Looking to buy a FE Lotus Emira – Ownership & Warranty Questions

[jawfy]

Hi all, I’m currently in the market for a First Edition Lotus Emira and would really appreciate some real-world ownership insight.

I’m under no illusion that these cars come with their fair share of issues—probably more than ideal—but the exotic looks inside and out are hard to ignore. At this price point, nothing else really competes on that front, which is why I’m seriously considering one despite the potential headaches.

Location & Dealer Support​

I’m based in the North East of Scotland, with Lotus Glasgow being my nearest main dealer (around 180 miles away).

Because of this distance, I’m keen to understand:
- What issues I should realistically expect
- Whether an extended warranty is essentially a must
- What extended warranty options others have been offered by their local Lotus dealers

Buying: Main Dealer vs Independent​

There seem to be quite a few cars available through independents, so I’m trying to understand the pros and cons.

- Is it strongly recommended to buy through a main dealer?
- Has anyone had issues with Lotus:
- Honouring warranty claims?
- Extending warranties if the car wasn’t purchased directly from them?

Will buying independently make life more difficult if a warranty claim is needed?

Common Issues I’m Aware Of​

Paint Bubbling​

- Most commonly on the doors and tailgate
- Ideally, I’d like to find a car where this has already been rectified
- If not, does your extended warranty cover this issue?

Software Issues​

- It sounds like many issues are resolved via dealer software updates
- Should I prioritise a car that:
- Has visited a main dealer in the last 12 months?
- Is confirmed to be fully up to date on software?

Electrical Gremlins​

- What electrical issues have owners experienced?
- Anything specific I should be checking or aware of when viewing a car?

Overall Ownership Experience​

- Has ownership been worth it?
- Has your car spent more time at the dealer than on your driveway?
- Knowing what you know now, would you buy one again?

Modifications & Warranty​

If I go ahead, I plan to modify the car with:
- GRP lowering kit
- Wheel spacers
- CT Carbon kit

I’ll likely avoid exhaust or engine modifications, as I’d like any potential warranty claims on that front to be honoured.

For those with modified Emiras:
- Have these types of mods caused issues with:
- Paint warranty claims?
- Electrical or general warranty work?
- I don’t see why they should, but I’d like to hear real-world experiences.

Photos & Inspiration​

If you have photos of your modified Emira, feel free to drop them in here as well. I’d love to see some examples for inspiration if I decide to pull the trigger.

Thanks in advance—I’m looking forward to your advice and thoughts. Jack

 

[geoffbland]

Paint Bubbling​

- Most commonly on the doors and tailgate
- Ideally, I’d like to find a car where this has already been rectified
- If not, does your extended warranty cover this issue?

Doors, tailgate and also rear quarterpanel - the later being the most expensive.
The issue is just as likely to happen on a new replacement panel as an original panel. There are cars out there now on their third set of doors.
As far as I know - no extended warranty covers bodywork or paint including the Lotus one.

Have your own warranty, put £10,000 aside assuming you will need to replace & respray the panels. Expect it - so if it doesn't happen it's a nice bonus.

Main Dealer vs Independent​

Seems to be little difference in my experience. I did not get my Emira via a dealership but all servicing and warranty work has been handled by Lotus Silverstone and they have been very helpful. Not all independents are the same or good - check this forum for reports of some well-know independents that have a load of second-hand Emiras for sale. Same with dealerships too.

Electrical Gremlins​

EMU (aka ECU) failed and need to be replaced. Off the road for 6 weeks for this. New EMU is £1700. New Engine loom is about the same cost.

- Has ownership been worth it?

Yes - but I went into this fully aware of potential issues. Also it's not my first Lotus - although my Elise has been pretty reliable compared to the Emira.
You sound like you also are fully aware of the issues too - so you'll be fine.
There's an active community of Lotus drivers in Scotland, several different clubs and owners groups, I know from being up to Scotland multiple times in my Elise for various Lotus meets and events - they are very friendly and helpful it would definitely worth you getting involved with them.

- Has your car spent more time at the dealer than on your driveway?

I would say so far, 20% of the time it's been off the road.

- Knowing what you know now, would you buy one again?

Yes.
And doubly yes if I also lived in Scotland with your roads and scenery.

 

[geoffbland]

Oh and make sure you test drive one first. They are not like other cars, they are very raw - even the Emira is - you really feel the road and your driving. It's not for everyone. If after 10 minutes of driving one you aren't thinking you must have a car that drives like this then the issues you get later might not be worth the payback.

 

[netsinah]

I was about to chime in and say that answers to most of your questions can be found, using the "search" function on the Forum and spending some time snooping around. However I'm not sure about anything related to Scotland. I also wondered if someone would take the time to answer everything...which is why I was going to suggest you source out already existing answers on the Forum BUT then the ever-kind geoffbland jumped in and gave you the answer above (his first thread on this post). Well done geoffbland!!

And for a quick response on whether you should jump off the fence and purchase an Emira...it's more than just the looks and price point; it's most of all THE RIDE you'll experience, driving a Lotus. If you're into what I'd describe as a "true sports car feel" the Emira will likely satisfy your cravings. If you can borrow one for a weekend, please do that, to know better if you'll get hooked. I found my initial 20 minute test drive, wasn't long enough to really judge the car, since everything just felt so new/different. But that's just me and perhaps the 10 minutes geoffbland mentions in his second post above, will be enough for you.

Welcome to the Forum and good luck with your decision!