1st state inspection with the Elise...

[CMP]

1st time i will be doing a state inspection with the elise...

any suggestions on where NOT to take it? do i need to be careful of anything...

I stopped by the car wash / state inspection place a month ago, but they suggested I wait a month (doesn’t expire until the end of this month). They were a little tooooo happy to be inspecting the car. They guy was like, DUDE, I get to inspect a lotus today. kinda scared me a bit. anyways, i took it home at that time and its due back over this next week.

Just didn’t know if something could go wrong, or what to look for …

[kestrel74]

In North Pole, Alaska ?

[CMP]

Originally Posted by kestrel74

In North Pole, Alaska ?

texas.

just a generalized question... didn't know if it was taboo to take it to X rather than Y

[jds62f]

if they're going to put it on a lift I wouldn't take it to just anyone

[d3mon187]

Just had a terrible time with my first inspection. Took it to the first place, and they wanted to drive it and had no one who would even be able to fit the pedals. Second places computer was down. Third place would have destroyed my lowered Elise trying to get on the ramps. 4th place couldn't find Lotus in their computer and wouldn't inspect it.

Finally was able to get one of my Dad's friends to do it. He also said "Lotus" wasn't listed in the TX registry, but was able to do it after a bit of hassle.

Good luck!

[keatre]

I take it to the dealership. By law, they're only allowed to charge you the state inspection cost. Yes, he's going to try and upsell me (which I say 'No Thank You'), but they atleast -theoretically- know their way around a Lotus.

If you don't have a dealership near you, find a local shop - not a carwash chain, or whatever else - and request to stand next to them while they inspect. Chances are they're going to ask you how to start the car, and where the ODBII port is, and how to open the "hood".

[Lotus2013]

I take my Elise, barely street legal '65 Mustang GT350R, etc. to a local car exhaust replacement shop where the local racers, hot rods, sports car guys all hang out. You can be with the car the whole time and make sure that nothing is done incorrectly.

I'm assuming you don't have any other Lotus owners in the area to refer you because they would be your first source of where to look. I didn't either so my second choice was to find a shop that was frequented by car guys and where I could be with the car the whole time....

[Drew09]

Should not have to go on a lift at all. When I used to do them down there, all we had to do was connect it to the state computer and inspected everything (tires, brakes, etc etc).

I agree with keatre, take it to a decent shop, they all change the same for a state inspection.

[jds62f]

If it doesn't have to go on a lift I'd think you could go most places then, just stick by your car. You can call ahead and see if your vehicle is 'in the computer.'

In MO part of the inspection is (was?) checking to make sure the suspension springs aren't loose at 'full droop,' therefore most vehicles go on a 2 post lift.

[keatre]

Texas inspections are kind of a joke, depending on the county. Any CELs? Do the lights turn on? Any weird noises? Ok - you're good.

[sturgeongeneral]

Isn't the Texas inspection just for safety? Brakes, lights, tires, windshield.

[alglez]

No.

[ithurtus]

I didn't take mine anywhere special, just an oil change place across the street from my work. I'll have to get an inspection done this month too, I wasn't planning on doing anything different.

[TyMurray]

Originally Posted by keatre

I take it to the dealership. By law, they're only allowed to charge you the state inspection cost. Yes, he's going to try and upsell me (which I say 'No Thank You'), but they atleast -theoretically- know their way around a Lotus.

If you don't have a dealership near you, find a local shop - not a carwash chain, or whatever else - and request to stand next to them while they inspect. Chances are they're going to ask you how to start the car, and where the ODBII port is, and how to open the "hood".

Agreed dealership is probably the best place unless you have friends that work at an inspection station, or have a reputable shop to go to.

My friend was a manager at a driver's edge in Plano, Tx. and I always made sure he did the inspection on my cars. Unfortunately, he no longer works there =P so the reputable shops is where I'll be going.

[jaxlotus]

I feel the need to remove my catalytic converter in honor of your state...

[TyMurray]

Originally Posted by alglez

No.

In some counties they only do safety. Your car is "supposed" to be registered in that county to receive an inspection, however, many places will do it for some extra $$.

[Blenkush]

I just had my Exige inspected in VA. Prior to the inspection I told the service station how much I loved my Lotus, that even my wife hadn't driven it, that parts were expensive and hard to get, and that I didn't want the car out of my sight - you get the picture. I drove the car into the inspection bay myself, offered up a hockey puck to put on the floor jack to protect the clearly labeled jacking points (saw the picture of the orange Elise tipped off the two post lift on this website and refused to let them jack the car that way), broke out my own torque wrench to remove/replace the wheels, convinced them the exhaust was stock so they didn't have (want) to remove the belly pan, and stood in front of the car and guided the tech (who couldn't fit in the car) so the big sticker they had to put in the windshield was on straight. The shop really didn't want me hanging around, but I didn't care. $16 later I had the sticker and peace of mind that nothing "bad" had happened to my baby. Anal? Maybe. But I'd rather hear some complaining about my involvement up front than appologies after a botched job later. Happy inspections!!

Cheers