I had my Elan serviced at Overseas Motors in Dallas and didn't mind the service. From what I've seen with dealers that have both Jag and Lotus, they usually treat Jag customers better. I think that's for two reasons, 1, they sell more, and 2, they bring in more money throug the service department. Where I bought the Elan at Motor Imports in San Antonio, they also did this as they were a Jag/Lotus dealer too.
My advice is to find a good smaller dealer. I've only had really good service at the smaller places.
The rest is my experience at other dealers, as I moved from TX, but others might find it interesting.
Boardwalk Lotus in the Bay Area is very good, and kind, they are Volkswagon/Lotus. Lotus of Los Gatos, I thought were total assholes. I actually saw the service counter guy tell the mechanic what to put on my invoice there. Then I found out later, they glued a part on, since they stripped it taking it off. I'd NEVER go to them again.
Bauer Lotus in Costa Mesa is the best Lotus Dealer I've ever been to. This was for a few reasons. #1 it was ONLY Lotus. #2 the sales/manager was Dave Simkin, who eventually became part of Lotus Corp. #3 Harry is the absolute best Lotus mechanic I've ever seen. Bauer is no longer around. The closest one to Costa Mesa is Newport Lotus. Harry is running his own shop now in Costa Mesa, I'll be taking my Elise there when it needs servicing. When you find a good mechanic, you hang onto them like gold.
Barry
