Any PH'ers near me who can help?

[Bada Bing!]

I'm looking at several cars at the moment to replace the S2000, and will be able to test drive the Boxster S and Z4M at local dealers. However, there isn't a single dealer with a VX220 Turbo in Scotland so far as I can see, and there appears to be only one (non-Lotus) dealer within 30 miles who has a 111R.

Is there anyone living near Ayr who'd be willing to have me passenger in their car and generally have a look around? I'm interested in both cars, but have no idea what to expect, whether I'll be able to get in/out of it etc.

Any advice on the subject would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Gareth

[Digital]

Gareth, I posted in your other thread recommending the VXT. I'll be at Knockhill this Friday for the MexiTowers trackday (the first for my new VXT), there will be a few 111Rs there as well. Another suggestion would be to bring the S2000 along to the Type-R Scotland (think I've seen you posting over there) run later this month - I'd be happy to show you around my car. You could also try posting on the Scottish Elise forum at www.freeyabb.com/phpbb/index.php?mforum=scottisheliseso - there are a few 111R and VX owners on there

Jamie

[Bada Bing!]

Thanks mate, I'll get a set of pads on the car this week and come along to the TRS meet (the one on the 25th?). It's the day before my birthday too.

[Bada Bing!]

Hi mate,

Test drove a 111R at Murray Lotus in Edinburgh during the weekend, and pick it up on Saturday.

[Digital]

Good choice What colour/options did you go for?

Had a passenger ride in a 111R at the East Fortune trackday earlier this year, loved the VTEC-alike characteristics of the engine, sounds fantastic. Handling was very impressive too.

You need to get some pics up though

[Bada Bing!]

I got an '06 with the fancy rear LED's and extra tweaks (touring pack as standard etc), with air-con, and DAB radio for 4 grand off list. It had 4k miles on it, and was previously owned by a Lotus director. It's the only car specced in Chilli Red because it's a brand new colour. I've been told it's the only one in the country, but maybe some foreigner has ordered one in it.

Murray Lotus's saleman practically told that if I even dream about selling it, I should get in touch with him immediately because he wants to buy it back. I very much got the feeling he's sick of selling black and silver Elises.

When I pick it up on Sat I'll get the pics up on here. I'm so looking forward to it, because I turn 27 two days later, and am off for a week to get to know the car.

Edited by Bada Bing! on Monday 19th June 20:44

[Bada Bing!]

Oh, and regarding getting in and out of the thing, it's just not a problem with the roof off. With it on though...

I assume I'll get used to it. I remember the S2000 being a bit tough to get into at first too.

[Digital]

Sounds nice, look forward to seeing the pics

I find the best technique with the VX is simply to move the seat as far back as it goes before I get in/out. I'm only about 5'9, so not too much of a problem - had a laugh watching some of my colleagues trying to fit in when I first got the car It is kinda hard to do with any sort of elegance however!

If I remember correctly the 06 spec car has quite a few tweaks including better seats, I do sometimes miss the Recaros of my Teg...

[chimune]

Digital - i was just looking at your profile. You used to have a Raddo VR6? I've had one as my daily runner for 4 years now and absolutly love it. When did you get rid of yours? Did you go from the Vr to the Integra ?

Hope to get my Chim up to KH at some point this year, but am a bit apprehensive about my 1st track event...

[Digital]

chimune, I sold the Corrado in 2004, when I changed to the Integra. I'd had it a couple of years, and loved it, but had been getting a bit fed up of wondering what was going to go wrong next - it seemed to be turning into a money pit. I'd still have another as day to day transport though, I do miss the lovely smooth 6 cylinder engine, and the handling was lovely.

Have you considered doing one of Knockhill's beginner tracknights? I did one in the Teg last July (miserable night, despite the rest of the month being the dryest on record!) and it was a great introduction. As long as you opt for the Hot Marques nights or something organised by one of the bigger clubs (SIDC days are highly recommended) you'll be fine. I think there's at least one other TVR (Chim I think) that regularly gets tracked, I'm sure the owner would be happy to show you around, as in fact would most people, they're a friendly crowd

Jamie

[Bada Bing!]

Got my car yesterday, pics here - www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=282706&f=47&h=0

[chimune]

Nice motor mr bing ! Get it up the highlands as soon as poss !

Digital, i have have been getting round to doing atrackday for ages. I was planning to go to the
East Fortune one that got canceled.

I have decisions and questions which i havent made yet though:

Corrado or Chimaera? Cant afford to break either of them!
If the Chim then shall i run on the current tyres which need replacing, or wait till new ones are on?
Dreadnought, Hot Marque or Street Legal? Tiv owners say Dreadnought.
Ins or no ins?
Tuition or just get on with it?

Dunno what to do - am probly just being a pussy. May go up to the one being talked about on this thread and see whats what. You going?

[alicrozier]

Gareth,
I assume you've seen:
www.scottishelises.com

You'll love the car.
There is an event on down your way this weekend btw.

Cheers,
Ali

[Digital]

Gareth, car looks lovely, really suits that colour

Chimune, if it were me I would take the Chim on track, RWD will always be more fun on track. The Corrado is a great car, but I would imagine it would be better suited as a road car - remember reading an article years ago (Autocar I think) where they were disappointed with the VR6 on track, but the opposite on the road.

I've yet to get tuition, but hoping to arrange something for the next trackday, if I don't book up for Knockhill's own HyPerformance course. I've not insured my car for the previous trackdays I've done, but the recent incidents at Duffus have made me think again...

Oh, and I don't think I'll be there on the 20th, unless I can get up to spectate for the second hour maybe.

[Bada Bing!]

alicrozier said:

Gareth,
I assume you've seen:
www.scottishelises.com

You'll love the car.
There is an event on down your way this weekend btw.

Cheers,
Ali

Thanks for that mate. I met them all yesterday following the link you posted, and had a great time. My front bumper is stonechipped to f**k now though.