general problems of the 2005 Lotus Elise

Driving under normal conditions through city traffic when the oil indicator light came on. Pulled over to the side of the rode and checked the oil level. Showed it was empty with oil spilling on the ground. Towed it to a repair shop to discover that the oil hose fitting had broken off the engine causing the oil loss. This could have resulted in a total loss of engine function had I not pulled over. I had the oil hose replaced and replaced the remaining hoses as well.

Wiring on auto has been a mess since new, auto towed 15 times for mechanical reasons and addition times tow truck was coming and car would start. Shifter broke off at 2,000 miles, transaxle was replaced at about 20,000 miles alarm system, alternator,speakers,turn indicators, front steering box (rack), vehicle computer (speed indicated on dash has been at lest 15% high since transaxle was replaced)-- have all failed. Lotus dealerships where never able to locate or fix wiring problem (fox valley, aurora IL another lake forest has no authorized Lotus mechanic. ) Lotus USA inc. Covered most until warranty expired ,now will not return phone calls or e-mails (over 15 sent in the last year and a half. ). Auto now has 26,666 miles and has not been driven since August of 2010. It will not past wisconsin emissions so I am unable to get license plates also it will change lanes off a straight line without warning. Auto was never on a track and always stored in a heat and rodent controlled area. A independent mechanic that worked on auto stated "the wiring harness appears to have been pulled and installed through out the auto with out regard to sharp edges or care in anyway", he found no rodent damage.