All V8 Owners please come in ...
Discussion
Hello to all ... I just want to prepare myself for the upcoming reapirs on this car. I currently have a bit over 10500 Miles on my 97, since I got the car with 10K miles Ive had to change the Spark Plugs and the A/C Compressor line has gone bad. What I would like to know is how many miles, what year you have and what you have needed to fix so far. Thanks!
AL
AL
I purchased mine new and have almost 33K miles on it. Much has been done under warranty, but that's over now.
In general, problem areas include the exhaust, which is horrible quality and the crack (mine has it's 4th system cracked now). The cooling fans and radiator are not that great and a bit past their capacity with the V8. As you found out, the AC bits can cause some grief until sorted.
Beyond this, the V8 is a well sorted and reasonably reliable car. Be certain to keep on the maintenance and be certain to check al of the chassis bolts and body mounting bolts at each service to ensure they don't come loose.
I would also check with LCU (Dave Simkin) and inquire when the last cambelt service was done... if it hasn't been done recently, get it in and damn quick! Besides, LCU covers the cambelt servicing for 8 years/80K miles with a free belt replacement at 36K miles.
I swap ALL fluids annually and the engine oil/filter and gearbox lube every 4000 miles. I did my spark plugs at ~ 26K miles and also replaced the original air filters with ITG Oiled foam. But most of all... drive it frequently.
Regards, KM
2000 V8
In general, problem areas include the exhaust, which is horrible quality and the crack (mine has it's 4th system cracked now). The cooling fans and radiator are not that great and a bit past their capacity with the V8. As you found out, the AC bits can cause some grief until sorted.
Beyond this, the V8 is a well sorted and reasonably reliable car. Be certain to keep on the maintenance and be certain to check al of the chassis bolts and body mounting bolts at each service to ensure they don't come loose.
I would also check with LCU (Dave Simkin) and inquire when the last cambelt service was done... if it hasn't been done recently, get it in and damn quick! Besides, LCU covers the cambelt servicing for 8 years/80K miles with a free belt replacement at 36K miles.
I swap ALL fluids annually and the engine oil/filter and gearbox lube every 4000 miles. I did my spark plugs at ~ 26K miles and also replaced the original air filters with ITG Oiled foam. But most of all... drive it frequently.
Regards, KM
2000 V8
Alwyn
I've had no alternator probs on my car at 73,000 miles.. Ernie maybe its just yours?
Ok, ignoring maintenance stuff like pads, tires etc here's the major items on my car and mileages:
Needed a new cat at 40k miles.
Rear discs needed replacement at 45k miles (did all 4 corners at this point although fronts were still fine).
Recored turbos at 55k miles.
Aircon condensor failed at 72,000 miles.
Wheel bearings on the front only last 25k miles or so. Clutch is also approx 25-30k miles of life. Lotus exhausts don't last long but are easily fixed (or replaced, ernie has a tubi and i have a puk system).
All my running costs over last 3 years (38,000 miles) are in my profile.
Cheers
Rob
98 V8-GT
I've had no alternator probs on my car at 73,000 miles.. Ernie maybe its just yours?
Ok, ignoring maintenance stuff like pads, tires etc here's the major items on my car and mileages:
Needed a new cat at 40k miles.
Rear discs needed replacement at 45k miles (did all 4 corners at this point although fronts were still fine).
Recored turbos at 55k miles.
Aircon condensor failed at 72,000 miles.
Wheel bearings on the front only last 25k miles or so. Clutch is also approx 25-30k miles of life. Lotus exhausts don't last long but are easily fixed (or replaced, ernie has a tubi and i have a puk system).
All my running costs over last 3 years (38,000 miles) are in my profile.
Cheers
Rob
98 V8-GT
rob.e said:
Alwyn
I've had no alternator probs on my car at 73,000 miles.. Ernie maybe its just yours?
Ok, ignoring maintenance stuff like pads, tires etc here's the major items on my car and mileages:
Needed a new cat at 40k miles.
Rear discs needed replacement at 45k miles (did all 4 corners at this point although fronts were still fine).
Recored turbos at 55k miles.
Aircon condensor failed at 72,000 miles.
Wheel bearings on the front only last 25k miles or so. Clutch is also approx 25-30k miles of life. Lotus exhausts don't last long but are easily fixed (or replaced, ernie has a tubi and i have a puk system).
All my running costs over last 3 years (38,000 miles) are in my profile.
Cheers
Rob
98 V8-GT
Your car is an inspiration to me, I really dont like having to worry about how often and how hard I drive this car. But right after I saw the A/C Line break for no reason other than driving it 3 days in a row, I now have the car in my garage bay under a car cover. Im very skeptical about the reliability. I hear some people have great luck like yourself, and others dont have any luck at all. I guess its just hit or miss when it comes to these cars. But the most important thing from all your responses is that nobody has had REALLY MAJOR problems such as blown head gaskets etc .... Please keep the responses coming as I enjoy learning from everyones experiences. Thanks again!
AL
kmaier said:
I purchased mine new and have almost 33K miles on it. Much has been done under warranty, but that's over now.
In general, problem areas include the exhaust, which is horrible quality and the crack (mine has it's 4th system cracked now). The cooling fans and radiator are not that great and a bit past their capacity with the V8. As you found out, the AC bits can cause some grief until sorted.
Beyond this, the V8 is a well sorted and reasonably reliable car. Be certain to keep on the maintenance and be certain to check al of the chassis bolts and body mounting bolts at each service to ensure they don't come loose.
I would also check with LCU (Dave Simkin) and inquire when the last cambelt service was done... if it hasn't been done recently, get it in and damn quick! Besides, LCU covers the cambelt servicing for 8 years/80K miles with a free belt replacement at 36K miles.
I swap ALL fluids annually and the engine oil/filter and gearbox lube every 4000 miles. I did my spark plugs at ~ 26K miles and also replaced the original air filters with ITG Oiled foam. But most of all... drive it frequently.
Regards, KM
2000 V8
Where can I find out more information about the free cam-belt adjustment ?? Ive talked to my local dealer (Palm Beach Motorcars) with no luck. They say they havnt heard of anything of the like ... Thanks again!
AL
I have 5,300 miles on my Esprit it is about 7 months old. So far no major problems with the car. The only concern I have is that twice the car was hard to get into 2nd gear; this was during a cold evening (December/January) and just after starting. Once it was warmed it had no problem in 2nd gear. Will have the dealer check the tranny/fluid at the 6K service.
The fuel light came on three times so far but after a couple of starts it turned off. This was do to the brand of gas; I only use Chevron and haven’t had this problem lately.
I will admit I tend to baby my car a little. It was going to be my daily driver and did drive it constantly the first three months everyday. Now I would like to keep the mileage down a little so I only drive it 2 to 3 days a week. So far the car has been very dependable and I’m planning on taking it to New York (I live in Atlanta) to show it off to the rest of the family. I have no worries the car will make it without a problem.
I would like some more informtion on how to setup the "8 years/80K miles with a free belt replacement at 36K miles by LCU."
JoeyO
2001 V8
>> Edited by joeyo on Wednesday 31st March 21:23
>> Edited by joeyo on Wednesday 31st March 21:25
The fuel light came on three times so far but after a couple of starts it turned off. This was do to the brand of gas; I only use Chevron and haven’t had this problem lately.
I will admit I tend to baby my car a little. It was going to be my daily driver and did drive it constantly the first three months everyday. Now I would like to keep the mileage down a little so I only drive it 2 to 3 days a week. So far the car has been very dependable and I’m planning on taking it to New York (I live in Atlanta) to show it off to the rest of the family. I have no worries the car will make it without a problem.
I would like some more informtion on how to setup the "8 years/80K miles with a free belt replacement at 36K miles by LCU."
JoeyO
2001 V8
>> Edited by joeyo on Wednesday 31st March 21:23
>> Edited by joeyo on Wednesday 31st March 21:25
Al,
Not sure why, but Palm Beach MotorCars always seems to forget about the cambelt service thing. Just call Dave Simkin at LCU first and then contact PBMC and talk to either Mike or Bill (service advisors). The cambelt services must be scheduled via LCU before showing up at the dealer.
Regards, KM
2000 V8
PS - there are simply too many Esprit V8 cars in Palm Beach county, methinks at least 9 now. Why is this?
Not sure why, but Palm Beach MotorCars always seems to forget about the cambelt service thing. Just call Dave Simkin at LCU first and then contact PBMC and talk to either Mike or Bill (service advisors). The cambelt services must be scheduled via LCU before showing up at the dealer.
Regards, KM
2000 V8
PS - there are simply too many Esprit V8 cars in Palm Beach county, methinks at least 9 now. Why is this?
kmaier said:
Al,
Not sure why, but Palm Beach MotorCars always seems to forget about the cambelt service thing. Just call Dave Simkin at LCU first and then contact PBMC and talk to either Mike or Bill (service advisors). The cambelt services must be scheduled via LCU before showing up at the dealer.
Regards, KM
2000 V8
PS - there are simply too many Esprit V8 cars in Palm Beach county, methinks at least 9 now. Why is this?
By LCU do you mean Lotus Cars USA ?? Thanks !!
And Im not sure why, but I guess its a good thing.
AL
Al,
Yes, you can call Lotus Cars USA (LCU) at 1-800-245-6887 or Dave Simkin at 1-714-348-1614. Dave is the lead tech for the USA and is the one who will authorize any and all warranty work and cambelt servicing.
If you're concerned about your V8 and reliability, you're welcome to stop by the house and we can toss it on the lift so you can check the underside out. I'd be happy to show you all the problem areas and how to addres them.
Regards, KM
2000 V8
Yes, you can call Lotus Cars USA (LCU) at 1-800-245-6887 or Dave Simkin at 1-714-348-1614. Dave is the lead tech for the USA and is the one who will authorize any and all warranty work and cambelt servicing.
If you're concerned about your V8 and reliability, you're welcome to stop by the house and we can toss it on the lift so you can check the underside out. I'd be happy to show you all the problem areas and how to addres them.
Regards, KM
2000 V8
kmaier said:
Al,
Yes, you can call Lotus Cars USA (LCU) at 1-800-245-6887 or Dave Simkin at 1-714-348-1614. Dave is the lead tech for the USA and is the one who will authorize any and all warranty work and cambelt servicing.
If you're concerned about your V8 and reliability, you're welcome to stop by the house and we can toss it on the lift so you can check the underside out. I'd be happy to show you all the problem areas and how to addres them.
Regards, KM
2000 V8
I appreciate the offer ... where do you live ??? If you wouldnt mind e-mailing me your phone number, Id like to take you up on that offer sometime! Thanks again!
AL (NovaKnight@hotmail.com)
I keep reading these posts and they continuosly scare me.
I have a 99 V8 with the 450hp chip. I drive it almost daily. I now have about 30,000 miles on it.
Other than the chip, I replaced the steering wheel. (thanks for all involved in the group purchase), and paid $80 to a local muffler shop to run straight pipes with chrome tips out of the cats. Oh, I updated to the round tail lights also.
Here are the problems I have had:
Solder on the chip upgrade was done improperly and broke. That was frustrating and hard to diagnose, but cheap to repair.
Seal on rear axle has a small leak.
Check engine light came on when I used cheap fuel.
Someone scratched the fender when parked.
uhhhh.....that's all. Really.
I don't baby it. I drive it hard and often.
I hear a lot of talk about all of the things that are just destined to break, but I think the car is nearly bullet-proof. You don't hear much from the people who don't have problems and I think we are more common than those unlucky enough to have several problems.
Anyway, I'm not posting just to gloat about my success. I just think the overall reliability of the newer V8 is pretty good.
Dirk Carnahan
I have a 99 V8 with the 450hp chip. I drive it almost daily. I now have about 30,000 miles on it.
Other than the chip, I replaced the steering wheel. (thanks for all involved in the group purchase), and paid $80 to a local muffler shop to run straight pipes with chrome tips out of the cats. Oh, I updated to the round tail lights also.
Here are the problems I have had:
Solder on the chip upgrade was done improperly and broke. That was frustrating and hard to diagnose, but cheap to repair.
Seal on rear axle has a small leak.
Check engine light came on when I used cheap fuel.
Someone scratched the fender when parked.
uhhhh.....that's all. Really.
I don't baby it. I drive it hard and often.
I hear a lot of talk about all of the things that are just destined to break, but I think the car is nearly bullet-proof. You don't hear much from the people who don't have problems and I think we are more common than those unlucky enough to have several problems.
Anyway, I'm not posting just to gloat about my success. I just think the overall reliability of the newer V8 is pretty good.
Dirk Carnahan
I keep reading these posts and they continuosly scare me.
I have a 99 V8 with the 450hp chip. I drive it almost daily. I now have about 30,000 miles on it.
Other than the chip, I replaced the steering wheel. (thanks for all involved in the group purchase), and paid $80 to a local muffler shop to run straight pipes with chrome tips out of the cats. Oh, I updated to the round tail lights also.
Here are the problems I have had:
Solder on the chip upgrade was done improperly and broke. That was frustrating and hard to diagnose, but cheap to repair.
Seal on rear axle has a small leak.
Check engine light came on when I used cheap fuel.
Someone scratched the fender when parked.
uhhhh.....that's all. Really.
I don't baby it. I drive it hard and often.
I hear a lot of talk about all of the things that are just destined to break, but I think the car is nearly bullet-proof. You don't hear much from the people who don't have problems and I think we are more common than those unlucky enough to have several problems.
Anyway, I'm not posting just to gloat about my success. I just think the overall reliability of the newer V8 is pretty good.
Dirk Carnahan
I have a 99 V8 with the 450hp chip. I drive it almost daily. I now have about 30,000 miles on it.
Other than the chip, I replaced the steering wheel. (thanks for all involved in the group purchase), and paid $80 to a local muffler shop to run straight pipes with chrome tips out of the cats. Oh, I updated to the round tail lights also.
Here are the problems I have had:
Solder on the chip upgrade was done improperly and broke. That was frustrating and hard to diagnose, but cheap to repair.
Seal on rear axle has a small leak.
Check engine light came on when I used cheap fuel.
Someone scratched the fender when parked.
uhhhh.....that's all. Really.
I don't baby it. I drive it hard and often.
I hear a lot of talk about all of the things that are just destined to break, but I think the car is nearly bullet-proof. You don't hear much from the people who don't have problems and I think we are more common than those unlucky enough to have several problems.
Anyway, I'm not posting just to gloat about my success. I just think the overall reliability of the newer V8 is pretty good.
Dirk Carnahan
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