How do! I am purchasing used...private party...

[Scrumpot]

Yes, this is accurate. Dealers will routinely upgrade the firmware version to the car's ECU when it is in for service, based upon on-going available updates and/or SB's that from time-to-time become released.

It assures you have the latest firmware version, and again is absolutely "routine" for most Lotus dealers and authorized service centers for you, to do. I would not be concerned with this at all. It is all a part of under warranty, customary and routine maintenance.

[Wexler]

Originally Posted by Scrumpot

Yes, this is accurate. Dealers will routinely upgrade the firmware version to the car's ECU when it is in for service, based upon on-going available updates and/or SB's that from time-to-time become released.

It assures you have the latest firmware version, and again is absolutely "routine" for most Lotus dealers and authorized service centers for you, to do. I would not be concerned with this at all. It is all a part of under warranty, customary and routine maintenance.

Thanks!

[Wexler]

WOW WOW WOW!!!

416 miles of bliss from Erie to Philly...car is as cherry as described...2487 miles, never saw rain (until yesterday), and the previous owner walked me through everything - that might have been the best part - if he didn't live in Michigan we would be hanging out all the time.

What a joy to drive, and the comments, looks and picture taking was just priceless.

Now, I finally understand, and feel incredibly fortunate to own such a machine.

Got in late last night, and just took some pictures at 6:30am...I'll post pixs later.

[toedrag]

congratulations, Wexler! it's awesome that you had such a positive buying experience.

welcome and enjoy your stay.

[Whitey#1]

Originally Posted by SKYVUE

The good news: If your deal doesn't happen, there are PLENTY of used Lotus Elises/Exiges for sale...most of them are "babied" and "low mileage". Pick any color and option! And the price can drop below $25K! WOW!!

and where are these Elise's for sale at? how is it a guy can get the exact colors and options he wants? what am i missing?

M

[RoadDad]

Originally Posted by Whitey#1

and where are these Elise's for sale at? how is it a guy can get the exact colors and options he wants? what am i missing?

M

That guy spent his time looking for a car instead of starting threads on LT .


Patience, Whitey. If it is to be, it will.

[toedrag]

Originally Posted by Whitey#1

and where are these Elise's for sale at? how is it a guy can get the exact colors and options he wants? what am i missing?

M

Pls don't hijack this thread to complain

[RoadDad]

Now he'll start a whole new thread.



Wexler, congrats on the new car. I hope you're out driving it. You need to change the line under your screen name from "Envious, yet close..." .

[Wexler]

Thanks for the warm welcome! I am still in awe...at work...can't wait for a little ride this evening.

Whitey - here's the deal man, I have lived litterally two minutes from a Lotus dealer, walking their lot almost every Sunday, counting cars, test driving other used Elise's, scouring Ebay and Cars.com, and reading this site in depth...been looking for over 4 years...

This is what worked for me:

1.) Know what you want.
2.) Know the price points.
3.) Understand the potential problems (as best as you can).
4.) Know what you are willing to pay.
5.) Go for it when you find it - and do not look back.

The drive home yesterday alone was worth the wait, anxiety and anticipation.

[serpent]

congratulations Wexler

I'm sure we'll see each other at some point, i'm in MD so not a ridiculously long drive

now, drive it like you stole it

[Wexler]

Originally Posted by serpent

congratulations Wexler

I'm sure we'll see each other at some point, i'm in MD so not a ridiculously long drive

now, drive it like you stole it

Right on my brother!

[6_speed]

Originally Posted by Wexler

Thanks for the warm welcome! I am still in awe...at work...can't wait for a little ride this evening.

Whitey - here's the deal man, I have lived litterally two minutes from a Lotus dealer, walking their lot almost every Sunday, counting cars, test driving other used Elise's, scouring Ebay and Cars.com, and reading this site in depth...been looking for over 4 years...

This is what worked for me:

1.) Know what you want.
2.) Know the price points.
3.) Understand the potential problems (as best as you can).
4.) Know what you are willing to pay.
5.) Go for it when you find it - and do not look back.

The drive home yesterday alone was worth the wait, anxiety and anticipation.

With patience and (right) attitude like yours, good things come your way. And your Elise is proof.

Congrats and enjoy your ride!

[chazzer]

As said before, "The smile that you have will be with you long after you exit the car. " People that know you will wonder why you are so HAPPY LATELY????? Now let the fun begin. and by the way the Attention you'll start receiving while in and around your car will sometimes drive you NUTTY....

[Wexler]

So, I have what you would call Elise bruises...from getting in and out...one on the upper part of my left thigh, one on the inside of my right shin...wearing them with pride.

[luxige]

Wexler, welcome and congrats!

Drive safe and enjoy...

[Wexler]

Couldn't wait...these are pictures before she was mine...with the soft top...some "researchers" might find it familiar...it was on e-bay for a little bit...

[Whitey#1]

Originally Posted by Wexler

So, I have what you would call Elise bruises...from getting in and out...one on the upper part of my left thigh, one on the inside of my right shin...wearing them with pride.

are you getting in and out ok? how tall are you? i am about ready to pull the trigger, and thats still my #1 concern.

couple of questions Wexler, if you dont mind, sir?
1) was the ride as noisy and with vibration and rattles like some say?
2) does the A/C work ok?
3) does the radio work ok?

Mike

[Wexler]

Originally Posted by Whitey#1

are you getting in and out ok? how tall are you? i am about ready to pull the trigger, and thats still my #1 concern.

couple of questions Wexler, if you dont mind, sir?
1) was the ride as noisy and with vibration and rattles like some say?
2) does the A/C work ok?
3) does the radio work ok?

Mike

Hey!

I am 5'6" 160lbs...short and stocky, played ice hockey all my life so the bulk of my weight is in my legs (and gut from not staying in shape...) I think that's why I am bruising - neet to get the legs up.

I would suggest finding a local Elise and practice getting in and out...it is a pain in the a$$, but to me, worth it.

Noise and vibration is certainly more prevelent than a "normal" car - but this is not a "normal" car. I drive with the hard top on and windows down. I am not an AC guy unless like today I drive into work in a suit - it works great.

For the initial ride home I drove without the radio on and just listened to the engine sing for about an hour. It's beautiful. This also allowed for me to get orientated to the different noises that I wasn't used to; slight window rattle inside the door when hitting bumps, tires on the road, wind...etc.

And then, once I was comfortable with everything, I plugged the Ipod into the Alpine and Pearl Jam rocked all the way home. My only complaint would be the bass and subwoofer is drowned out by the windows being down...but I am cool with that.

I bought this car solely for one thing - the driving experience. So to me, it doesn't need to have AC, a radio, comfortable seats...you get the idea...I will confess that I am neurotic as well...went to odd extremes before committing to purchase such as measuring the slope of my driveway and then walking the Lotus lot with a tape measure...and a hockey stick...I actually went into the show room and asked if I could see if the stick would fit in the Exige on the floor...they let me, and it did - barely.

Again, know what you want, prioritize, anticipate the potential pitfalls...there are far too many variables in life...trying to calculate and compute them all is impossible (any Alan Watts fans?)...so just make the decision and move forward. Hope for the best, plan for the worst, and most likely it lands somewhere in between...

Hope that helps.

[toedrag]

Originally Posted by Wexler

Hey!
...I actually went into the show room and asked if I could see if the stick would fit in the Exige on the floor...they let me, and it did - barely.

bwahahaha.... I love it...that's dedication. I would have liked to see that. I'm guessing that was the first time they saw that sort of test in a showroom.

[Wexler]

Originally Posted by toedrag

bwahahaha.... I love it...that's dedication. I would have liked to see that. I'm guessing that was the first time they saw that sort of test in a showroom.

Toedrag - as in an ice hockey stick handling move?

I drove it to Sunday morning hockey yesterday...sticks fit fine, but shifting to 5th and 6th on I95 south was a little tight...maybe I should have brought my equipment bag into the show room as well?

Put over 700 miles on the car since Wednesday...averaging 75 miles a day (the initial trip home was 400+). Loving every second of it!