Yearly Service

[PaulN]

Hi All,

For one reason and another ive driven the Elan very rarely since its last serivce.

Ive made sure ive used it at least once a month and always let the engine warm up when its not been used.

The thing is im very picky about getting all the services done, and stamps in the right place.

Should i get another service done now even though everythings spot on. I check the oil and coolant most months and its still a nice golden colour (Mobile 1).

The alternative is having an oil change and filter for good measure now or wait a month or so and send it to Paul Matty's for a service and once over.

Cheers

PaulN

Ps The car will now get more use and is running sooooo sweet and feels like new.

[ailwyn]

The thing is im very picky about getting all the services done, and stamps in the right place.

Have you not answered your own question?

Personally, I used to think along the same lines, but I am more inclined to make sure that for my own peace of mind enough is done, but don't necessarily stick to the service schedule, if I did, I'd be getting at least one of my cars serviced every 3-4 months. For the type of 80mph motorway driving I do I think servicing that frequently is excessive.

<Waits to be told off.....>

Ailwyn

[PaulN]

The thing is im very picky about getting all the services done, and stamps in the right place.

Have you not answered your own question?

Personally, I used to think along the same lines, but I am more inclined to make sure that for my own peace of mind enough is done, but don't necessarily stick to the service schedule, if I did, I'd be getting at least one of my cars serviced every 3-4 months. For the type of 80mph motorway driving I do I think servicing that frequently is excessive.

<Waits to be told off.....>

Ailwyn

Hi,

Well i suppose i did but wanted to know what others thought..... I mean are my services OTT, i too seem to be servicing cars or Insuring or Tax every few months!

I dont deal with Lotus anymore with Services after i asked them want i got for my £720 A+C in 2001 and they said we put it up on the ramps have a coffee wipe a few bits and bring it back down! He was joking but i fear it wasn't far off the truth.

I may well be looking to sell it next summer so dont want to really leave gaps if it may harm the sale value.

Cheers

PaulN

[ailwyn]

I dont deal with Lotus anymore with Services after i asked them want i got for my £720 A+C in 2001 and they said we put it up on the ramps have a coffee wipe a few bits and bring it back down! He was joking but i fear it wasn't far off the truth.

I agree, servicing costs are excessive, when I asked Paul Matty's about the "Major" service (before buying the car) which I now guess is the B+C I was told around £750, at which point I nearly walked away.

I may well be looking to sell it next summer so dont want to really leave gaps if it may harm the sale value.

If you currently have a full service history and your intention is to sell then I would get it done as per schedule to get the stamp in the book, although I'm not sure how much value a FSH adds to the car. Non appreciators will want to pay bottom price for a 10 year old car and those in the know will recognise a well cared for car without the SH.

Ailwyn

[PaulN]

Hi,

Thats exactly what we have been saying in my office. No one i know would want their car to go to a main dealer unless it was a must. I would worry if it had a full service history for lotus but not if it was Paul Matty's.

FSH is pants really because lets be honest its the minimum work a car needs per year and most people spend more effort between services on Elans anyway.

Cheers

PaulN

[Monty]

Paul,

What service is due?

U don`t have to go to Lotus/specialist to have it service, have u not got a local garage u can trust? Service history is important and will help sell the car, but u don`t have to go by the time limit other wise u`r book would already be full, do the sevice by the mileage (except for cambelt) or if u feel it needs a service.

[PaulN]

Paul,

What service is due?

U don't have to go to Lotus/specialist to have it service, have u not got a local garage u can trust? Service history is important and will help sell the car, but u don't have to go by the time limit other wise u'r book would already be full, do the sevice by the mileage (except for cambelt) or if u feel it needs a service.

Hi,

Cant remember to be honest, will check.

Yes i have been using a local Garage to do all work on the Elan and the last job was the whole brake system.

There is in fact a Lotus Mechanic who has opened his own Garage in leicester! He Moved from Lotus to Merc which was based next door to my local place. He was the person Advising about gravity bleeding the brakes.

Im very tempted to pop in for a simple service and check out the work and knowledge.

Cheers

PaulN

[Paul.P]

Paul, i would have it serviced matey. Only doing 3-5k a yr, i have a once a yr service, & Geralds attitude at GST is that he don't want to see you ( with any problems ) for another year, so i know he gives the car a thorough going over. Perhaps if we only ask for a service, thats all we will get ?

[PaulN]

Hi,

After alot of messing and thinking, ive got it booked in for its A service this Friday at my garage i have been using for 5-6 years.

At a later date im going to get an ex lotus guy who has set up a garage to have a look at it and give it the once over so i can see what hes like...

And will use Paul Mattys for the service and check ups next year.

Got my Insurance and Tax this week too

Cheers

PaulN