[jkfortsmith]

I'm working on becoming a new Lotus owner to replace my motorcycle habit that is going to put me in divorce court...the wife would feel a lot better about things if I were on four wheels instead of two.

My search has narrowed down to two cars and I wanted to get some opinions from the forum about the pro's and con's or just basic thoughts on which may be the better purchase.

Car #1 is a 2008 California Edition in Red with about 4k miles. the car looks extremely clean and has the extras that I'm looking for such as the hard top, spoiler, and being a special edition.

Car #2 is a 2007 Type 72D in Black with around 4k miles. It too has the extras and as far as I'm aware has a lower production volume than the California Edition.

I am partial to black cars, but I would not shy away from the california because of it. I'm guessing that both of these cars are going to sell in the mid-thirties. If you want to look at them they are both on ebay right now.

I appreciate the opinions. If you have thoughts on what a good purchase price or value of these cars may be I'd be interested to hear about it.

On a side note I've been comparing the 370Z, S2000 CR, Porshe Cayman, Chevy Camaro to the Lotus but I keep coming back this car.

 

[chapster5]

I'd personally go for a Type 72D they look alot better, and seem to be a collectors kind of car (because only so many where made) also with them little gold accents they look amazing!

Just my 2 cents

Nick

 

[AgentTripleX]

If I recall correctly, they made 50 Type 72D cars and 50 CA; 25 red & 25 yellow. The 72D may have more historical value since it has to do with an actual car from the past. The CA edition was made just for fine. It boils down to personal taste and how long you plan to keep the car.

 

[Jon J]

I would go with the Type 72D as well, I think it will keep its value better because it looks like a car that Lotus modified. The California edition looks like an Elise that was sent to one of those cheezy tuners in CA (i.e. Pimp My Ride, California Customs).

 

[Demonized]

I don't personally like the look of either, but if I had to pick, I would pick 72D.

 

[lotuselise7]

I would definitely choose the type 72D. The California addition looks cheesy imo.

 

[Vicynax]

I say go Atom Ariel.. even closer to motorcycle rotfl

But 72D. Cali with all the trim looks kinda strange.

 

[MikeinAlexandria]

The 72D looks really neat, and of course, has historical significance. I have only seen one black Elise in person (VRaptor's car) and it really looks far better in person than you can imagine! Add in the gold wheels and special touches and it makes it that much better. I would go for the 72D...

 

[Simba]

Because someone had to....

Sell the wife? :shrug:

Or get a 72D, and a storage locker to keep the bikes you "sold" in.

 

[[mojo]]

I'd go for the 72D.

the red trim pieces on the cali look cheesy, as others have said.

 

[alil'britdifferent]

Another 72D vote here. I think the year older won't make any difference if you are considering holding on to it for a while.

Also to confirm that same production numbers between the two special editions.

 

[jallingt]

My vote, 72D.
The California is a bit much IMO.
If you are after a hardtop as well... you could get a carbon fiber one and keep it clearcoated, might look really nice!

FWIW, the Lotus is a very different car when compared to your other options. Make sure the Lotus is the expereince you truly desire.

 

[ghastley]

Your opening post suggests you're buying it to drive, not as an investment, so I would not buy either of them. Any limited edition car is only worth buying as a garage queen.

Look for something vanilla with 20k miles on it and have fun. :shift:

 

[DNA]

72D.

 

[serpent]

Another vote for 72D

 

[RoadDad]

Just so you are aware, the gold bits on the 72D are very different hues. They do not match well together and some, at least to my eye in person, seem to clash.

The Cali edition front grill, again to my eye in person, appears to have been finger painted by a group of 3rd graders with their eyes closed using colored Elmer's glue.

 

[SirLotus]

Type 72D most definitely
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[V-RAPTOR]

Aww shucks Mike thank you. My vote 72D starlight black rocks!

The 72D looks really neat, and of course, has historical significance. I have only seen one black Elise in person (VRaptor's car) and it really looks far better in person than you can imagine! Add in the gold wheels and special touches and it makes it that much better. I would go for the 72D...

 

[doug_porsche]

I read this in a magazine once and I think it will work for you.

Buy the one that will excite you when you see it in your garage as your emptying the garbage. If the car makes you smile when you aint even driving it, its a good car!

 

[jkfortsmith]

Thanks

Thanks for all of the quick responses.

To address a few of the comments:

Although this will not be a daily driver, 07 Denali for that, I really want a true sports car. I've had the privilage of driving another persons Lotus and I was hooked on the spot. That was two years ago and I still remember it very well. I'm ready for it.

As far as the base car vs. a special edition, I just like something a little different and I prefer that it come that way from the factory as opposed to me screwing something up. I'm not concerned about a few more dollars if it will seperate it from the crowd.

A friend of mine called just a while ago about two Porsche's that his father has taken in on trade at their Porshe dealership. One is a 07 Caymen dark grey with about 15k miles. The other is a loaded Boxster 06 with 9k miles, Red over black, and as I understand it a $4k upgraded interior. Not sure what that's worth on the used market. Waiting for some pic's at the moment. thing is I actually think these cars are going to be a little tame compared to what I'm after.

Keep em coming