.co.uk.

After they had serviced my Elise and replaced the timing belt and the radiator.

I found that the top indicator unit retainer had been snapped off on both units

and that the units had been stuck back in with tape. I found this out to my horror

as they popped out of their housings whilst I was at speed on a busy M1.

I also found that the fluid leak apparently from my radiator was still there even

though the radiator had been replaced. It wasn’t the radiator but the hose

connected to the side of the rad. To top all this off the new timing belt failed

whilst I was on the M25 because it had been over tensioned. I have spent the

last 6 weeks trying to get this sorted and finally their insurance company has

admitted liability and agreed to repair my vehicle. The apparent specialists have

been absolutely no help what so ever and I just want people out there with cars

they love and cherish not to beware of using these people. They even advertise

that they are Porsche, Jaguar, TVR, Ford and MG specialists. As I eventually found out

the place is run and the work is done by 2 people who are both in there early

to mid 20s. How could they have gained that much experience in such a little time.

This is just a short overview of what happened to me as I could write a book with

the whole sordid story. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

[Ladders]

Read this on SELOC! Bad luck!

[steve-n]

Makes you appriciate Mike's Team at Horizon !

[Speedster]

Yes it does make you appreciate the independents we have in the West Mids but it also make you think should we be asking for the past work history of the mechanics (perhaps their CV) who are going to be working on our cars. With specialist cars like Lotus I'd rather know that the mechanic (not just the garage who call themselves specialists) has the specialist knowledge and experience. Its not a question I've asked any garage yet but the MK example just makes you think should I be asking this in the future.

[GreyKnight]

Yeah, it does make you worry a bit when you catch a glimpse of "Danny-just-out-of-school" wandering around the workshop apparently being left to his own devices when the cars he's working on are prestige sports cars (or any vaguely valuable car for that matter). I always try to get a feel for the place when I take my car to an unknown garage for this very reason.

[chorton_1]

I would also add that it just depends on the mechanic. My neighbour is an excellent mechanic and I have no concerns at all about him working on my Lotus despite not have specialist knowledge. He's careful so even if it takes him longer to do a job due to lack of familiarity you know he's going to do it right. His hourly rate means that his bills rarely come out any more expensive than independent specialists and usually they're cheaper. The only downside in this scenario is using an 'un-named' garage which will potentially damage resale value. For me this is more than made up for in convenience and ongoing savings. The safe bet is of course to go to a recognised independent so it depends on who you know and trust.

[GCCK]

Just goes to show that qualifications are the lowest common denominator and that qualifications themselves are no indication of an individuals intentions.

 

It looks a bit cheesey but I like to see rows of grimey certificates decorating the walls of a garage reception, because it implies a pride in their knowledge which one hopes will translate into good work and an attention to detail.

 

The golden scenario must be a well-qualified owner-manager who works on the vehicles himself, some or all of the time. Such people know that the buck stops with them. I guess Horizon & Top Gear both fit that bill. Tollgate in Hinckley is another such but he won't do Elises any more as they take up too much ramp time (he only has the one).

[Carlylove]

OK I am gonna be a bit cynical now but is it not odd that Mark signs up and with his first post slates www.racingdevelopments.co.uk?

 

Seen loads of this sort of thing and I would not like it if someone (possibly with a grudge or competitor) did this to my company.

 

We have after all seen this on here about Horizon and it turned out to be rubbish!

 

Thoughts???

[Chorlton]

While correct, I think you'll find he has been on PistonHeads for a while and first posted there, I would assume he is suitably annoyed to want to spread the word.

 

Worth pointing out that to avoid beefy getting a law-suit, would it be worth a mod removing the company name ?

[malbon]

i've never heard of racing developments as a Lotus Specialist so erm...this does not shock horror me !

[Snapper]

OK I am gonna be a bit cynical now but is it not odd that Mark signs up and with his first post slates www.racingdevelopments.co.uk?

 

Seen loads of this sort of thing and I would not like it if someone (possibly with a grudge or competitor) did this to my company.

 

We have after all seen this on here about Horizon and it turned out to be rubbish!

 

Thoughts???

 

 

Given recent postings by new forum posters on companies just to the east of Birmingham that have been nothing more that trouble makers I was concerned that this made be of a similar nature.

 

Does anyone from that area know www.racingdevelopments.co.uk or is able to comment?

[Ladders]

There was a thread about it on SELOC. He did say he was going to post on here to warn people!

[sootysteve]

i wont be using them, but then i wudnt be anyway regardless of this post, stick with what u knw.

[AshGTi16v]

sorry to hear this mate