A&Q about Lotus
Q:
Since it's the topic of another thread and keeps coming up in general on this forum, I decided to do a quick poll about warranty coverage issues on the Elise/Exige drive-line. There seems to be a perceived "fact" that Lotus will void the warranty on the Elise/Exige drive line if they possibly can. I don't know if this is true or not, so let's answer the poll to see if we can actually gather some info.
I guess this could cover the engine (although I don't remember any problems there), clutch, and transmission (for example 2nd gear synchro) problems. Leave off any early shifter problems, because that should all be long gone.
If the people that have had warranty denials, problems, or compromises could post their summary, it could be helpful. Let's keep it nice, and not rant on Lotus - the answers to the poll should provide the needed info.
A:
My warranty isn't over yet (like everyone else I would think - at least in North America). Hopefully I won't have to change my answer later.
A:
No problems at all.
Are the touring wheels and suspension considered part of the drive train?
A:
Originally Posted by PhoneBoy
Are the touring wheels and suspension considered part of the drive train?
No.
Let's try to keep this one on topic. I'm really curious about what the numbers will show...
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I had the transmission replaced due to a second gear synchro failure with no problems. I had no standing starts and max RPM was 8688.
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Mine's been as reliable as a Toyota.
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I haven't taken the poll (yet) since I'm waiting to see what Lotus has to say.
A:
Originally Posted by slaughtr
Mine's been as reliable as a Toyota.
The greatest irony about Elise ownership so far for me has been the only major issue that I have had was with the Toyota parts.
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Okay... What are the two "Other" (I always include something like that for completeness)?
For the ones that did have problems, do you want to give a brief summary?
Why haven't the rest "voted" on the poll? Even if your warranty isn't over yet (none of our are), please respond as of current status...
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so three out of six claims were denied so far???
A:
Originally Posted by Surferjer
so three out of six claims were denied so far???
Most folks would say, "Hey, look at that, all those folks with so few problems." Whereas you caught that little important number. Nice call.
A:
My AO 48s were shot in just over 1000 miles because I had a toe issue. Lotus gave me the shaft. Is that considered "driveline"? I dont know how to vote.
A:
Originally Posted by jeph
My AO 48s were shot in just over 1000 miles because I had a toe issue. Lotus gave me the shaft. Is that considered "driveline"? I don't know how to vote.
In this case, I wouldn't think so. Mostly I'm trying to get a feel for warranty problems for engine and transmission - things that might be rejected because of the contents of the ECU dump.
So far, only 10 problems - that's good. 3 rejections - that's bad...
A:
I voted no major problems, major being drivetrain.
I still have minor problems that were not completely solved during my first warranty trip.
Base top was exchanged for touring top due to defects. Touring top doesn't fit well and will require realignment of the windows (basically if the window travels too far up, the top pushes it out, it makes a gap at the back, water comes in). I may need to learn how to detach the door panel if it's an adjustment that needs to be iterated. I hate the bulk of the touring top, but it's the only replacement offered.
A/C evaporator is freezing up after 30 min. I'll take it back if I can't adjust the temp probe myself.
A:
The dealer confirmed the problem (grinding on 1-2 upshift, but rarely), replaced with Redline MTL (under warranty), and the problem was resolved.
I'm concerned that this is a cover up more than a resolution, but they've acknowledged the problem and I still have 2 years of warranty if it reappears.
Overall, I'm satisfied with the dealer's and Lotus' response.