Service Dilemma – Who to use? What to do?

[malbon]

I’m really struggling to find a specialist/make a decision who to use for the next service on my car.

I bought the Cambelt/Waterpump/Alt Belts gubbins in the group buy from the US and this should absorb a little of the cost. So far I have a quote of around £650 from Horizon and £750 from Lakeside –then take the cost of the cambelts off. My normal service guy hasn’t called me back and nor has Steve Williams. I’m awating a quote from Scared Stiff in Daventry and although everyone recommends GST – it’s a little far as I need to drop in off en-route to Heathrow.

<Bangs head against wall>

Is it me or are these prices quite pricy for a cheap little sportscar ? I’m not a tightwad but I don’t think I have ever spent over £500 on a service for any of my cars including ones that are 2-3 times the cost of an Elan SE

Is it worth giving my local guy the schedule and getting him to service it ? (he has worked on all of my sportscars in the elise without issue)

At £40 an hour – even if he takes 10 hours to do it surely this is going to work out better ???

What says the majority ?

Jon

[Gary]

You can't go wrong with GST...

[malbon]

...waiting for him to get back to me tomorrow. Here's hoping i can take it here.

[Paul.P]

Seems expensive to me, especially as youve already got the bits, give Gerald a ring tomorow ( GST ), sure you can catch the train straight from newmarket to london.

[malbon]

Nice one Paul. Just spoke to Gerald and he's on the case. Dropping it off Saturday

...didnt think of the train -was going to take 2 cars. Will have to have a look

Paul - do you know if he will fit an ESM chip? If so I might as well get ESM to send it straight there so I come back off holiday to a new improved beast !

[Mikee]

Jon,

How was the service at GST? - I looking at doing mine and it seems that GST or Steve Williams are my options for my area... be interested in any feedback.

Mike

[Paul.P]

Mike, Gary, Dave Eds, & i all use GST, & i'm sure a lot of others. Personally speaking, i use them because apart from being excellent mechanics, there enthusiasts, & are as keen on your car being right as you are. Before i even took my car for a service, i went & had a chat with Gerald to see if he knew his stuff, & what he don't know about M100's ain't worth knowing. Please yourself mate, but i ain't heard a bad word about Gerald & i'm sure others will back this up !