[Robotguy]

If all goes according to plan, I should have funds this weekend to purchase my Elise. And lo and behold the exact car I am looking for just listed here in Sacramento. It has a few miles, but I don't really mind because it's going to be a (mostly) daily driver for me. I have been doing my homework for about a year now, but have a couple of questions that I haven't been able to find answers to and would appreciate any help.

1. I have contacted a local "specialty" shop (Stewart's) to ask if they can perform a PPI and ECU dump. Should I hold out for a Lotus Dealer? I have read a couple of good recommendations for Stewart's on the forums, but nothing specific about inspections.

2. If I do need to get it inspected by a Lotus specialist, how is that usually handled? Will the dealer let me take it to the Bay Area (probably Dietsch Werks)? I have Mon-Wed off next week so it wouldn't be a problem for me.

3. Do I need to hit the 2nd cam during the test drive to know if everything is OK? I know it needs to be warmed up quite a bit before hitting higher revs, so this would necessitate an extended test-drive.

Like I said, I have been doing as much homework as I can through the forums (Great resource!) but if anyone has any additional advice I would be grateful.

 

[yellow99s]

Hitting the second cam during a drive won't tell you if it's worn (if that's what you mean), gotta pull the valve cover (15 - 20 minute job) for that.

 

[R4Racin]

Nice car. It looks well taken care of. Price? Maybe a little high. I am not familiar with Stewart's but up here I found a mechanic and shop that I would prefer to a Lotus garage. Sometimes you just know you are going to be happy with their work. Go to Stewart's. If they have a good rep AND you like them, then why not? Last I heard, California's lemon law let's you return within 3 days no questions asked. So make an appointment for the Bay Area accordingly if you feel the need.
Good Luck.

 

[yellow99s]

I think that price is considerably higher than average too, I guessed "26K" and was shocked to see 30K. Then again, I bought mine with 5,000 more miles and no hardtop for $18,400 so I'm likely biased.

 

[addertooth]

I would concur with Dietschwerks for the checkup. With normal bay area outside temperatures, about 4 miles and it will be warm enough for second cam.

 

[komiko]

it's the 105th Fed car produced.(i have the 134th) bet it's a sweet ride. Good Luck out there. Just peek around the oil coolers (you have two) for leaks,and hold on for the recall "campaign".

 

[JavierBayArea]

Last I heard, California's lemon law let's you return within 3 days no questions asked.

I'm pretty sure you need to pay extra when you buy the car in order to get that option.

to the OP: Lucky for you i bought mine a couple of weeks ago, otherwise this car would be GONE already.

 

[4380r]

I believe only a Lotus dealer has the proper software to do a proper ECU dump.

 

[R4Racin]

A law is a law, not insurance.

 

[JavierBayArea]

A law is a law, not insurance.

Yes but i think that applies to new cars. For used cars you need to purchase an option.

http://oag.ca.gov/consumers/general/lemon

 

[R4Racin]

Well there ya go. It seems pretty clear with the attached link.

How to Buy a Used Car in California - YP.com

It pays to know what the laws are. I wonder how much it costs to buy the option?

 

[JavierBayArea]

It pays to know what the laws are. I wonder how much it costs to buy the option?

It's something like $250, and it only applies to cars under 40k

 

[Robotguy]

It's something like $250, and it only applies to cars under 40k

Doing a little more digging, it looks like they're also allowed to charge a "re-stocking fee" if you do return the car:

Fees
Dealers can charge you a fee for the option to cancel and a restocking fee. Option to cancel fees vary between $75 and 1% of the purchase price, depending on the cost of the vehicle. Restocking fees can run from $175-500.
California Car Buyer's Bill of Rights

Last but not least there's a 250 mile limit. According to Google it's 118 miles each way to Dietschwerks. That's cutting it close.

It's too bad I can't rent the Lotus scan tool to do an ECU dump...

 

[onETon]

Did you soften them up on price yet? I saw it when first listed and thought it was on the higher end of the spectrum, even considering it as dealer pricing.

Looks immaculate and I wouldn't consider 33k as having a lot of miles. Good luck!

 

[Dietsch]

Nope, Anybody can buy the scan tools. It's required by E.P.A./CARB rules.
The hand held "Scan Tech 3" runs about $7k and the current laptop based system needed for the '08 and newer cars(including Evora) is now available for a few thousand if you know how to go about getting it. Ask me how I know.
A ecu dump is a must for every lotus PPI. I recently found a 13K rpm over-rev on a PPI on a '06 Elise with low miles and other wise mildly driven ecu dump.
We replaced the worn intake cam and rockers, Removed the oil pan and replaced the rod bearings and rod bolts as a pre-caution.
We also inspected valve spring retainers and keepers for signs of cracking - no found. - Rob.

I believe only a Lotus dealer has the proper software to do a proper ECU dump.

 

[addertooth]

13k Rob? That is one tough little engine. I've heard of 4 cylinder engines scattering dramatically at far lower RPMs. BTW, still loving the work you did on my 05! Well worth the drive from southern Arizona.

 

[4380r]

Nope, Anybody can buy the scan tools. It's required by E.P.A./CARB rules.
The hand held "Scan Tech 3" runs about $7k and the current laptop based system needed for the '08 and newer cars(including Evora) is now available for a few thousand if you know how to go about getting it. Ask me how I know.
A ecu dump is a must for every lotus PPI. I recently found a 13K rpm over-rev on a PPI on a '06 Elise with low miles and other wise mildly driven ecu dump.
We replaced the worn intake cam and rockers, Removed the oil pan and replaced the rod bearings and rod bolts as a pre-caution.
We also inspected valve spring retainers and keepers for signs of cracking - no found. - Rob.

Interesting thing about the over 13K revs on 06's....many of those, if the car was otherwise driven carefully, were a product of a factory known/acknowledged glitch in the ECU software as factory delivered in 06. Ask ME how I know. It was a hiccup that wasn't caught in the conversion to DBW for 06. Seriously, on my 06 when I went to sell I had an ECU dump done by a dealer and had one HIGH RPM, around 14K IIRC. If you do the math based on gear ratios/speed/engine speed a 13K spike would need to be something like a downshift into 1st at about 80 mph. It is highly unlikely the car would even run after that, the oil pump alone would've self destructed.

I told the dealer I had NEVER missed a shift on that car, and other than their service techs I was the only driver. They contacted Atlanta AND Hethel, and sure enough, there is/was a known glitch in the 06 software that would indicate these high rpms. They did a reflash, and I received a letter from Atlanta as approved by Hethel citing my VIN and indicating that as of that date, despite earlier ECU dumps to the contrary, there had been no overrevs. Letter conveyed to buyer.

If I hadn't had the dump done by the dealer, I might have had to cut the price, or me/buyer have to replace a lot of pricey parts as a precaution. Judging by your not finding any damage upon inspection, other than the worn cams which likely is not related to a single over rev (one would think that would've likely broken something, not 'worn' something), this could have been the issue with your 06.

As for Lotus dealers being or not being the sole source of a valid ECU dump, agreed, I did not account for uber deep pockets for the hardware and software and creative ways to work around getting same.

 

[onETon]

Nope, Anybody can buy the scan tools. It's required by E.P.A./CARB rules.
The hand held "Scan Tech 3" runs about $7k and the current laptop based system needed for the '08 and newer cars(including Evora) is now available for a few thousand if you know how to go about getting it. Ask me how I know.
A ecu dump is a must for every lotus PPI. I recently found a 13K rpm over-rev on a PPI on a '06 Elise with low miles and other wise mildly driven ecu dump.
We replaced the worn intake cam and rockers, Removed the oil pan and replaced the rod bearings and rod bolts as a pre-caution.
We also inspected valve spring retainers and keepers for signs of cracking - no found. - Rob.

True story. Saw Rob in all his tool swag glory! :bow:

 

[Mike4USC99]

Why spend $30k on an Elise with 30+k miles on it when one can be had for $25k asking price with 16k miles on it?

http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f94/2005-lotus-elise-sale-16-9xx-24-900-a-112893/

 

[sturgeongeneral]

Dealers do charge more for a car than private sellers. I thought it was a little high, but Lotus do go for more here in Sacramento. The nice thing is you can negotiate and get them to throw in an extended warranty. It looks well cared for, so if it seems like the one go for it! Good luck and let us know how it comes out!