[tahoemark]

California Friends Get Cars Fast!!!!!

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT. I put my original deposit down on Feb, 4, 2004 and my order just went in!!!. I ordered from a new dealer in Rancho Mirage. I believe they still have very low numbers available last I talked to them the were still in the teens!!! The deposit is $1500 and selling at MSRP. Here is my contact at Desert European.

Austin Lewis
Sales Manager

Desert European Motorcars Ltd
Aston Martin Division
71-387 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage
CA 92270

Cell 760-902-1421
F/Phone 800-347-4709
Office 760-773-5000
Fax 760-773-4406

Please tell him Mark Mitchell sent you so he knows that there are a group of us together exchanging information.
Doing a little Math 2200 cars per year 40 or so dealers equals roughly 5 cars per month per dealer. I think this is realistic so even though I'm in the second batch I'm not expecting car till August or September. Austin confirmed today that Lotus hasn't given them any definitive answers but he is guessing first deliveries end of May early June, and 5 per month is probably realistic. Keep our fingers crossed.
So far Austin has been real straight with me I hope he treats you the same, let me know at [email protected] if he doesn't or if I've given you any bad information.
Mark Mitchell soo near yet soooo far away---can't wait

PS: I'm not connected with Desert European in any way, just want to help out all you guys that are over 50 (10 months out) on someone elses list.

OH one other thing no extra deposit was required upon actual ordering of car.

 

[Patricko]

They are charging a $2,500 delivery fee.

 

[smoseley]

DOH!

 

[ivan1]

They are charging a $2,500 delivery fee.

Are they sending it FEDEX or something?

 

[tahoemark]

I just talked to Austin, he said some early cars had a $2500 delivery fee. He says they are now asking $2500 over MSRP. But frankly if you want a car, call and see what they will do. I'm paying MSRP with regular delivery fee.

 

[Randy Chase]

But isn't $2500 over MSRP even higher, since they will probably charge the $795 delivery fee?

 

[tahoemark]

All I can say is there are a lot of people that are at 80 or 100 or worse at some other dealer that, realistically is 2 years out. What do you think the price of the Elise will be when they finally take delivery? Anyway, Austin is a good guy if you're down the list somewhere else (like over 50) give him a call and see what you can do. What have you to loose?
Mark

 

[andykeck]

I called him today and he took care of me just fine. Thanks tahoemark.

 

[lbonham]

was curious so called for info... was told that as of today getting on his list would equate to roughly an Oct/Nov delivery date. Obviously this gets pushed out as more people are added.

 

[tahoemark]

ibonham says
"was told that as of today getting on his list would equate to roughly an Oct/Nov delivery date. Obviously this gets pushed out as more people are added."
My point is Desert European has low numbers and is quoting a realistic delivery date based on 5 cars a month. I had a deposit in elsewhere and was "around" number 100 they were quoting me 1 year next February. But based on 2200 cars per year 40 dealers that works out to about 5 per month or 60 per year so my "around 100" would be a lot closer to two years. I think the 5 per dealer per month is further supported by the dealers having a first order of 10 due around Jan 10 and a 2nd order of 10 due about 60 days latter- surprise-surprise as Gomer would say that works out to 5 per month per dealer.
Anyway, if you would like a lower number I would give them a call. I'm certainly glad I did.
Mark

 

[Randy Chase]

Austin is now a member of this forum.

user- austinl1

 

[babak]

So with CA getting an extra dealership (which is the way I read this thread), what does it mean for the Symbolic dealership in limbo? Are we going to see a series of johnny come lately dealerships trying to make a buck by getting on the LCU dealership list to offer low numbes/fast delievery without having to deal with hardcores like us asking for MSRP in print to get on the wait list?

 

[tahoemark]

give Austin a call see what you think

Listen if you want a Lotus and you don't want to wait a year or two what do you have to lose giving these guys a call? Just tell them you want to pay MSRP like Mark Mitchell and I bet you will get it. There list I believe is in the 20's right now.
When I put a deposit in elsewhere I was told I was "around 100" and would get a car around Feb 05. Well the math tells me that is a crock. I am impressed with Desert European and just am trying to help out others in the same situation.
As for "johnny come lately dealers". I am informed that Lotus is not entirely happy with there existing dealer network and they do want to expand the network as well. There are several new dealers coming on board. I have no information on existing dealers but got the impression that some are on informal probation that if they don't shape up in a year or so they may not be with Lotus anymore. Obviously, everyone at Lotus is working hard to make the introduction of the Elise the best experience for all involved. The introduction of the US Elise and it's hoped success in the US market is arguably tied to the success of Lotus as a viable car company and not just an engineering company.

 

[slacy]

I just called and spoke with Austin,

He was offering a delivery of October or November of this year for a premium of $2500, or a delivery date of early 2005 for MSRP.

I'll think stick with my SVAG deposit, thanks.

Steve

 

[Ridgemanron]

All I can say is there are a lot of people that are at 80 or 100 or worse at some other dealer that, realistically is 2 years out. What do you think the price of the Elise will be when they finally take delivery? Anyway, Austin is a good guy if you're down the list somewhere else (like over 50) give him a call and see what you can do. What have you to loose?
Mark

If the U.S. Dollar doesn't improve, 10% increase next year would be a conservative estimate. Most
all foreign cars will have to move upward
with Porsche being the probable exception. They were smart enough to
have the value of the dollar guaranteed
at a much higher rate via the agreement they entered into (hedging) with Goldman Sachs a few years ago. Very sly, those 'Boxster Boys'!

 

[Ridgemanron]

All I can say is there are a lot of people that are at 80 or 100 or worse at some other dealer that, realistically is 2 years out. What do you think the price of the Elise will be when they finally take delivery? Anyway, Austin is a good guy if you're down the list somewhere else (like over 50) give him a call and see what you can do. What have you to loose?
Mark

If the U.S. Dollar doesn't improve, 10% increase next year would be a conservative estimate. Most
all foreign cars will have to move upward
with Porsche being the probable exception. They were smart enough to
have the value of the dollar guaranteed
at a much higher rate via the agreement they entered into (hedging) with Goldman Sachs a few years ago. Very sly, those 'Boxster Boys'! They are covered until 2007.