Commiserations Request

[ErnestM]

Well, took the Esprit in for the 10,000 mile service and told them to give it a once over (because of some niggling things that I have noticed lately).

The list comes back:
*Change All Fluids (Redline, Motul, etc)(requested by me)
*Clean Air Filter (they are K&N's) (requested by me)
*Air Bag Lamp Problem (requested by me aka - rbm)
*Passenger Window Needs Regulator (requested by me)
*Front Shocks Leaking - Replace
*Alignment
*Intall R4s pads in rear (rbm)
*Repair Interior Dome Light (rbm)
*Timing Belt Is Oil Soaked - Cam Seals Need Replacing
*Clutch less than 50% - I told them to replace
*Fix Right Rear Fender "Play" because of loose shield (rbm)
*Various cosmetic fixes (new spoiler, '99 style shift plate, etc - rbm)

Anyone want to take a guess at the bill in US dollars? Anyone want to help pay it?

ErnestM

Not complaining mind you as I will feel better that everything is up to par when I get it back

[lotusguy]

Ernest,

Glad to see you taking it so well. Imagine how nice it will be once everything is sorted out. My extimate on the bill? $4,000-$5,500, but you're getting quite a bit done. Also, with respect to the oily timing belt, I suspect your crank front seal may be the culprit. Not too difficult or too expensive. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE

[Imelda]

Anyone want to take a guess at the bill in US dollars?

That'll be........ ummmmmmmmm. ooooooo.... loads.

Anyone want to help pay it?

Errrrr.......... no.

[pies]

did they not listen to what you asked them to do ?

cant guess bit i'll guess it would be dearer to get done over here

No i cant help pay i'm saving for a box of spanners that is a TVR

edited for spelling

>> Edited by pies on Thursday 6th March 18:37

[karmavore]

What year is the car and who did the work?

Luke.

[ErnestM]

Lotusguy SaidMy extimate on the bill? $4,000-$5,500

That's about right for the parts. The labor is the killer to the tune of about another 4k.

Karmavore AskedWhat year is the car and who did the work?

Car is a '98. I am getting the work done at Dimmit in Clearwater, Florida. They have a good Lotus tech there that knows his stuff. They also have a multimillion dollar body shop so I am going to let them have a crack (no pun intended) at fixing a few minor cosmetic blemished that where on the car when I purchased it...

...I gave them until the end of March to get it done. They said that it should be no problem

ErnestM

[ErnestM]

pies said: did they not listen to what you asked them to do ?

Oh, they listened. I was complaining because of the somewhat late release of the clutch and the tech pointed out the reason. He said that if I was careful it would last to the next service if I wanted to wait. NAAAAHHHHHH - careful? I told them go ahead.

He also stated that the cam seals where probably bad due to the PO letting it sit. When I purchased it in September of 2001, it only had about 4100 miles on it. Remember folks - use it or lose it. (Same was probably true for the front shocks, but that's just my theory...)

ErnestM

[karmavore]

Can you itemize it? :-)

That may sound silly, but as a perspective owner I'm very curious about these things.

Luke.

[espritnutdean]

Dimmit Chevrolet on U.S 19? If so, good people. I purchased a 94 c-4 from them when new, never had a problem w/ service there. When you get it back do a good blast down the courtney cambell causeway for me.

Happy Boosting,
Dino 88 turbo

[kmaier]

Wow! long list and obviously an expensive one. Hope the car comes back as everything you expect and more. I'm about to turn 14K miles on mine most likely by the weekend.

I'm a bit concerned regarding the clutch. Exactly what problem are (were) you having? I continually find that my gearbox gets hard to shift once the lube is over 3000 miles of use. Also using Redline MT-90 and change at the same time as engine oil/filter. What have you (or others) heard on expected clutch life for the V8 (which uses the AP racing twin-plate unit)?

On a side note, they should be doing a full cambelt service which is covered by LCU so check the bill for that.

Regards, KM
2000 V8

[cnh1990]

Ernest,
More power to you that you can do such service. You just spent my service budget for the next 5-6 years. I have only spent 25% of that amount in the last 2 1/2 years.
Calvin 90 SE

[ErnestM]

Kmaier asked: I'm a bit concerned regarding the clutch. Exactly what problem are (were) you having? I continually find that my gearbox gets hard to shift once the lube is over 3000 miles of use. Also using Redline MT-90 and change at the same time as engine oil/filter. What have you (or others) heard on expected clutch life for the V8 (which uses the AP racing twin-plate unit)?

I have noticed (on the last 1000 miles or so) intermittant "hard to shift" and sticking in gear when stopping. The thing that really started me thinking about the clutch was the release point changing. It would start to release earlier and take quite some travel for full release.

Kmaier said: On a side note, they should be doing a full cambelt service which is covered by LCU so check the bill for that.

He was actually taking a cursory look at the cam belt when he saw the oil soaking. That's when he checked out the seals - very thorough this guy - and he loooovvveees Lotus.

espritnutdean said: When you get it back do a good blast down the courtney cambell causeway for me.

I plan on it! And, yes the service there is impeccable

cnh1990 said: More power to you that you can do such service. You just spent my service budget for the next 5-6 years. I have only spent 25% of that amount in the last 2 1/2 years

I agree that, on the surface, it may seem pricey. However, I want the car to run "as new" for as long as possible. I don't quite trust myself to do my own work yet, so I would rather take it to a certified Lotus dealer and get a warranty with repairs.

Karmavore - I will email you off list when I get the final estimate. I will also point out the optional goodies too. The most expensive thing, by far, is the clutch. However all of the cosmetic goodies that I am having done (replacing some bleached carpet, replacing the scratched spoiler, refitting the fender trim rubber, etc) adds up!

Cheers
ErnestM

[kmaier]

In a word.... "ugh". This is pretty much what I'm starting to experience in mine car as well.... hard shifting and getting stuck in gear when coming to a stop. I need to have some warranty work done on the car next week. Guess I'll warn them regarding the clutch. Let me know how yours works out.

Now that I think about it, I'm surprised you didn't have them add the LSD while they're at it.

Regards, KM
2000 V8

[ErnestM]

kmaier said: Now that I think about it, I'm surprised you didn't have them add the LSD while they're at it.

Next trip, after I have built up the kid's college funds from the raid I am about to make on them (just kidding, people - they're on their own for college - okay, kidding again!)

ErnestM

[tuffer]

Any of you guys need a new engine?

www.findit.co.uk/cars/lotus/parts/548918.htm

Just found this!!

[kylie]

Geez Ernest, you certainly don't do things by halves
I will be guessing $8-9K USD or $15K Kiwi Dollars Labour here is cheap as muck compared to over there.

Its my turn to do the same in 3k except I would like the whole car repainted with a blue pearl through it.

Best of luck, keep us informed of how you get on.
Regards,
KS

[ErnestM]

FYI - She is ALL DONE! Will pick her up tomorrow and then I will post details and prices of everything that was accomplished...

...anyone know the GDP of Peru? Just trying to draw some price comparisons

ErnestM

PS:Having EXTREME ESPRIT WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME right now

[cnh1990]

Holy cr*p you had your car in at the shop for 3 weeks or more. Didn't know that. Here I was thinking how lucky you and KFM are living in such a warm climate. My car is just being taken out of mothballs from the winter hibernation. Have to go out to the garage and fire her up to see how she runs.
Calvin

[kmaier]

Mine is almost in the shop for 2 weeks now... hopefully Monday it'll be done and I can enjoy some Florida weather as well. Ernest, hope yours comes back as you expect and hopefully you won't have to send the kids off to work.

Regards, KM
2000 V8-less

[ErnestM]

Okay - all prices are in. They just forgot to balance my wheels after refinishing them. (No problem until I hit between 80 and 90 on the way home). Just click on my profile and view the Esprit for a complete list.

Yes, I still love my car

Yes, it looks brand new (well almost - I am already starting on my next list )

ErnestM

Edited to add: Don't forget that all prices should be read as US dollars, not UK pounds...



>> Edited by ErnestM (moderator) on Sunday 30th March 15:19