Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

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Mikie711
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Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Post by Mikie711 » Wed Oct 03, 2018 9:57 am

I would have thought that while the car is at the garage it's covered under their insurance as it's in their care. Doubt it'll be left on the ramp for that amount of time TBH so probably outside unless the have ample space in the workshop for disassembled cars.
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Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Post by Simon82 » Wed Oct 03, 2018 10:15 am

If your car is where I think it is then it will not be dry stored. It will be sitting outside. I picked mine up after being with them for 10 days to complete run in service and a few other issues(one of the main reasons it was in for was ignored) and it was filthy etched in rain marks etc.
awaiting to see how they resolve your issue before I persue mine further. Tempted to put mine into a different dealer for warranty work.
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Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Post by rawsco » Wed Oct 03, 2018 11:02 am

That’s my worry Simon, the x5 sat off the road for a month whilst awaiting insurance repair and the disks were ruined when I got it back.

The car was paint corrected before I got it so paint condition was perfect bar the usual on the sills and the odd chip here and there. If it comes back covered in swirl marks with rust for brakes I’ll not be happy.
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Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Post by campbell » Wed Oct 03, 2018 1:46 pm

Dealers eh
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Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Post by DDtB » Wed Oct 03, 2018 4:46 pm

The insurance clause about being garaged after 10 usually has a sub clause about only applying if the car is within a certain distance of your house, like 0.5 miles or something.

Disappointing to hear about the lack of updates from Lotus and the dealer though. It’s right to expect and be given better service than you seem to be getting.

Fingers crossed you hear back soon with a positive outcome.




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Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Post by rawsco » Fri Oct 05, 2018 5:09 pm

Update. Very quick as I’m too angry and I’ll end up typing something I’ll regret.

Warranty claim rejected as failure is believed by lotus to be wear related.
Dealer offering to stump up some of the cost to replace.
Now seeking to reject the car and legal claim in with home insurance policy.

Gutted to say the least. Doubt I’ll be back in a lotus after this. Sad day.
Last edited by rawsco on Fri Oct 05, 2018 5:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Post by C7Steve » Fri Oct 05, 2018 5:10 pm

Sorry to hear. :(


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Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Post by Simon82 » Fri Oct 05, 2018 5:46 pm

Well that’s sh*t, you had the car what, 4 months? Doesn’t bode well for my issues either then!
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Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Post by rawsco » Fri Oct 05, 2018 6:10 pm

Simon82 wrote:
Fri Oct 05, 2018 5:46 pm
Well that’s sh*t, you had the car what, 4 months? Doesn’t bode well for my issues either then!
Yep, less than 3 months in my ownership so far. Sorry this is also spoiling your enjoyment of your car Simon. My advice get it in sooner rather than later.

The ramifications for lotus with respect to me are pretty sad, this car was a short term plan working towards a new 380 (well 410 now) once my outgoings had settled down from home move and I’d repaid some money to my company. Couldn’t really justify forking out for a box fresh 380 2 min after moving house. So it’s probably cost them a life long fan of the marque and the purchase of a new 410 within 18 months, I wasn’t sold on the 350 and really wanted the 380 but life is full of compromises.

So many musings wondering why so many people move to other brands such as Porsche, pretty easy to see why from where I’m standing now.
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Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Post by Simon82 » Fri Oct 05, 2018 6:42 pm

Really sad to hear this. I wouldn’t give up yet though, approach Lotus directly and explain the situation and the fact you have only had the car 3 months etc and how the dealer has handled your issue, give them a chance to assist before you jump ship.
Also name and shame the dealers, pretty sure I know who it is but not for me to say.
Mine has only just done 3500 miles now, vast majority of that has been motorway. I’ll be prepared for the wear and tear argument.
I’d love a 410/430 also but can’t justify the large additional premium over the 350 just now but hope to get one some day.

I wouldn’t expect anything better from Porsche going in my past experience with them to be honest.

I’ll start proceedings with them regarding mine on Monday and let you know how it goes.
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Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Post by campbell » Fri Oct 05, 2018 8:01 pm

Really, really feel for you, Ross.

But big rule. Don't make big decisions while under stress.

Let the anger cool and then you can take control.

Lotus may not deserve to be written off yet. Perfect storm of dealer and factory tension maybe? A chat with head of Lotus Europe Sales, might be worth it.
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Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Post by rawsco » Fri Oct 05, 2018 8:26 pm

Thanks Campbell, difficult pill to swallow given that I knew there were problems with the release bearing, there was evidence of them getting covered under warranty, rumours of a revised part etc so I specifically got one with a manufacturer warranty from a dealer with a decent reputation for this exact reason.

To be slapped in the face by the lotus brand and it’s representatives in this manner is pretty insulting to be honest. I will however attempt to remain positive as experience tells me venting anger at those involved does little to help you towards a resolution.
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Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Post by campbell » Fri Oct 05, 2018 8:35 pm

Spot on. Emotional Intelligence may yet win the day here.

They remain great cars. Just ask around ;-)
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Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Post by rawsco » Fri Oct 05, 2018 9:00 pm

campbell wrote:
Fri Oct 05, 2018 8:35 pm
They remain great cars. Just ask around ;-)
Utterly love the V6 more so than the S240, this makes it even more of a sair yin. I really can’t think what I’d replace it with... my preferred outcome is still a repaired and functional car that I can have confidence in post warranty period, I really wouldn’t mind 3grand for a new clutch if I ruined it but I’m struggling to understand how one could destroy a (according to the dealer) perfect clutch in 6-700 miles, 250 of which were to and from the dealer on a motorway.

Madness.
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Re: Dreaded Clutch Problem (Sport350)

Post by campbell » Fri Oct 05, 2018 9:11 pm

There is no question here. The clutch was not wrecked by you.

Either it bore a fault or was abused by the previous keeper. Who of course would not admit to such anyway but it's a genuine explanation.

I know you. It's unthinkable you'd destroy a clutch in 2-3 tankfuls of fuel.

Hold your line.
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