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08-16-2004, 12:27 PM
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#1 (permalink) |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: DFW, TX
Posts: 591
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Hardtop Storage System
I am getting a car with the hardtop. So we thought it would be a good idea to get the Lotus hardtop storage bag offered in the accessory catalog. We ordered it without getting a firm price thinking it would be a couple hundred dollars. It came in, it was $317, plus tax at my dealer. The bag is a canvas/ballistic nylon flat bag that is padded on both sides and lined with a soft knapped material on the inside. It has a storage pocket for the piece of trim that apparently has to be (removed/installed?) when putting on the hardtop. It closes with straps that have snaplocks (I don't know what they are called). It has two straps with D-rings that are used to hang on the hooks that are included, to be installed in the wall.
It has "Hardtop Storage System" silkscreen on the bag. It also says Lotus,, but no logo. It is black. I would say, it is a bit expensive for what it is. I would suggest look at the bag that comes standard with the hardtop, before purchasing. Maybe I will be happier with my purchase when I see the included bag, or when I actually have my car and have something to put in it!  I will try to post pictures tonight, if remember and get a chance. Greg
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Aubergine/Black, Touring, Sport, and Hardtop |
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08-16-2004, 12:52 PM
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#2 (permalink) |
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The Only Sane One Here
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Arlington, VA, USA
Posts: 1,119
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Where did you buy it? When I bought mine, I saw what appeared to be the actual Lotus wholesale/retail price list, and that item retails for $207. (Wholesale was about $173, IIRC -- very small markup.) I paid $207 for it. You may want to check some other dealers, and then talk to yours about that price.
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My other car is an MR2 Spyder. My other other car is a Segway. |
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08-16-2004, 01:29 PM
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#3 (permalink) |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: DFW, TX
Posts: 591
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I just called my sales guy and he looked at his catalog and his price showed $317. Which is consistent with parts department. It is Overseas Motors in Dallas. I now know that I need to go somewhere else for my accessories!
At 207 versus 173 I would say that is a really small markup on accessories, only 16.5% margin. Maybe $207 is jobber price? Is your bag as I described mine? How do you like it in practice? Is the fit good? Have you hung it on the wall? Greg
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Aubergine/Black, Touring, Sport, and Hardtop |
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08-16-2004, 01:58 PM
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#4 (permalink) |
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The Only Sane One Here
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Arlington, VA, USA
Posts: 1,119
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My dealer showed me the official Lotus computer printout of the stuff in their order. (They were using it to inventory the order, to be sure it was all there.) There was a column for retail, and a column for wholesale. $207.44 was retail. I just checked my bill to be sure, and that's what I paid. Same bag you described.
Of course, each dealer can charge what they want. You can't really argue with the price you paid, cause it's more in line with typical retail markups. (Doubling the wholesale price is normal.) Still, you may not want to go back there! I was actually surprised by how reasonable most of the Lotus suggested markups were -- some (like this) were a really low percentage, and others a bit more, but none were outrageous. Bag works pretty well. Haven't hung it yet.
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My other car is an MR2 Spyder. My other other car is a Segway. |
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08-16-2004, 02:10 PM
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#5 (permalink) |
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Bucket of Cold Water
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: The cornfields of Ohio
Posts: 1,078
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Thanks for the info on the bag, Greg. Your observation about the bag not being that great (when considering the price) was very helpful -- but not surprising. Lots of Lotus parts/accessories can be downright shabby, especially when retail prices are considered. The joys of an "exotic" brand...
Please post pictures when you get the chance. Thanks!  |
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08-16-2004, 02:31 PM
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#6 (permalink) |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: DFW, TX
Posts: 591
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Don't misunderstand, the quality of the product is fine. I don't know what I thought it would be like. Vinyl would not have been good, as it would retain moisture. If I had paid $207, I would have been much happier with it. Maybe I need to look closely at the construction, it could be very high quality. I also need to see the standard bag, maybe it would have met my needs.
I thought it was interesting that it was a "storage system". It looks like a padded bag to me. What part of it is a system? The waiting just caused me to be rash. What was I thinking,buying accessories before my car showed up. Next thing you know I will be buyin Dzus fasteners for the undertray and diffuser. And maybe those door panel "buttons" And a car cover. And whatever other thing comes out. I already had the Lotus emblem valve stem caps that need a special tool to remove. I need my car, before I spend so much on parts that I can't afford the car  j/k It is easy to get ahead of yourself... get car then parts!Greg
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Aubergine/Black, Touring, Sport, and Hardtop |
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08-16-2004, 06:57 PM
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#15 (permalink) | |
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The Only Sane One Here
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Arlington, VA, USA
Posts: 1,119
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Quote:
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My other car is an MR2 Spyder. My other other car is a Segway. |
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Tape measure for scale, about 4 feet wide.
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