They drive me crazy.. advices

[bher]

Second time I need your opinion guys (and ladies)

As some of you know, I ordered my Elise 111S in november.
As she was not there in april as scheduled, I asked for a move to a R (that was my first post for your opinion, thanks for then)
Today the dealer phoned me to let me know that they had a trouble and in fact cancelled my order to start another one and I will have to wait to .........drums, drums, drums.....................september .
The dealer is a very nice guy and (so far) I trust him (he also got the money from the resale of my Esprit )
So he suggested this.
Option 1: he is waiting very soon (!) for another brand new 111R black with red leather and touring pack . And these are absolutely not my taste (I wanted almost everthing except Black, no red leather and I find the touring pack too much money for what it gives)
Option 2: a brand new 111S red, black leather from 2004 (In fact the car I tried when ordering....still unsold)
Option 3: A second hand R from 1/05 with 14000 miles on the clock in (what seems to be) perfect condition, owner moved to exige and did mainly speedways AFA the dealer knows. Also red with black leather. I have nothing against red and the car deserves special color. I had not chossen red because it is a bit as "I wanted a Ferrari and only got the color", but.... still very nice in red
Option 4: is to wait till september (but I am not so sure about delay anymore) and I am already really frustrated reading the posts and so on, I won't survive only to get the color I decided (storm titanium)
So what is your idea?

Ben
Almost breathless during the phone call...

>> Edited by bher on Tuesday 31st May 17:59

[DanH]

I would see what kind of discount he can offer if you take the black car, as the spec isn't close to what you want. Given you don't want the touring pack, I'd especially be expecting this to be free.

Furthermore, the fact they 'cancelled' your order seems completely unacceptable to me, especially as it will lead to you missing the summer with the Elise. If you are going to wait until sept, you may as well wait until next summer imho.

Personally I'd be asking them to work out how they can speed up your order as Caymans are looking mighty tempting

[NJS25]

Hold on for what you want.....

....& get them to loan you an exige to it arrives

Regards, Neil

[tanman]

From my past experiences on cars get what you really want. there will be nothing worse than everytime you go to it you look at it and say to yourself "i wish i got the titanium one" especially when its going to cost you £29K+ (i guess). Easy for me to say and i know that i couldn't live with out my elise.
Additionally get the titanium - in my eyes that is top colour.
Good luck and don't forget the pictures when you decide
Tanman

[DanH]

Actually Ben, on reflection I'd probably just buy a second hand one saving yourself a load of cash, but hold out for one that matches your spec so probably get it from another dealer or even private (it will still be under warranty so hardly a risk (but get it inspected)).

That way you'll save maybe 5k, probably get a touring pack and have the car for the summer.

[Davey S1]

If you cant find a second hand one in the spec you want then wait.

Its not worth spending big bucks on your dream car only to get one that is not quite what you wanted.

Go for the R over the S.

Interesting view on the Touring Pack.

The dealer who I got mine from said for every 10 Exiges they have sold 8 are with the Touring Pack, one is standard with maybe just air con and one has the Performance Pack.

[Bob_Defly]

I'd go to another dealer, that is unacceptable when you are spending that sort of cash...

[Bob_Defly]

Also Davey, your right about the touring packs on the Exige S2, I think many people are buying them to replace boxters et al, so need a few creature comforts.

Personally I prefer the barer interior, I think it adds lightness. I only got air-con, which is a must in the Summer, apart from that it's pretty spartan, helps keep the power/weight high!

[jfrf]

phone up other dealers, rathr tn stick to your local one

each dealer will normally have one or 2 in stock brand new that may fit your spec

so what if you have to travel 100 miles to pick it up

[garydvo]

When I ordered the S1 B & C could make my date but they specified the colour.

In the end I emailed a selection of dealers. Williams in Bristol had the exact car sitting but I wanted delivery for + 3 months (after the wedding) Peter Smith offered any spec car for the date I requested.

I suggest that you email the dealers for the car you want and ask for delivery estimates. If you get a good offer tell this to the dealer in question and tell him match it or you will go elsewhere. No salesman wants to loose a sale. A bit of leverage and he just might bring the date forward. AFAIK dealers block order cars in hope of a sale, get your name on one of those.

The dealer may be a nice chap, if he has your cash from the esprit then he is gaining interest on the money every month, you should have that in your bank account.

Good Luck, You are the buyer do not forget it.

Gary

[shot2bits]

I agree with the comments here - you have to try other dealers to see if the model you require is available. In addition, I'd also contact Lotus in the UK to inform them of your experience at the Belgium dealership. Lotus have a global view now, rather than just UK, and I'm sure their customer services dept would not be impressed with the level of service you have received.

I'd request an immediate refund of your cash until you decide the way forward...

[tanman]

www.rhactiv.co.uk/ptvr/pages_lotus/carsforsale_detail.asp?ID=119
A little more expensive down our way but just a thought for you to hold. Plus run in - ready for the full rev range

[bher]

Thanks for your replies.
Did not answer earlier, was mostly thinking at the car and working. I inquiry other dealers and they do not have the car I was thinking about.
I am more positive about the color and I don't think I will miss the grey having the red. (I mean small risk)
I am going tomorrow to the dealer to check and try the 111R. Insurrance is on the way, Plates are ready...
cash will follow, I understand now why I am weaking up at 5 am to start the day.
Will see tomorrow, will let you know and post pictures as promised.
MANY THANKS for the answers

Ben
Ordered a blue, tan leather
changed for a titanium, black leather
will get red , black leather
It should be "THE Lotus' fun which start......."


>> Edited by bher on Thursday 2nd June 10:47

[fish]

red with black leatehr is a classic combo and in my opionion probebly one of the best colours for an elise...I am biased though