Cambelt / Service

[nordberg]

Lads and Ladettes,

I recently bought my Azure blue S1 Elise and am really happy as it is a long awaited addition to my life!! I seek great satisfaction in the fact that I no longer have to look and drool at Elise's when they pass by, but I can watch people look and drool as I drive my car. Anyways, as with any harmonious new relationship, there is the downside. The upkeep of the new lady. The car is relatively low mileage (26,000) on a W (2000)plate. I intentionally made sure I bought a good example because I want to maintain its condition with every intention of holding onto it for a good few years to come.

 

It currently has a full Lotus Service history, and I have booked it in for an "A" Service at Paul Matty Sports Cars next week to keep this current. The Service is going to cost £220 and I have resigned myself to the fact this is an acceptable price for the Elise for a dealers stamp in my log book. What I am struggling with is the cost of a cambelt replacement. I have been given a figure of £240 plus the cost of the part. Looks like £300+.

 

I attended my first club meeting and got talking to a guy who has an Exige. After an lengthy chat about the extensive modifications he had unbdertaken to his car he offered his services at a fraction of the cost Paul Matty quoted for the cambelt replacement (i.e. £100 + parts). As a relative newbee to the world of Lotus I just thought I would ask for a little feedback on the pros and cons as I want to be sensible with my wonga. My car stood me at £13k but I am reluctant to throw money at it if somebody else can do the same quality work for £200 less.

 

PS, my service is next week (Wednesday 29th)and I can have the cambelt changed at the same time. So if anybody can give me a really good reason why I should go with the dealer, please shout it now as I am having a day of work get this sorted.

 

Many thanks

 

Andy

[gerags]

Paul Matty isn't a Lotus dealer (as far as I know) so you won't be getting a dealer stamp.

 

Look in the technical threads for servicing and everyone will tell you to go to Horizon Motorsport (a good proportion of techie threads will have a link to their website) as they are very highly regarded and a fraction of the cost of any dealer work.

 

If you insist on a dealer then Nick Whale (Bromsgrove) is 5 minutes away from Paul Matty, but it won't be cheap.

[steve-n]

Brought my car (Elise s1) from Paul Matty (he's not an official Lotus Dealer, so no official stamp) , and had some work done there and they scratched the car quiet badly, i personally won't let them touch my car again......

 

I've taken my car down to Horizon for a service and other little bits, Mike and Wendy and the staff know how to look after your car, they are the best independent Lotus specialists in the Midlands Area.

 

I have mine booked in for an C service (cam belt replacement) £443.82 inc VAT

[Scott_Mac]

I'll echo everything above... Paul Matty is NOT an official Lotus dealer so you won't be getting a proper Lotus stamp. Nick Whale is the closest and best Lotus dealer for services, but as stated many people visit Horizon for equally good service at a fraction of the price!

[Fiona]

Why do you need a dealer stamp? A specialist is arguably more highly regarded. Get yourself to Horizon!

[strees]

Horizon :up

 

C-service last week

[Ladders]

Andy, was it Martin Edwards of Lotus Power you were talking to Andy?

 

If so, and your not bothered about the stamp I can definatly recommend him

 

Dave

[Big Rides]

Horizon

 

 

 

I'm in the same boat as you.

Spent more than I planned for pristine model with FLSH, low miles........

 

Read many posts on this forum.

Took the advice

went to Horizon

Never looked back.

 

My logic is that anyone with anything about them is (when looking for an Elise) going to do their homework and do their research on here (Look at the number of "Advice on 1st Elise purchase" threads). They'll soon come across the word "Horizon", closely followed by it's reputation.

 

Also, if you keep your car for say 5 years- add up the approximate cost difference between main Dealer and independent servicing- are you really going to get that saving back by four little letters "FLSH"???

 

Regards,

Ian

[dss123]

Hey Mate,

 

A service history with a well regarded independent is as good if not better some "dealer" historys.

 

No benefit then, going to a dealer, in my mind.

 

I, like so many others here, use Horizon.

 

Good, honest service by enthusiasts - can't beat it.

 

Dunc

[nordberg]

OK OK OK. I have taken heed of all the advice provided by you guys (and gals Fiona) Called Horizon and got a quote of £105 for the "A" service and £234 for the cambelt. That sounds pretty damb reasonable to me. Feel a little bad about having to tel Paul Matty I have changed my mind, but I have heard to many bad reviews (and I don't want my car scratching :-() . Thanks again for all your feedback. Horizon here I come :-)

 

Andy

[Steve R]

Bought mine from Matty's and had a little trouble with the alarm not working. Had to get it sorted myself but they paid in the end.

 

Have used Nick Whales for my first two services including cam belt at a rather expensive cost.

 

I used Horizon this year and what a great place. "A" service was £85. I enquired about cam belt to see what I would of saved and it was half the price. They really are good there, don't be put off thinking they must be cheaper for a reason. They just haven't got an expensive showroom. IMO give them a go, you want look back.

 

The service record will be stamped with "Independent Lotus Specialist" which is the same as Paul Matty's.

 

NW wanted £90 to do my tracking after I had changed the track rod ends which was the final straw for me.

 

Steve R

[Scott_Mac]

OK OK OK. I have taken heed of all the advice provided by you guys (and  gals Fiona) Called Horizon and got a quote of £105 for the "A" service and £234 for the cambelt. That sounds pretty damb reasonable to me. Feel a little bad about having to tel Paul Matty I have changed my mind, but I have heard to many bad reviews (and I don't want my car scratching :-() . Thanks again for all your feedback. Horizon here I come :-)

 

Andy

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Congrats, another happy "customer to be" i'm sure