9 replies to this topic

[robS]

Hi, I'm off in a bit to test drive a VX at Grasmere in Crewe, was just wondering if it'd be a good idea to get somekind of league chart for dealers going; sales, after sales service and servicing. Also maybe some info about independent specialists, doubt there's any VX specific specialists out there but maybe Lotus/Vauxhall specialists would be up to the job. Right just off to try my patented anti-rain dance

[robS]

Well not long back from the drive, first impressions are very favourable, car seems well connected to the road - I was expecting it to be a bit more skitish due to the low weight so pleasantly surprised. Performance was good, nice push forward. Didn't get a good chance to rag it but the sales guy said it wouldn't be a problem to have an extended test so that will happen soonish. The test started off quite amusingly with the sales guy locking the keys into the demo car so we then had to take out their other car, which had very little petrol and died 10m from the showroom, much to sales guys embarrassment. He then nipped off and returned with a petrol can and a rolled up magazine to pour the juice in with then we we're underway at least 100m to the petrol station so he could properly fill it up. Still the extra time gave me a good chance to inspect the interior, erm, that didn't take too long Seems better put together than the Elises, the gear shroud didn't wobble as much. Shame they didn't include the parcel shelf though <_< Anyone know if there's any aftermarket alloy buttons to replace the righthand side light buttons? They were a bit pants compared to the chunky alloy heater controls. Getting in and out not nearly as bad as I thought, and we had the roof on. OK getting out was a bit tough, still not sure if it's a heads first or leg first experience. On the road, gear shift was clean although made very clonky sounds, throttle smooth and responsive and brakes nice and positive. I asked the guy about the ABS issue but he claimed ignorance on that front but said he'd be more than happy to look into it - so still a bit unresolved then. My girlfriend was up next, she was a bit nervous as she drove off but eventually returned with a major grin so things bode well there Although she's still moaning about luggage capacity - wimmin Both cars there suffered from foggy light units. Is it a clam off job to rectify this or can you get the lens cover off via wheel arch/boot access so more sealant can be liberally applied? Next up I'm going to do a head to head Elise S1 and S2 test drive, just to see really, I don't want to be having a 'what could have been' situation. Overall very impressed with the VX. Now more interestingly the sales guy was telling me about the Pontiac Solstice (review in Autotrader) concept car, possible VX replacement. Supercharged 2.2 ecotec to 240bhp, 0-60 in 5s, 155mph top end and plush looks. Autotrader were saying it would retail at £15k which would be outrageously cheap!! Possibly appearing 2004/2005, major car for the money, don't think I'll wait that long though!! Any one know who the yellow VX just coming out of Crewe on the 534 might be as I was arriving? That's only the second I've ever seen on the road, the other was in Walthamstow! Oh Aye, seems my patented anti-rain dance actually worked - result!!!

Edited by robS, 28 December 2002 - 06:23 PM.

[Teatowel]

I have had great (pre-sales) service from Picador in Southampton. The firsr drive I had was an hour, on my own, with a route map of local countryside roads to drive down with good ones highlighted to rag the car down! After that they gave me a half day with a full tank of petrol. All in all, if I had just had the usual 20 mins with a salesman in the passenger seat I probably would not have bought a VX.

[mal_dun]

Hi Rob The best dealer I found was Grimshaws in Manchester. They just gave me the keys and let me take off for a test drive. The main man is Malcolm Taylor - very knowledgable . He also drives one regularly as his company car. They have always lent me a VX as the courtesy car Tell ur girlfriend the boot space is cavernous. I get a full set of golf clubs and bag in it. It's bigger than the Lissie boot and having seen the boot on the new mini it's better than that MalcolmD

[robS]

I've heard good things about Grimshaws, I decided to go to Grasmere as they're a bit closer and I couldn't be bothered going 'round the M60 now the sales are on - bloody Trafford Centre! As it turned out the Congleton-Sandbach A534 has major roadworks so I ended up taking a somewhat circuitous route via a few VERY narrow lanes Think I'll go play with one of Grimshaws toys then - it's always important to get as many test drives under your belt I believe

[robS]

Not long back from having had said play with Grimshaws toys. Like you said MalcolmD, they just gave me the key - sweeeet! Unfortunately there isn't much good driving around Eccles so the gf and myself ended up in the industrial estate behind the Trafford Centre - classy I know Pretty good place to go for a test drive though! The drive was a bit disappointing, their black demo with 4500k on the clock, as there was definitely something up with the steering, very heavy and the braking was lacking the crispness of the Grasmere motor. Back at the dealer we had a chat with Malcolm Taylor about our misgivings and he thinks the black model was treated a bit roughly not long back so he let us take another car out, red model, 10k on the clock bit tatty interior, said he'd take ~16K for it though. Much better steering, brakes still a little suspect though. After a bit more chin wagging we're having the black car for a weekend, mid-Jan, after they've had a look at the steering and brakes so I'll be able to take it out on some decent country roads I know. Does mean leaving the TVR in Eccles blimey! So now looking forward to a weekend with a VX, we'll know for sure after that if it's the car. Still want to test an Elise but the bloody dealer never answers the phone

[Thorney]

Burnham garage in Slough have so far been OK. Sales guy Martin seems to know his VX stuff but accompanied 30min test drive wasn't much fun. THink I'll be going for a longer one on the VXT demo when it turns up. Anyone else know these guys for servicing etc?

[mal_dun]

Rob If it's the same one then I had the red VX twice as the courtesy car. Once for a month when the starter ring on mine dropped 5 teeth. I managed to break a clutch spring on it. I also had the black one when it had a few hundred on the clock. It felt OK then so I guess a problem has developed. Malcolm Taylor was using it as his every day car at the time. Must admit it looked really good as it had the colour coded hard top and the beige leather seats MalcolmD