[grundler]

Just curious how much people expect to pay when the car gets here? Now, I am not asking about the specific price, but how much compared to sticker? I know that some dealers will probably try a huge markup because it is new and in demand. What have you been told by dealers? I have heard dealers say that they would sell them at or 'near' sticker, and then say that it depends on how many they get. About to put down a deposit, and was curious.

Also, I live in the Lotus-free central valley in California. I will have to do some driving to pick up a car, so the two dealers in the bay area, or southern california works. Park Place in Bellevue, WA also is an option. (That would be a great drive home!) What dealers do people consider reputable? I know there is a lot of good stuff said about Symbolic, but they also have a much longer deposit list already.

 

[mikester]

Symbolic's policy is that they will sell the Elise at MSRP, which at this point in time is $38,500. This will include a/c, AFAIK. Optional hard-top will be an additional $1,500.

Cheers !

 

[grundler]

Thanks for the quick response. Maybe I will call down there today and add my name. I have called several places, and didn't like the wishy-washy attitude I got from a couple of them.

 

[mikester]

Give Gunther Lent a call, at Symbolic in BH. Very good guy, very straightforward.

 

[LarryB]

In the Bay Area talked to a salesman at Boardwalk (Redwood City) was asking for a $5k markup. Have a deposit down in Los Gatos. As of 2-3weeks ago only 9 ppl on the list. They put it writing - to be sold at MSRP. Been dealing with one of the GM's, Scott, he's been there for 20yrs. They sell Ferrari, Lombos, ... Have a 11 bay garage and seem to know there stuff.

 

[grundler]

I spoke to Boardwalk too... Needless to say, that is what prompted the question. What was the deposit at Los Gatos. Boardwalk wanted $3000.

 

[LarryB]

Let's just say I didn't get a good feeling talking to the guy at Boardwalk. Los Gatos, asking $2k up front and another $1k when the order is place, of course fully refundable. Been getting CC ofer for 0% APR for 6 or 12months, going to roll the deposit onto one of those, intrest free min. payments sure make it easy on the pocketbook

 

[Eric5273]

My contract says MSRP and I'm expecting it to be in the $38k-$40k range.

 

[jrgibb]

Interesting point, $38,500 is about £ 24,000 which is pretty much the UK price "on the road" price.

Considering you guys usually pay 2/3 of what we pay here in the UK for cars, there's a clear premium in there.

 

[Larry Andrews]

I have been told that LotusUS is *requiring* dealers to honor MSRP for pre-purchases. Also heard repeatedly, 38,5.

I'm just hoping that the local guys (Viking Motorsports - Harry Appleby) will get their act together and startup a retail business. When Lotus of Orange County went down in a big drug bust, I lost two great things. First, there was a Lotus dealer less than a mile from home. Second, they *stocked* a 340R and an Exige. If one sold, they wouldn't release it until they got a replacement. Apparently those two cars brought in more business than all of the Lambos and Esprits you could pack in the place. Sales staff was decidedly sleazy though...never felt right leaving a deposit with them. Guess I'm glad I trusted my gut on that one!

 

[jrgibb]

When Lotus of Orange County went down in a big drug bust, I lost two great things.

And we worry about the local dealers not washing our cars properly after a service

 

[Larry Andrews]

And we worry about the local dealers not washing our cars properly after a service

Yeah. Apparently quite a few legitimately owned cars were confiscated. One day the feds showed up and took everything but the sign.

It was interesting speaking with them though. The guy was full of the usual sales crap (had been checking out a full race 72 Mini) until I told him that I was interested in the Elise. Instantly, he changes his tone and says, "okay, you put $3K down and your name goes on the list. You'll be #3 or 4, depends on when we finalize the contract with another guy. No interest on the money. You pay MSRP for the car when it gets here. You get no choice of color or options. That's the deal, take it or leave it." The BS instantly ENDED with the Elise. I still have that guy's business card. <shrug>

I'm hoping that Harry and crew at Viking will develop a small dealership. Harry trained at Hethel in the 60's and knows Loti better than anyone else I've ever met. Amazing what that guy has tucked under his cap. And I don't get that weird feeling that I did with the other guys.

 

[moose]

a 2 year plus wait and you don't get any choice of colour or options? That's long enough for even Hethel to get it right!!!

 

[jrgibb]

a 2 year plus wait and you don't get any choice of colour or options? That's long enough for even Hethel to get it right!!!

Maybe they'll send VX220s with Lotus badges on and hope no one notices.

 

[adamant]

FWIW Steve Harris Imports is not requesting *ANY* money up front. They have a list and say they will honour it. A couple of weeks ago there were only 5 on the list. BTW they have also said MSRP will be the price. I like an upfront dealership. I have no association with them other than a happy ( read #1 !) waiter.

 

[Randy Chase]

I was told $37-38.5k and it would be at list price.

My only question is what can we expect in availabilty of certain cars. I know one can't custom order a car when there is limited numbers being imported. It's not like going to the Ford dealer and ordering a Taurus and speciifying the color, options, etc. They will get a certain number of cars, with different colors and options and those get allocated to the dealers.

If I really want a certain color, I am wondering how difficult it will be to get it?

 

[jrgibb]

Randy,

Whilst that's ok at the moment when nobody knows what the car is going to be ie power unit.

Also I guess it's not unreasonable for Lotus to say (initially) no Heritage editions etc but simply it's going to be "this" car, std package no options.

But surely it's not beyond a modern organisation to be able to say ok, you know know what the car is, here's a list of colours what do you want and for them to then handle the logistics of that.

 

[Eric5273]

My only question is what can we expect in availabilty of certain cars. I know one can't custom order a car when there is limited numbers being imported. It's not like going to the Ford dealer and ordering a Taurus and speciifying the color, options, etc. They will get a certain number of cars, with different colors and options and those get allocated to the dealers.

If I really want a certain color, I am wondering how difficult it will be to get it?

I spoke to a guy at Lotus USA back in January and that was one of the questions I asked him. He said they were going to decide on certain color combos (interior/exterior) and there would be fewer combinations than are available in the UK. Then within those color combos, dealers would be able to make requests.

 

[LarryB]

Went through the process when I order a Infiniti G35C. Dealer allocation means those xx number of cars are to be built to his spec. If he uses one of his earliest number for you car, it'll be made earlier in the month (and more likely just what you want).

The Elise supposedly are going to be bulit fully loaded, so other then hardtops or a few odds & ends - not much to choose from. For the most part we're all so early on the list- worst case if everybody wanted the same color or certain options we'd get bump back a month.

 

[mikester]

"Fully loaded", as I understand it, means air conditioning and not much else. At least, that's what I've been told by the fellows at Lotus USA.

And that's the way that I feel it should be. Minimal weight = maximum fun ! More gadgets will ruin the direct experience with the road, will add weight and will make the car more complicated.