Garage Review (SJ Sportscars)

[madmezza]

Ok, this isn't exhaustive, but I've checked the price of servicing at my local Lotus specialist (Sportomotive in Salisbury) and they want

[scoule]

There's also http://www.espritengineering.co.uk/ in salisbury are showing a C service at

[madmezza]

There's also http://www.espritengineering.co.uk/ in salisbury are showing a C service at

[lrg_machine]

Geoff at Esprit Engineering is a top bloke and you'll find that he cares about these cars as much as we do

You'll also probably find that, he'll poke around while doing the service and notice other niggly things that may need doing but not charge the earth to do them.

[Loose Cannon]

Thanks for that - I'm not far from Downton so I think I'll got and visit the workshop of Esprit Engineering (just had a look at the website).

You mean you haven't been yet?? You are soooooooo lucky to be near a specialist like that; it's a fecking desert up here.

Mind you F1 in Newcastle did me proud with a C service and some parts at a touch under

[TSD]

I bought some parts from SJ - Steve was quite helpful and even managed to find parts from lotus stock which my official Lotus dealer couldn't find. Would recommend for parts at least. And they website has a online price catalogue which is useful.

[fflyingdog]

Geoff at Espritengineering is a top bloke ,i have been using him for the last 2 and half years..........and its only a 40 min ride for me to get to Downton.

Cheers

Nick S4s

[gpz900r]

I dont think it would be fair to start rating garages as were talking about peoples lives and jobs. One mechanic out of 5 having a bad day slated on here could cost a company 10s of thousands.

How about just talking of excellent service and then any naughty garages might clean the act up a tad etc...? Better to make things better than create bitter people whos help we may need, I say this as I felt bad about moaning about a breakers yard...

[Paul C]

Ok, I like Steve at SJ's honesty

I phone up: "hi, i'd like an ECU for an '89 SE please."

Him: "trust me it wont fffing be that mate."

So...

I spend a few weeks with freescan, buy the components causing the

fault (from SJ), and hey presto, all clear! And cost

[Jussi]

I know only 1 garage here in Finland (which knows Esprits). Still waiting my spareparts and hoping this is a good garage. And you have possibility to choose which garage use, hmm. I think I live in woods

[WayneB]

I dont think it would be fair to start rating garages as were talking about peoples lives and jobs. One mechanic out of 5 having a bad day slated on here could cost a company 10s of thousands.

How about just talking of excellent service and then any naughty garages might clean the act up a tad etc...? Better to make things better than create bitter people whos help we may need, I say this as I felt bad about moaning about a breakers yard...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Marc, I agree with you 110%! As the owner of a small garage ,I could write a book about my experiences with customers. There are some that are so unrealistic about there expectations you can never please them! Others you feel totaly guilty about giving them large bill( usually due to ever increasing cost of parts) and they pay up and are totally happy! In my experience the smaller shops run by enthusiasts will treat you better than the huge impressive looking franchise type operations( you get to pay for all that). Yes we are human beings, and like you have our good days and bad. Wayne (the grease Monkey)

[madmezza]

Thanks for all the info everyone. I agree with the latter points about grumbling about garages - probably not such a fair idea really!

When the Yeti's back on the road I'll trundle over to see Geoff and see what he has to say about it. I'm being pushed towards Miles at Fibreglass Services for a first inspection, but Geoff is nearer by 70 odd miles and sounds like he'll have a good look over (and I like the price of the C service!!)

[CAM79]

I agree with the comments for Esprit Engineering, Geoff is a top bloke, he's helped me a lot over the last few years including finding my new Esprit

Although I do my own maintenance, if I had a problem, I wouldn't take it to Westover's in Poole mainly due to expense and I've heard a few stories.

As an added note, I order parts via Geoff and also SJ Sportcars for rapid delivery!

SJ Sportscars also have parts PDF's for download which is really handy!

[gpz900r]

I got engine mounts from PNM for only 8 something quid each! AND I was told they would be very hard to find! Came next day first class!

[Evil_Dr_Fish]

Geoff at Esprit Engineering has rebuilt my car... TWICE! Once was a restoration and the other is cso i stacjed it! I've always been happy with what he has done.

I have heard Mile Wilkins is quite good too but has probably the most abrasive manner of any mech. I've ever spoken to! (Going by reputation I suspect he's grumpier even than Steve Williams!!)

[Splashout]

Miles isnt so much as grumpy just verry opinionated and thinks he knows best. I have never used him apart from a tensioner rebuild kit but have had many conversations with him, His pricing is a bit guesstimate by what he thinks he can charge eg he estimated 10k for a respray on my car! but he does know his stuff and will have most parts lying around in his place somewhere!