longer term test drives?

[ninjadave]

I'm trying to work out if I want a 111S or a 111R, but I want to give the cars a 'real life' test for a week or so before diving in.

That way I can drive to the station and back a few times in (hopefully) varied conditions. I can go out with it for the weekend to test if I can manage with the luggage and not scare the misses to death on the twisties up through the cotswolds.

I saw that Lotus do leasing at monthly rates, and got to thinking of getting a 111S for a month and a 111R for another month to see which one is easier to live with.

Does this sound like madness?

Does this sound like madness?

[shot2bits]

Saying the same thing twice does sound a little like madness I thought there was a minimum term for leasing from Lotus - i.e. 12 months? I guess you could hire them if you're prepared to outlay the cash. I'd listen to the guys opinions on this forum - ask some specific questions? I collect my 111R on Saturday - though the dealer did say this would be subject to a prevailing wind so perhaps not eh?

[bob_defly]

I wanted to try this, but, realistically, imagine the queue if you could hire them out for a month at a time...

[ninjadave]

Ah, you spotted my insanity before I did!

Not sure about the T&C of the leasing, so maybe I should look into that first.

Dick Lovette may let me test drive both... yeah right! I can't see it being a sales tactict they condone

Edited...
Bob: I agree, but hoped that Lotus wuld think that not many people would want to do it or try hard enough to find out about it... Guess I'll just have to make sure I get a proper test drive.

>> Edited by ninjadave on Monday 16th May 15:03

[bogie]

why not just hire one for a week?

[steff]

just buy a 111r.

sorted.

[ninjadave]

bogie said:

why not just hire one for a week?

Good idea - but where from??? I'll have a nose around on google.

[wantalotus]

i hired a 111S last year from chris neils for a weekend, maybe they still do it and for longer?

[Bob_Defly]

You must have an honest face, they wouldn't let me do that...

[ninjadave]

Found a few places on the net, but they're all about £150 per day!!! Seems a bit steep when I can lease one at £350 a month (granted that's over a couple of years).

I'll see what else I can find...

[rfoster]

£150 per day sounds about right - must remember this includes your insurance. £350 pm is usually for a 2 or 3 year term and you would need to insure & maintain the vehicle yourself. Take the plunge - you won't be disappointed!

[ninjadave]

Ah, with insurance is doesn't seem nearly as bad - shame they don't throw in petrol too though

Will try to convince the misses it's a good idea now - doubt I'll get anywhere, but I have to try

[shot2bits]

ninjadave said:

Seems a bit steep when I can lease one at £350 a month

£350 a month is a bargain - how much deposit and how many miles do they let you put on the car? Is this based on an "S" or an "R"?