[Balance]

I spoke to Vincent at British Motor Cars today. He gave me my full VIN and told me the ship my car is on arrived at Long Beach Port on November 14th. He said it usually takes about 11 days for him to receive the car from there as there are normally only 3 or 4 ships in the queue. However, according to him, Costco was late on ordering for the Christmas rush and their cargo ships are holding up the queue, so the line is about 11 ships long. Oh well, I'll have my car in early December he said, so that's all I care about.

Some questions for you guys. I'm having my car shipped from British Motor Cars, which is in San Francisco, to Orange County. He quoted me:

$800 for an enclosed carrier, in which he said the carrier would pick up the car in the morning and I would have it by evening. He also mentioned that they use this carrier to ship their Bentleys and such so they are extremely trustworthy.

$350 - $400 for an open carrier that would take longer because they would have to stop occasionally to pick up and drop off other cars.

Are these prices reasonable? Is the enclosed carrier worth it in your guys' opinions?

 

[Randy Chase]

Congrats.

Curious why you don't pick it up and drive it down? That would make an awesome trip down 1.

 

[Allan Gibbs]

Congradulations! It's almost here. :clap:

Realistically, you may want to give it about three to four week till you get your car. Mine came in on 10/25 and I should be getting it sometime next week.

After port, it goes to purgatory also known as "processing." If you ordered the Star Shield, that's when it gets put on. Once it's past purgatory, then the dealer gets invoiced for the car and the shipper has 72 hours to pick up the car.

If you're in Southern Cal, your dealer is in Northern Cal and Processing is in San Diego, is there a way you could make arrangement to pick up the car from Processing rather than have them ship it to San Francisco and then back down to Southern Cal?

 

[jml1952]

Congrats.

Curious why you don't pick it up and drive it down? That would make an awesome trip down 1.

I agree. Even though we are getting closer to winter, I think it will be ok to risk it.

I drove my Miata up Highway 1 to a meeting in Monterey last month and could only fantasize about what it would be like in my Elise.

You should fly up and drive it back. In my opinion.

 

[Randy Chase]

If it was me, I would almost rather fly up and drive down. Carmel, Monterey, Big Sur... :drool:

 

[lateapex]

Hey Balance, drive the car!

Highway 1 is one of the best drives on the planet, don't pass it up, you'll regret it. The first drive is the one you'll remember forever.

 

[MattG]

Not only is this a fantastic drive, but you'd *save* money by flying up and driving back down. Plus, you'd get your car sooner!

 

[Balance]

I was considering flying up and driving her down, but I had some concerns. With everything I've been hearing about the stability of the car in bad/cold weather, difficulty of other drivers seeing you, and the proper break in procedure, I figured it might be better to break in and familiarize myself with the car in my hometown.

I don't know what to think until EliseTalk tells me.

Your comments are hard to ignore. Like a Jedi Mind Trick, EliseTalk has shown me the way.

ELISETALK: You will drive her home. (EliseTalk waves fingers in front of Balance's face)

BALANCE: I will drive her home.

 

[Randy Chase]

On roads like Highway 1, you will have no problem with the break in procedure. Take the Elise out on the 17 Mile drive and get some stunning photos. Park it at Bixby Bridge in Big Sur. In front of some cottages in Carmel.

Just vary your rpms somewhat. You can always shift gears to do that.

You will feel more vulnerable in the car at first (at least I think most people will) but that goes away.

The car will be fine in cool weather.

 

[drrjv]

I'll fly over and drive it down for you!

Pacific Highway is one of the best roads in the Country!!

Don't worry about break in. You can go up to 4000-4500 RPM (which I think is 90 MPH!)

I drove mine on a freeway from the dealer and didn't go over 3500 RPM

 

[biobaggie]

PCH will probably be less crowded than Orange County. there will also be fewer agressive drivers around which will help you in your quest to 'become one' with your Elise.

I would have jumped at the chance to drive from SF to LA

 

[MattG]

Hey, depending on the timing (and weather) of this, maybe we can organize a Club111 escort for you part of the way down 1. There are many cars locally still being broken in so you could go a slower pace, and I think we'd all love a drive down 1 one of these days. One of my favorite loops is highway 1 most of the way to San Simeon, then cutting east a bit before heading back north.

 

[Sownman]

I was considering flying up and driving her down, but I had some concerns. With everything I've been hearing about the stability of the car in bad/cold weather,

How cold's it goinna get 60 ? What are you expecting, ice on Hiway 1 ? Take chains


My car will probably arrive in SLC. I have mixed emotions. I want the car as soon as possible, but I also want the drive back to LA through the mountains, which I won't do on roads that might be slick or salted.

Regards
Steve