Joined
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204 Posts
Hey guys =D
I'm the proud new owner of a 2005 Ardent Red Lotus Elise (pictures incoming). I first have to say - wow, what a rush. This car is amazing. I would have bought a 2006 Lotus Exige from one of our forum members, Yeti, but unfortunately my funding fell though. However, I was lucky enough to have a Lotus dealership nearby, and so buoying my spirits, I went inside to see what they had in stock. There sat before me a beautiful car - all for a great price. 7000 Miles, Hardtop, Stage II exhaust, and well maintained by the looks of it.
But, there was a problem you see - I knew that all Lotus' were Manual transmission, and I had never driven one before. So I took a risk - I bought it without test driving or ever sitting behind the wheel (salesman wouldnt let me test drive it, for obvious reasons). Knowing the parts that made up the engine, I decided to go for it. Overseas Motors in Dallas treated me like a serious buyer, even though I was 23, and they were a great group of people to deal with.
I took delivery of the car today. I couldn't drive it home, so I had a friend (who, coincidently, also has an elise) get it back from the dealership. Tonight I made my first attempt at driving the car. It was horrible at first - learning how to start the car, and learning the positions of the gear shift. I stalled so many times in a local parking lot. Finally, I was able to screech a launch instead of stalling. And now I can somewhat regularly start normally (I still have some learning to do). This car empowers you to do better, as though you have a reputation to live up to.
Anyone that was in my position - don't be afraid that it is manual. It has a very resillent transmission from what punishment I have given it. It's an absolute blast to drive around and it gets looks like no one's business.
Honestly, I'm just waiting for work to be done tomorrow so I can practice my driving skills some more. I want to thank everyone on this forum that have given me information and advice. I don't regret this purchase one bit.
Hopefully, I'll get to see you guys at some meets in a few months (I would be ashmed to show up now with my skills).
I'm the proud new owner of a 2005 Ardent Red Lotus Elise (pictures incoming). I first have to say - wow, what a rush. This car is amazing. I would have bought a 2006 Lotus Exige from one of our forum members, Yeti, but unfortunately my funding fell though. However, I was lucky enough to have a Lotus dealership nearby, and so buoying my spirits, I went inside to see what they had in stock. There sat before me a beautiful car - all for a great price. 7000 Miles, Hardtop, Stage II exhaust, and well maintained by the looks of it.
But, there was a problem you see - I knew that all Lotus' were Manual transmission, and I had never driven one before. So I took a risk - I bought it without test driving or ever sitting behind the wheel (salesman wouldnt let me test drive it, for obvious reasons). Knowing the parts that made up the engine, I decided to go for it. Overseas Motors in Dallas treated me like a serious buyer, even though I was 23, and they were a great group of people to deal with.
I took delivery of the car today. I couldn't drive it home, so I had a friend (who, coincidently, also has an elise) get it back from the dealership. Tonight I made my first attempt at driving the car. It was horrible at first - learning how to start the car, and learning the positions of the gear shift. I stalled so many times in a local parking lot. Finally, I was able to screech a launch instead of stalling. And now I can somewhat regularly start normally (I still have some learning to do). This car empowers you to do better, as though you have a reputation to live up to.
Anyone that was in my position - don't be afraid that it is manual. It has a very resillent transmission from what punishment I have given it. It's an absolute blast to drive around and it gets looks like no one's business.
Honestly, I'm just waiting for work to be done tomorrow so I can practice my driving skills some more. I want to thank everyone on this forum that have given me information and advice. I don't regret this purchase one bit.
Hopefully, I'll get to see you guys at some meets in a few months (I would be ashmed to show up now with my skills).