Advice - Lotus Dealer vs Independent for action plan!

[Stirling60]

Hi everyone!

I had originally been the owner of an Elise some 23 years ago selling it after only 3 years (if only I knew then what I know now) Some 3 years ago I stumbled across the magazine Absolute Lotus which made me realise what I had been missing, armed with a annual subscription to Absolute Lotus and finally with the assistance of Will Blackham I have once again become a Lotus owner.  
 

I have managed to purchase an Exige S2 in white.  Now this is where the fun begins! the car has only 23k miles and whilst 14 years old it is completely stock with the exception of a new air filter and wiper blade! The car was previously owned by a gent in Northern Ireland and well maintained - in some years it only did 500 miles between services.  The tyres were replaced before purchase as they were a little perished - I’m thinking a suspension refresh at HPE given its age.  However I would like to have a plan of attack so would like to get ‘Sterling’ as we have called him checked out from top to bottom.  Does anyone have any thoughts if a main Lotus dealer would be of advantage or an independent? Glad to be a member of MLOC have enjoyed looking through lots of great posts!

[richbk]

Sounds like you have bought a cracker, With the age of the car I would be more than happy to recommend any number of good independents, Dan at HPE is a star, Gav at Unit 4 in Burton upon Trent  is very well regarded, for sure they are a bit of a trek, but if you could tie it in with a Midlands Run in the spring very worthwhile.

They are not overly technical cars by todays standards and I like the idea of someone who genuinely has a passion for the cars and brand, and has chosen to specialise in this marque is a key factor for me. Add in years of experience, knowledge that they're reputation is based on service and standards rather than Sales and warranty work and the cost savings that they offer over main dealers stacks up. when or indeed if you ever sell the car on, you wont lose out by not having dealer stamps at this point, as most buyers do a decent amount of research before buying and will recognise good independents.

I am sure someone further south will recommend someone more local to you, and also someone else will say "dealership", but thats the joy of forums.

Just IMHO

 

Enjoy the car

Richard

[Louise]

Www.pjslotlotus.co.uk tel 01283 500428 Paul Shipley happy to look after your car. 

[Stirling60]

26 minutes ago, richbk said:

Sounds like you have bought a cracker, With the age of the car I would be more than happy to recommend any number of good independents, Dan at HPE is a star, Gav at Unit 4 in Burton upon Trent  is very well regarded, for sure they are a bit of a trek, but if you could tie it in with a Midlands Run in the spring very worthwhile.

They are not overly technical cars by todays standards and I like the idea of someone who genuinely has a passion for the cars and brand, and has chosen to specialise in this marque is a key factor for me. Add in years of experience, knowledge that they're reputation is based on service and standards rather than Sales and warranty work and the cost savings that they offer over main dealers stacks up. when or indeed if you ever sell the car on, you wont lose out by not having dealer stamps at this point, as most buyers do a decent amount of research before buying and will recognise good independents.

I am sure someone further south will recommend someone more local to you, and also someone else will say "dealership", but thats the joy of forums.

Just IMHO

 

Enjoy the car

Richard

 

[Stirling60]

Thanks Richard appreciate the guidance and the note, will give everyone a call, I like the idea of the independent - as you say they can be as passionate as ourselves - looking forward to a run in the Midlands once everything is checked out!

Pete

[Stirling60]

Thank Louise one for the list

Pete