aJayMitchell

@C8RKH Not sure if the issue is perhaps slightly different as blown DRLs on the S3 Elise require the entire headlight to be replaced - so I can understand them not just having stock lying around. I spoke direct to Lotus and sent them a photo and video of the light and it looks like they're going to pre-authorise the replacement so it can be done at the same time as the service/fuel rail recall.

In the process of trying to arrange my service and getting a couple warranty issues resolved as well, including the same DRL issue. Ross has told me that they can't arrange for a replacement headlight to be ready and waiting for when I drive down for the service, and so I'd need to head back down a second time to get it replaced. If I lived within 10 miles it wouldn't really be an issue - but another 320 mile round trip is a PITA. Surely with it being a common issue, and easily to see the issue just by looking at a photo/video, you'd think they'd try to be a bit more accommodating. Especially with how Scottish customers have been treated by Lotus over the last 15 months.

😂😂 Think you might be asking a bit much. Do you think a brand, and dealer, who treat customers in the way they have for the last few months, will consider any of that?

Agreed - I made the decision to postpone the service til next year a while back now, and glad I did. The continued lack of communication (and in some cases downright lies, such as the Facebook post above, and Laura telling me I could book a service months ago) is a complete shambles. If there are any issues come March/April time then my short spell with Lotus will be finished.

Think I'd probably go B862/B852 down the east side of Loch Ness to Fort Augustus, then A82 through Glencoe to Crianlarich. The A85 next to Lochearnhead is lovely too. I'd then try to find my way over to the B822 - Kippen to Fintry, then over the Crow Road to Lennoxtown. South of Glasgow I'm not too sure of a good route sadly!

Aware of that, but don't really want to waste my time making two separate appointments. The car will be SORNed for the next 5 months now anyway.

Funnily enough some blown DRLs too, and a possible issue with a sticky throttle when pulling away. As well as the outstanding fuel rail recall. I wouldn't have minded so much if Lotus had been upfront about how long it would take, but the messaging has consistently been "very soon" - and when the Parks deal was announced, servicing and warranty was going to be available in August.

Just chased up when Parks can start taking bookings for servicing/warranty work and been told they still don't have their Lotus ramps installed, and can't even confirm if a booking towards the end of October is possible. As much as I'd rather not, I think I'll leave the work til spring next year now so I can get it off the road and SORN'd for the winter. Strongly considering selling up soon - fallen out of love with the brand a lot now.

@C8RKH - Thanks for confirming - I wasn't aware that you could get the car serviced at an independant garage and still remain in warranty (if done correctly). I'm not overly fussed about maintaining a 'main dealer' stamp in the book - was just concerned about losing any remaining warranty. You could probably argue that a CMC stamp will be more trustworthy than a Parks stamp when they're only just getting up to speed.

Quick response from Lotus CS:

Given it's now July, I'm now starting to think about getting the Elise booked in for a service (due September). Where has everybody used for servicing throughout this year? Am I right in thinking that JCT600 in Leeds are the nearest approved service centre (given Carlisle don't have a technician)? As the car is only a couple years old, I'd like to ensure I maintain the warranty on the car - however a 700-mile round trip to Leeds (in a car with less than 4,000 miles on it) isn't something I'm overly keen on. It's a kick in the teeth enough to have to pay for the service which should have been covered by the service plan I agreed with Leven. I've emailed Hethel in the hope that they might agree to maintain the warranty even if I get the car serviced at Craig Moncrieff, but don't hold too much hope on that. Really hoped they would have something sorted for Scotland by now - I keep hearing "soon", but that never comes.

Don't think I said I was putting the blame on Lotus for Leven's downfall? It's more the lack of clarity and communication over the last 6 months, and now the rumours that they're going to put the new dealership in Ayr. For somebody living North of Aberdeen - that would be a death sentence for Lotus ownership longer term.

I submitted a claim to the administrators for the service plan which was sold with my Sport 220 (value noted on the invoice was £600) - still not heard anything. Sadly paid for the car via p/x and balance as a bank transfer, so can't claim via Section 75. Slowly beginning to think I'm just going to have to write it off as a sunk cost now. After wanting a Lotus for nearly 20 years, this whole debacle has put some doubt in my mind whether I'll stick with the brand going forward.

Might be possible to access the engine bay via the passenger side rear wheel liner. I seem to recall the engine bay release cable being in the way at one point when I was swapping over to the TRD airbox.

Whatever happens, it won't be a Leven takeover now given that has gone to Grange/Macklin. Sounds like they are appointing a new partner, and hopefully if it's somewhere like Parks then that could mean multiple branches - just have to wait and see though.