New Lotus Dealer in St. Louis

[Feffman]

Hi All:

I just got off the phone with JJ Mills, a partner in the new "St. Louis Lotus". For those of you not familiar with them, they also own the Bentley, Maserati and Lamborghini dealerships in St. Louis. They have a new stunning building which Lotus will share (equally) with Lamborghini. If history holds true, no one will be disapointed by the sales and service from St. Louis Lotus.

Ironically JJ's partner is none other then Graham Hill! Feel free to contact JJ Mills at (636) 449-0000.

Feff

[frostylocks]

This is very helpful information.

Does that mean that the other dealership nearby, Midrivers, is defunct?

Is this new St.Louis Lotus dealership/satellite up and running yet? for service?

[Vishus_1]

Nothing against Mid Rivers Lotus service department - Don and Mike are great but the sales department was lacking after the loss of Steve.

[darkSol]

Holy Crap - that's awesome news!

Now if we only had something closer to Kansas City...

[Feffman]

Originally Posted by frostylocks

Does that mean that the other dealership nearby, Midrivers, is defunct? Is this new St.Louis Lotus dealership/satellite up and running yet? for service?

As far as I know Mid-Rivers will still be around. Lotus St. Louis, the new dealership, is not a satellite, but rather a new dealer. When you see their facility (you can eat off the floors in their service areas), I'm confident you'll be excited.

No word on when they will be open for service, call JJ Mills at Lotus St. Louis and he'll give you the scoop. I do know their web site, cars, tools and parts are on the way.

Feff

[wallabyguy]

Great news!

[Wuffo]

If there is a just and loving god... Midrivers Lotus will remain. The idea I will have to deal with a Lambo/ Maser dealership for parts makes my scrotum hurt...

[GabbaGabbaHey]

Originally Posted by Wuffo

If there is a just and loving god... Midrivers Lotus will remain. The idea I will have to deal with a Lambo/ Maser dealership for parts makes my scrotum hurt...

Is the St. Louis market big enough for 2 dealers?

[Feffman]

Originally Posted by GabbaGabbaHey

Is the St. Louis market big enough for 2 dealers?

I think Arnie Johnson was looking for a nicer facility (instead of a used car dealership) to show off the Elise, Exige, Evora and eventually the Esprit replacement in a more upscale store, not to mention according to Arnie the current dealer has sold only four Lotus since January!!

Visit the new dealer, Lotus St. Louis, at:
http://www.bentleystl.com/index.htm

Their Lotus site and contact info will be up soon!

Feff

[Vishus_1]

I stopped by today to check out the on site store that has some hats, accessories, shirts, etc.

Anyway I was approached by 2 salesman at two different times inquiring about my car. Apparently someone with an 05 Elise had been in earlier in the day and the salesman was noting the differences between models and years. He pointed out to me how the 05 didn't have led taillights and had the decal (instead of the raised letters) across the back.

Now, they don't even have a car in stock but they are attentive enough to notice this. Very good sign. One even asked if I could tell him even more differences that he may not know. I'm afraid I may have overwhelmed him as I began to talk about hand laid and mold pressed fiberglass, extended mohawks and black wings, splitters and scoops.

I appreciate it when someone doesn't try to pass off like they know everything when they don't and just BS their way through stuff. I would rather someone openly say or ask what they don't know. So even though they don't have any Lotus in stock yet or have a great deal of familiarity with the models - I am already sold that they will adapt and grow and absorb the knowledge the Mid Rivers didn't have.

Also - since they sell other high-end brands, they will handle the cars with appropriate consideration. Not like some used car.

I am interested to see how this develops.

[Feffman]

JJ Mills of the new "Lotus St. Louis" just called to let me know they have Lotus cars and parts at the dealership. Give them a call at (636) 449-0000.

Feff

[lotustype74]

I just had the Midrivers guys work on y car this Monday and I could not be happier. Mike and Chris were perfect and Dave from the Lotus office in Calif. was there and he was great. I have to admit I am not aware of the "other" Lotus dealer in St. Louis.

[lotustype74]

I talked to "other" Lotus dealer today and they seem to want my business. I guess when I am in St. Louis I will stop by and check the place out and the next time I need service I will give them a try. But again I could not be happier with Mid Rivers service this week.

[mausssm]

Oh Yeah!!!

If they're located at the Bentley dealership down by Spirit of St. Louis Airport, I'm all over it. That's a 15 minute drive from my house.

If this is the case, they will be located in an area of St. Louis that has more money than Mid-Rivers. They may have some good luck, and stick around.

Also, the info concerning the mechanics at Mid-Rivers is comforting. I've never stopped in (yet), but the place looked a bit dodgy to me. It's good to know that my assumption seems to be incorrect.

[maz]

Mid rivers Lotus had my esprit for over a year to rebuild the engine. It lasted 320 miles. it was the single worst automotive experience of my life.

[STLengineer]

Well, this past Friday I just completed my purchase of an '07 Exige S from Lotus St Louis. I have to say, this was the best experience I have ever had buying a car! This is in no small part due to Adrian Hill. He is a genuine "car guy" and an all around nice guy to work with.
Now, I was a little intimidated walking into a Lamborghini, Bentley, Maserati, etc... dealership, but the staff was super friendly, and I immediately struck up a conversation with another salesman while ogling the Alfa Romeo 8C on the showroom floor. I kind of expected to be given the cold shoulder on account that I'm still fairly young (27) and that I arrived in my dirty '01 Jeep GC, but Adrian was very generous with his time.
Some of you reading this may recall the car being listed here on LT and someone in particular made a rather rude reply in the for-sale post about the fact that the front mud-flaps were missing and insinuated that there might be other problems with the car that where being concealed. Having previously owned an '05 Elise for a couple of years, I'm rather familiar with these cars, and I noticed this as well. While working with Adrian, he immediately acknowledged this and there was never any question that he would have that corrected at no cost to me. In fact, he overnighted new ones to make sure they would be installed in time for me to go on the STALLs drive the following day. He even put in a new battery because he was afraid that the car felt sluggish when starting up (again, at no cost to me. Hell, I didn't even ask).
Long story short: Lotus St Louis rocks.