Its service time again and I can’t decide what to do.
The car will be 5 years old, and I’m keen on the car having as good a history as possible - which given its value, to me means a main dealer service history. But where/when do I stop? I had planned on getting main dealers to service the car up until at least 5 years old, but it is really worth it?
I don’t mind that it costs a bit more than an independant (although some price match), as I believe that will be reflected by the stamps in the service book come resale.
But the local main dealer (B&C) is 30miles away, so a faff to get to and from on anything other than a saturday, whilst my local specialist (Hoffmans) is only about 5 miles away.
I actually think there is a reverse logic that can be applied to an enthusiasts brand like Lotus.
I would prefer to see the car had been to any of the recognised indies rather than a main dealer. The exception to this may be in any initial warranty period but that is even arguable.
Quoting no one main dealer in particular but a number of the personnel there can be oblivious as to the brand name on the door and I have seen people come and go quite quickly or move around different marques in the same ownership.
Obviously, you would have to sell this to any potential new owner but I would hope any private seller would have done their research and come to a similar conclusion.
Reading to Henley in 5 mins is really very good going!
I use , and have for years , used an Independant , Paul Matty Sportscars , they always do a good job and offer a personal service, and have a breadth of knowledge that probably surpasses any main dealer , especially on older models of Lotus
So I use an Independant , and more than happy , to have their stamp, in my service books
I am going down the route of MD service at specified intervals but specialist for all the ‘extra’ interim ones - that’s if JSR ever buy a fooking stamp !!!
Yeah I’m only talking about the annual service stamp (I never have more than 1 service per annum anyway), but all other work is undertaken by specialists such as Back-on-Track. I’m thinking of using Hoffmans though as they are a damn sight closer, so I could drop the car off and get a lift to the office on weekdays
My car has never been for a service ever, so no history, but it has always been maintained to the highest standard, as a track car to me servicing it at a dealer or specialist would be pointless it just gets checked every event and then bits replaced and oil changed every 4 outings. probably lucky I will never want to sell it
I tend to do all the basics, oils filters fluids pads discs and keep a note of them. But I do get the geo and suspension (and a general once over) from specialist independents once in a while ( I missed a suspension bush that was starting to come out). I would recommend Hofmann’s but also BoT
