[doole]

Nice to meet you all - I searched the faq cursorily but don't see anything about this - anyone ever buy new in a city where there's no dealership? (Winnipeg, dead center of the bald Canadian prairie.)

There's a terrific Euro / racing-oriented service shop here that I've used in the past but warranty issues concern me. Is it typically possible to negotiate a price that would exclude warranty coverage?

Doesn't seem like an overly complicated car anyway; back in the day I serviced my own MGB, which I miss dearly, except for the heavy stuff, like that stupid clutch plate...

But then I get to wondering whether this is a good idea. I'm not overly cool with the idea of getting a used one; I would imagine they tend to have the $%^& driven out of them.

(I'm interested in an Exige 260, BTW. Long order lead time?)

TIA for any info
-chris

 

[mikester]

Hi and welcome :wave:

Hopefully some of your Canadian brethren will reply (you may want to re-post with your title including a reference to Canadian purchase), because IIRC there are some quirky things about buying in Canada vs. in the US (maybe I'm wrong about this, if so just ignore me ).

The Elise/Exige IS a relatively simple car (not a ton of electrical/computer boxes, driver aids etc.), and if you're a good mechanic it is possible to maintain the car yourself, but it's also nice to have a dealership or Lotus specialist mechanic not so far away, as things will inevitably happen. For many of us, LOTUS does still stand for Lots Of Trouble, Usually Serious (at least once in a long while).

Good luck and enjoy the process of learning about these fantastic cars

 

[Sideoiler]

Of course it's a good idea! I'm 900 miles from my dealer in Vancouver, they fly in a tech and rent some space from a local shop/dealership to do service and TSBs on the cars in Edmonton and do the same in Calgary. Not ideal, but it works until they locate in Alberta. Lotus Van techs are available on the phone if required, I say go for it.

My 07 220S was about 10 weeks from order to del'y.

 

[catapult]

They are simple cars and any reasonably competent mechanic can fix most things that might go wrong with them. You might want to get the service manual and make sure your mechanic has one (assuming you'll have a regular one). There are a number of little things that are widespread issues (like windows now going up all the way) that have simple and quick solutions to them. someone not familiar with the car might not know these simple solutions - though the service manual would help.

If you are thinking about getting one under warranty check to see how warranty claimns are handled if done by someone who is not Lotus authorized.

I know Gentry Lane in Toronto has a 260 coming in. I'm not sure if it is sold yet.
Good luck.

 

[chapster5]

Also make sure the mechanic knows how to correctly lift the car, and remove the wheels or you could Qball your car.

 

[doole]

I know a local shop who's into racing. They'll love me if I do this, and I'm pretty sure they'll know their Loti, if only by reputation.

Q-ball?

Is the engine at least fairly steadfast? I'd have thought it would be.

Obviously I'm going to test drive a few but will I like the transmission? Never used another shifter I liked since the B.

 

[Demonized]

Q-ball?

Q-ball;

 

[doole]

Ow.

This would be because of the tiny wheelbase?

 

[the1sen]

Ow.

This would be because of the tiny wheelbase?

because of the wrong jacking points being used. A symbol of douche baggery of epic proportions, or not reading the manual...

oh yeah, and I would buy a used or new one - simply because it's pretty solid.

I've had immobilizing issues with my car, however, I would like to say in all fairness that I am the exception - most folks have zero serious issues with an Elise Exige because they are just so simple. One gentleman here has driven his past 100,000 miles! That's my goal... only 84,000 left to go for me and I am getting my next Lotus.