Routine Maintenance & Warranty - LotusTalk

markmich · 06-08-2006, 06:46 AM

I went to my dealer today to inquire about the cost of the 4,000 maintenance. They stated that the service included an oil and filter change, "inspection" and a hook-up to the computer to let Lotus know how hard the car has been driven. Cost $400. In dicussing changing the oil myself it was mentioned that Lotus is pretty firm about having the routine maintenance done at the dealership and that in the event of a future problem might question whether owner performed oil changes, etc were in fact performed. Does anyone have any experience or suggestions. Also, does anyone have any opinion whether it necessary to have the dealer "inspect" the vehicle? I am not particularly mechanically inclined but can change my own oil and filter.

andykeck · 06-08-2006, 07:04 AM

First of all, there isn't a 4,000 mi maintenance on the schedule. What's up with that?

Second, routine maintenance can be performed anywhere as long as records are kept. It's the law. There may in fact be good reasons to have a dealer mechanic that's thoroughly familiar with the car look at everything now and again, but don't let them threaten you into it.

ZTEC · 06-08-2006, 07:37 AM

I change my own oil because I know I will tighten the drain plug and check for leaks unlike my past experience at a dealership here in Orlando, Keep your reciepts for oil and filters! I actually enjoy making it a day out of it checking torque and familiarizing myself with the car I love so much - the dealer can handle TSB's and Warranty work!

ervsch · 06-08-2006, 08:16 AM

ditto ZTEC - I did my own oil/filter change before the 7500 mile service, and then had the dealer check everything else over. I kept all the receipts, and the dealer had no problem with it.

I also did my own brake pads and brake fluid flush/change - these types of things are easy to do, and it's a good idea to get under the car to get familiar with what's going on under there... But I agree, an occasional once over by a "real" Lotus mechanic doesn't hurt.

ChrisH · 06-08-2006, 08:39 AM

You also need to prove that you performed all items on the service checklist. This is a lot more than just changing the oil, and is required to maintain your warranty. The checklist is in the maintenance section of the service manual, and includes forms to fill out (name, mileage, notes about any problems or issues, etc.). I did that, and stapled my receipts to it, and attached a picture of all the oil bottles, brake fluid bottles, and oil filter box that I used with the receipts and with my rear license plate all in the picture at once. Maybe I should have included the front page of my local newspaper that day as well.

The Lotus warranty states that you can do it yourself, but that they may require you to demonstrate that you know how to perform all maintenance activities correctly by doing a full service under their observation.

ervsch · 06-08-2006, 08:51 AM

Good point Chris - that's why I only did the oil and filter myself and had the dealership do the rest of the 7500 mile service. I wasn't ready to commit to the full checklist.

Icedog_16 · 06-08-2006, 10:02 AM

I did my 7500-mile last week. I went down the list that is in the warranty book (including cleaning and drying under the floor mats

), wrote down the date of the service, kept receipts, and took a picture of the odo. I do plan on having at least every other service and probably brakes (contractual transfer of liability 'cause I am paying them to do it) done by the dealer though.

06-08-2006, 06:46 AM	#1 (permalink)
markmich Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3	Routine Maintenance & Warranty I went to my dealer today to inquire about the cost of the 4,000 maintenance. They stated that the service included an oil and filter change, "inspection" and a hook-up to the computer to let Lotus know how hard the car has been driven. Cost $400. In dicussing changing the oil myself it was mentioned that Lotus is pretty firm about having the routine maintenance done at the dealership and that in the event of a future problem might question whether owner performed oil changes, etc were in fact performed. Does anyone have any experience or suggestions. Also, does anyone have any opinion whether it necessary to have the dealer "inspect" the vehicle? I am not particularly mechanically inclined but can change my own oil and filter.

06-08-2006, 07:37 AM	#3 (permalink)
ZTEC Third Eye Open Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 1,820 Images: 3	I change my own oil because I know I will tighten the drain plug and check for leaks unlike my past experience at a dealership here in Orlando, Keep your reciepts for oil and filters! I actually enjoy making it a day out of it checking torque and familiarizing myself with the car I love so much - the dealer can handle TSB's and Warranty work! __________________ GO: Vision Function Stage II Intercooled Bliss with Charlie's ECU magic and Ronin's Tenacity! STOP: DBA 4000's, Porterfield R4! TURN: Nitron S/A's Toyo RA1's 225/245 on Rota's! Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is not putting it into a fruit salad.

06-08-2006, 08:16 AM	#4 (permalink)
ervsch Late apex, don't lift! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Chicago-area Posts: 859 Images: 8	ditto ZTEC - I did my own oil/filter change before the 7500 mile service, and then had the dealer check everything else over. I kept all the receipts, and the dealer had no problem with it. I also did my own brake pads and brake fluid flush/change - these types of things are easy to do, and it's a good idea to get under the car to get familiar with what's going on under there... But I agree, an occasional once over by a "real" Lotus mechanic doesn't hurt. __________________ Erv Schweiger '05 Ardent Red, Touring Package, Starshield, Schroth Harnesses, 4Tress Harness Bar, Boomerang Rear Tow Hook, Porterfield R4 Brake Pads, More Mods to come...

06-08-2006, 08:51 AM	#6 (permalink)
ervsch Late apex, don't lift! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Chicago-area Posts: 859 Images: 8	Good point Chris - that's why I only did the oil and filter myself and had the dealership do the rest of the 7500 mile service. I wasn't ready to commit to the full checklist. __________________ Erv Schweiger '05 Ardent Red, Touring Package, Starshield, Schroth Harnesses, 4Tress Harness Bar, Boomerang Rear Tow Hook, Porterfield R4 Brake Pads, More Mods to come...

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06-08-2006, 07:04 AM	#2 (permalink)
andykeck Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Seattle Posts: 4,965 Images: 1	First of all, there isn't a 4,000 mi maintenance on the schedule. What's up with that? Second, routine maintenance can be performed anywhere as long as records are kept. It's the law. There may in fact be good reasons to have a dealer mechanic that's thoroughly familiar with the car look at everything now and again, but don't let them threaten you into it.

06-08-2006, 08:39 AM	#5 (permalink)
ChrisH Mountain Road Nut Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ramona,CA Posts: 2,339	You also need to prove that you performed all items on the service checklist. This is a lot more than just changing the oil, and is required to maintain your warranty. The checklist is in the maintenance section of the service manual, and includes forms to fill out (name, mileage, notes about any problems or issues, etc.). I did that, and stapled my receipts to it, and attached a picture of all the oil bottles, brake fluid bottles, and oil filter box that I used with the receipts and with my rear license plate all in the picture at once. Maybe I should have included the front page of my local newspaper that day as well. The Lotus warranty states that you can do it yourself, but that they may require you to demonstrate that you know how to perform all maintenance activities correctly by doing a full service under their observation.

06-08-2006, 10:02 AM	#7 (permalink)
Icedog_16 I drank what?!? Join Date: May 2005 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 4,220	I did my 7500-mile last week. I went down the list that is in the warranty book (including cleaning and drying under the floor mats ), wrote down the date of the service, kept receipts, and took a picture of the odo. I do plan on having at least every other service and probably brakes (contractual transfer of liability 'cause I am paying them to do it) done by the dealer though.

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