My Last Day With The Lotus :( - LotusTalk

Exigent · 03-14-2009, 08:18 PM

Well, my time with the Exige ended today. I have mixed feelings.

I woke up early and drove 3 hours to trade it in on a more practical car. Child #2 is arriving next month. My time for a 2 seater is very limited. But honestly, it was time to move on anway.

Here's a photo chronicle of the day ... from my son saying goodbye to it in Baltimore -- to trading it in in Richmond -- to picking up the new car (which I love!)

Exigent · 03-14-2009, 08:21 PM

More farewell photos ... for the scrapbook.

Exigent · 03-14-2009, 08:24 PM

To Richmond, VA -- after a very cramped and buzzy ride down I-95, I was more than ready to move on.

I said my goodbyes, gave it a last pat goodbye, and then met my new ride ... one with a back seat.

Exigent · 03-14-2009, 08:27 PM

The new guy is a Certified '06 997 Carrera S.

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Exigent · 03-14-2009, 08:29 PM

So far so good. I'm pleased.

apk919 · 03-14-2009, 08:31 PM

Well, it seems that the new ride is not a total bummer...

Someday your son will be posting those pics, and saying "my Dad used to have a cool Lotus; here's me in the driver's seat"...

usurbrain · 03-14-2009, 08:39 PM

hahahhaa... i don't call those things backseats in the back of your new car. Nice new car though!

Wimbledon · 03-14-2009, 08:40 PM

Nice 911!

Still, I have to point out that the paint on the front bumper doesn't seem to match the other panels, although that may be just the photos or my monitor.

RacyTracy · 03-14-2009, 08:48 PM

They're seats....I spent a lot of time in the back of Porsche 356's from when I was about 3 until I was 14 and my dad's last one was stolen. If you're like me, you'll be very pleased with the change of cars.....but still miss the Lotus.

cory1000 · 03-14-2009, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wimbledon

Still, I have to point out that the paint on the front bumper doesn't seem to match the other panels, although that may be just the photos or my monitor.

Could also be a clear bra installed??

LotusStig22 · 03-14-2009, 08:52 PM

Looked like a great ride, the Red was a nice color. I find the Porsche a bit of an altered VW Bug, but it still looks great, and the extra "seats" in the back should be good.

Have fun

Baysailor · 03-14-2009, 08:54 PM

Nice choice... I have seen that car a number of times and it looks great! I live only a few minutes away from Euroclassics.

I will have to disagree with your rationalization regarding not having a two seater anymore!

I have 7 children and a Lotus (plus two other two seater convertibles)! Gives me quality one-on-one time with each of them.

Exigent · 03-14-2009, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RacyTracy

They're seats....I spent a lot of time in the back of Porsche 356's from when I was about 3 until I was 14 and my dad's last one was stolen. If you're like me, you'll be very pleased with the change of cars.....but still miss the Lotus.

Seats or not, I'll be able to put two young kids in the car with me and my wife. I can actually do fun stuff without having to abandon the entire family.

Also, the front passenger seat has an airbag shutoff switch. I plan to go play with my 2 year old OFTEN when the infant arrives. I'll need to get out of the house & I'll need to let my wife rest when the baby rests.

I'm not going to crap on the Lotus. It was a great car & a ton of fun. I think everyone can acknowledge it's limitations though & most will understand that it really shines on the track. If that's not your bag anymore, the Lotus sort of stops making sense.

I'll miss a lot of things about it. When I filled up the tank this morning, someone asked to take a picture of it & told me "That car is totally sick, man". And on I-95 I had some people riding next to me taking pictures with their cell phone.

I'd love to have both, but that's not possible. So I'll take the one that better fits my stage in life right now. Nevertheless, I'm not going to throw away my Lotus gear. You never know what the future holds.

Linfone · 03-14-2009, 09:23 PM

I thought you would have gone with Cayman S with the midengine layout...?

LotusStig22 · 03-14-2009, 09:24 PM

Just noticed your sig change...anyway, I'd miss a car as amazing as that too, but at least you're happy about the Porsche, it still is a good car (My opinion of a squashed-VW Bug regardless). I'm sure the 911 Carrera S is a decent Track Car at least, not that I know much but still...You could just buy an SUV and get an Elise.

LotusStig22 · 03-14-2009, 09:26 PM

Your son's adorable btw. Not trying to be all stalkerish, he's just cute.

Mr. Insurance · 03-14-2009, 09:30 PM

Wow, looks like you traded in the Lotus for another cool car. Congrats

RacyTracy · 03-14-2009, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LotusStig22

My opinion of a squashed-VW Bug regardless).

Maybe the VW is really a tall Porsche.

Exigent · 03-14-2009, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LotusStig22

Your son's adorable btw. Not trying to be all stalkerish, he's just cute.

Thanks. We got lucky in that he takes after his mother.

I think he'll prefer the Porsche. More buttons for him to push and play with.

BTW - my wife wasn't really okay with him ever riding in the Lotus. The Porsche meets her safety standards.

And ... It is important to me to be able to share sports car (or whatever the 911 is) experiences with my son. When I was little, my father had a White over black 911T. I loved riding in the back. Great memories of PCA events with my Dad.

Exigent · 03-14-2009, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linfone

I thought you would have gone with Cayman S with the midengine layout...?

As appealing as that car is, it didn't resolve my need for extra "seats" for kids. So I ruled that out .. along with the Z4 M Coupe.

The only other genuine option was keepind the Exige and adding an older 944 or 911. I decided against an "older" car and my wife also wanted to get down to 3 cars total so that our place could stop looking like a used car lot.

I do like the Cayman S though.

03-14-2009, 08:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
Exigent Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Timonium, Maryland Posts: 2,089	My Last Day With The Lotus :( Well, my time with the Exige ended today. I have mixed feelings. I woke up early and drove 3 hours to trade it in on a more practical car. Child #2 is arriving next month. My time for a 2 seater is very limited. But honestly, it was time to move on anway. Here's a photo chronicle of the day ... from my son saying goodbye to it in Baltimore -- to trading it in in Richmond -- to picking up the new car (which I love!) Attached Images __________________ '06 BMW X5 - IMOLA RED '06 Porsche 911 Carrera S - CARRERA WHITE '02 BMW 325xiT - TOPAZ BLUE '88 BMW M5 - BLACK '02 Ducati 998S Bayliss - RED, WHITE & GREEN '06 Lotus Exige - *ARDENT RED* [TRADED]

03-14-2009, 08:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
Exigent Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Timonium, Maryland Posts: 2,089	More farewell photos ... for the scrapbook. Attached Images __________________ '06 BMW X5 - IMOLA RED '06 Porsche 911 Carrera S - CARRERA WHITE '02 BMW 325xiT - TOPAZ BLUE '88 BMW M5 - BLACK '02 Ducati 998S Bayliss - RED, WHITE & GREEN '06 Lotus Exige - *ARDENT RED* [TRADED]

03-14-2009, 08:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
Exigent Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Timonium, Maryland Posts: 2,089	To Richmond, VA -- after a very cramped and buzzy ride down I-95, I was more than ready to move on. I said my goodbyes, gave it a last pat goodbye, and then met my new ride ... one with a back seat. Attached Images __________________ '06 BMW X5 - IMOLA RED '06 Porsche 911 Carrera S - CARRERA WHITE '02 BMW 325xiT - TOPAZ BLUE '88 BMW M5 - BLACK '02 Ducati 998S Bayliss - RED, WHITE & GREEN '06 Lotus Exige - *ARDENT RED* [TRADED]

03-14-2009, 08:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
Exigent Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Timonium, Maryland Posts: 2,089	The new guy is a Certified '06 997 Carrera S. <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rYpz2iOOE-4&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rYpz2iOOE-4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> Attached Images __________________ '06 BMW X5 - IMOLA RED '06 Porsche 911 Carrera S - CARRERA WHITE '02 BMW 325xiT - TOPAZ BLUE '88 BMW M5 - BLACK '02 Ducati 998S Bayliss - RED, WHITE & GREEN '06 Lotus Exige - *ARDENT RED* [TRADED]

03-14-2009, 08:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
Exigent Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Timonium, Maryland Posts: 2,089	So far so good. I'm pleased. Attached Images __________________ '06 BMW X5 - IMOLA RED '06 Porsche 911 Carrera S - CARRERA WHITE '02 BMW 325xiT - TOPAZ BLUE '88 BMW M5 - BLACK '02 Ducati 998S Bayliss - RED, WHITE & GREEN '06 Lotus Exige - *ARDENT RED* [TRADED]

03-14-2009, 08:31 PM	#6 (permalink)
apk919 User Restricted By ΑDMIΝ Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Limbo Posts: 6,281 Images: 20	Well, it seems that the new ride is not a total bummer... Someday your son will be posting those pics, and saying "my Dad used to have a cool Lotus; here's me in the driver's seat"... __________________ * 2009 Lotus Challenge Series Rookie Of The Year * (Thanks Jim, Tom, Jack, Rob & Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch!) My videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/apk919 Last edited by apk919 : 03-14-2009 at 08:36 PM.

03-14-2009, 08:39 PM	#7 (permalink)
usurbrain Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Sunnyvale, CA Posts: 314	hahahhaa... i don't call those things backseats in the back of your new car. Nice new car though! __________________ 2008 Exige S240 Storm Titanium, Touring Package, Starshield, Cup Car wheels with R888, Arqray Twin muffler, Cup Car airbox, Nitron Double Adjustable suspension, Saikou Michi catch cans, Bride seat, HID headlights, Lots of track parts...

03-14-2009, 08:40 PM	#8 (permalink)
Wimbledon Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: USA Posts: 213	Nice 911! Still, I have to point out that the paint on the front bumper doesn't seem to match the other panels, although that may be just the photos or my monitor.

03-14-2009, 08:48 PM	#9 (permalink)
RacyTracy V Not my picture V Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Palatine, IL Posts: 9,187	They're seats....I spent a lot of time in the back of Porsche 356's from when I was about 3 until I was 14 and my dad's last one was stolen. If you're like me, you'll be very pleased with the change of cars.....but still miss the Lotus. __________________ Tracy 1996 Porsche 993TT Big news coming Tuesday.....(hopefully). 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser LOG 29 photos

03-14-2009, 08:52 PM	#11 (permalink)
LotusStig22 LT Rebel in Hiding. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wouldn't you like to know? Posts: 848	Looked like a great ride, the Red was a nice color. I find the Porsche a bit of an altered VW Bug, but it still looks great, and the extra "seats" in the back should be good. Have fun __________________ "My plan is to dress as a leprechaun and stand at the side of the road with an engine crane and a crowbar. The cops will waste valuable time breathalyzing the driver after he tells them a leprechaun stole his engine and I'll be able to make an escape" ~Cthulhu ChuforiaGraffix.com SDD Lives On! SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com

03-14-2009, 08:54 PM	#12 (permalink)
Baysailor Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 1,205	Nice choice... I have seen that car a number of times and it looks great! I live only a few minutes away from Euroclassics. I will have to disagree with your rationalization regarding not having a two seater anymore! I have 7 children and a Lotus (plus two other two seater convertibles)! Gives me quality one-on-one time with each of them. __________________ 2006 Lotus Elise - Solar Yellow, HT, LSS, LSD/TC, Touring, StarShield, S111 RTDbrace, S111 microMirror, S111 Carpet Buttons, Painted A/C Surround, CF Center Console, Nitron S/A, Tempest BAB26-12 AGM Battery, Fujita Intake, Top Speed Pro 1 Exhaust, 4Tress Harness Bar, 6000k 35w HID kit, Moroso Oil Pan, Plinthless front clam, Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 Wheels w/ RE01-R's for street use, Heater Core By-Pass, Shifter Reinforcement, LETSLA v2 Shift Kit

03-14-2009, 09:23 PM	#14 (permalink)
Linfone Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 120	I thought you would have gone with Cayman S with the midengine layout...? __________________ Not a Lotus 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX, Stage 2

03-14-2009, 09:24 PM	#15 (permalink)
LotusStig22 LT Rebel in Hiding. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wouldn't you like to know? Posts: 848	Just noticed your sig change...anyway, I'd miss a car as amazing as that too, but at least you're happy about the Porsche, it still is a good car (My opinion of a squashed-VW Bug regardless). I'm sure the 911 Carrera S is a decent Track Car at least, not that I know much but still...You could just buy an SUV and get an Elise. __________________ "My plan is to dress as a leprechaun and stand at the side of the road with an engine crane and a crowbar. The cops will waste valuable time breathalyzing the driver after he tells them a leprechaun stole his engine and I'll be able to make an escape" ~Cthulhu ChuforiaGraffix.com SDD Lives On! SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com

03-14-2009, 09:26 PM	#16 (permalink)
LotusStig22 LT Rebel in Hiding. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wouldn't you like to know? Posts: 848	Your son's adorable btw. Not trying to be all stalkerish, he's just cute. __________________ "My plan is to dress as a leprechaun and stand at the side of the road with an engine crane and a crowbar. The cops will waste valuable time breathalyzing the driver after he tells them a leprechaun stole his engine and I'll be able to make an escape" ~Cthulhu ChuforiaGraffix.com SDD Lives On! SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com

03-14-2009, 09:30 PM	#17 (permalink)
Mr. Insurance Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1	Wow, looks like you traded in the Lotus for another cool car. Congrats __________________ Lotus Auto Insurance

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