What I really like about the lotus forum is...

[dbroughton]

We don't endlessly worry about the residuals of cars.

Just visit the BMW forum and see how these people are missing the point.


Buy your chrome orange (black wheel) elise, take a big hit as you drive it off the forecourt but be secure in the knowledge that you dont look (or feel) like everyone else on the road.

Seriously this worry about residuals takes all of the joy and self expression out of motoring. I would love a 911 (997?) but I get depressed when I realise I can only have one of 9 shades of metallic silver/grey if I buy second hand. I love that 1 in 500 bloke who say "f**k it, Ill take the speed yellow please"

[B'stard Child]

dbroughton said:

We don't endlessly worry about the residuals of cars.

Depreciation is even appreciation on some Lotus cars - I know mine is worth more now than what I paid for it 7 years ago

My daily driver 7 series unfortunately won't be so lucky but it shouldn't be too bad

[whygee02]

dbroughton said:

We don't endlessly worry about the residuals of cars.

Just visit the BMW forum and see how these people are missing the point.


Buy your chrome orange (black wheel) elise, take a big hit as you drive it off the forecourt but be secure in the knowledge that you dont look (or feel) like everyone else on the road.

Seriously this worry about residuals takes all of the joy and self expression out of motoring. I would love a 911 (997?) but I get depressed when I realise I can only have one of 9 shades of metallic silver/grey if I buy second hand. I love that 1 in 500 bloke who say "f**k it, Ill take the speed yellow please"

Its a very good point - I think for me the difference being owning an Elise is more of a hobby or even a pet, than an 'overhead' as other cars would be. I've not even considered whether its value has gone up or down as long as its there for me. I do get fed up of pulling money out every so often to keep it ship shape, but I just consider it the cost of having this wonderful hobby I have.

Anyone else feel that way?

[r5gttgaz]

I think more people tend to get attached to their Loti? Than the BMW's, I've never owned one (yet) but it seems reading on here you are a real devoted bunch who cherish the cars and the brand massively. Perhaps Lotus not becoming as diluted as Porsche or BMW has helped this.

[patmahe]

Being able to get simple honest advice from people who genuinely know about and love the marque.

[dbroughton]

I guess before I get flamed, I have to say that I didn't mean all BMW owners.


The M cars are as cool as an elise in their own way. I am talking about the aspirational owners who see the car like a hugo boss suit or rolex watch - just a tool to say " have made it"

I especially mean the guys who buy the bottom of the range and then debadge it so no one know how crap the car is.


Does any other brand routinely over debadging?

[whygee02]

dbroughton said:

I guess before I get flamed, I have to say that I didn't mean all BMW owners.


The M cars are as cool as an elise in their own way. I am talking about the aspirational owners who see the car like a hugo boss suit or rolex watch - just a tool to say " have made it"

I especially mean the guys who buy the bottom of the range and then debadge it so no one know how crap the car is.


Does any other brand routinely over debadging?

Getting controversial here. I dont reckon debadging is limited to beemer owners, its common to all brands. In fairness you could rate these owners as being more loving of their cars than some seemingly high flying execs who have their genuine M cars (as an example) with no interest or passion for what they own.

Each to your own I think. Just depends on circumstances, budgets, age/insurance etc etc etc.

[dbroughton]

it would be interesting to know how the numbers fall.


How many high end cars get debadged to look more anonymous and create a genuine Q car


How many low end models get debadged so the neighbors dont know you have the gutless 1.8 model.


I have to susepct the later is a bigger number


There is nothing wrong with any car - they are all better than waking. Just strikes me that debadging is more about pure ego than love of motoring. Lets face it there are plenty of amazing drivers cars for the price of a 318 poverty spec model.

I still cannot think of another car brand that debadges other than BMW. I would also like to point out to any debadger reading this (unlikely on PH) that many of us proper car geeks know what car you really have by the exhaust design!!

[dbroughton]

ps


I do hope the next esprit and eagle get BMW engines, It will be great for Lotus residuals

[Ultrasound]

Debadging is cool provided you have the top model. Remember an M3 in autocar with 318i badges. Nice.

Agree on the residuals question, it's killing viper green and blood orange. Perhaps it's due to the large cost of these cars and the way in which they are financed that they have to be able to be sold 2 to 3 years in the future.

As for the Esprit, 1000kgs, with alcantra and alumimium interior and and M5 engine would do the trick. Even better be brave, go for 900kgs! Wouldn't be Lotus though, have to mess about for a good while, cancel garanteed sucesses like the M250 to alienate the loyalists with deposits to get really into trouble, then, just when the're on their knees, a stroke of genius to save the company, like a 20k, 700kgs sports car! Much as I love the 2-11 would love to see an updated 700kg or even 650kg base car with 130 or 140bhp. Who wouldn't buy that? Sorry, bit off topic.

Edited by Ultrasound on Sunday 30th September 15:22

Edited by Ultrasound on Sunday 30th September 15:23

Edited by Ultrasound on Sunday 30th September 15:24

[Strangely Brown]

dbroughton said:

How many low end models get debadged so the neighbors dont know you have the gutless 1.8 model.


I have to susepct the later is a bigger number

Conversely, how many "high end" models have their badges displayed just so the neighbours know that you have the super-fandango expensive model? I know someone who routinely debadged his low end models but now that he has "made it" he has left the badges alone.

Personally, I don't like badges that display model designation or engine sizes on any car. I really don't see the point of them. Their sole purpose is to shout to the world "look at me, look at what I am driving, are you jealous yet?". How very common.

Yes, my Merc doesn't have any [model] badges on the rear but it was that way when I bought it and I think it just looks a lot cleaner and uncluttered than having C200 Kompressor across the tailgate.

The Elise is just a toy and has it's normal badging plus a "prepared by Bell & Colvill" sticker that the previous owner added to the top of the front wings above the side repeaters (a bit naff but would probably damage the paint if I tried to remove it now). It will, however, get a PH smiley when I can finally decide where best to place it.

Edited by Strangely Brown on Monday 15th October 09:45