[Miguel]

I thought I'd start this thread to see if any other dealers have been as lucky as Overseas Motors. As stated on other threads, they have received a storm titanium elise with red interior which Lotus called and asked them if they wanted an extra car. They say they did not order the car, it is not there demo nor a customer car. So, it's up for grabs. I didn't ask how much. Anyway, I was told this won't affect their allocation as this was an "extra" car. I asked if they were expecting any other "extra" cars and he said no. I hope not or this just moves me further down the list. Until this point, I felt that they were being honest but just didn't have a lot of information. Now I wonder about that.

I have a friend who is not on the list and they called him right away to tell him about the car but never called me and I doubt any other deposit holders.

I went today, and they were detailing the car, my sales guy was at home with a bad back so someone else showed me the car.

The guy told me it's an "extra" car. So I asked and he said about 10k over MSRP. Bought a Jadi model instead

The car is gorgeus!!!! ST, Red leather, Touring, star Shield

They still don't have the demo car, and probably they will sell this before any customer on the list gets a car at MSRP.

Maybe is Lotus way to say, sorry for the delay on your demo, here you have a freebie.

 

[Ground Loop]

I'm sure 'extra' cars get thrown in to Porsche shipments or whatever, but this is very different. Dealers that don't yet have a demo should be more upset over this "gift" than anyone on this board.

It sure doesn't make Lotus UK/USA look good when they're handing out cars all willy-nilly, meanwhile my dealer has NO FREEKING CLUE when the first car or any car might arrive. What kind of way is that to run a business? Are they rolling dice over at LCU? Seriously, it looks bad.

If Overseas wanted to be really cool, they could just go down their waiting list, and call up the person who has the first "storm titanium elise with red interior" on order. At least give them a chance to bid on the 'gift'.

 

[Steve]

Re: Re: Which dealers have received a "gift" from Lotus?

.......

The car is gorgeus!!!! ST, Red leather, Touring, star Shield

....... [/B]

That's my car! #8 and they tell me it won't be here till October/November

 

[m100 Sean]

That is the EXACT combo of options I ordered... :huh:

 

[Miguel]

If Overseas wanted to be really cool, they could just go down their waiting list, and call up the person who has the first "storm titanium elise with red interior" on order. At least give them a chance to bid on the 'gift'.

The guy that showed me tha car, mentioned that they were going to do just that. (probably number higher than cars with buld dates on) And they probably contact them regardless on being close to what they want.

 

[Racer X]

No I haven't, I am holding out for Aztec Bronze

But PLEASE don't call it a "gift car" It's a "liars car"

I hear one may be available. PM me.

 

[Racer X]

Re: Re: Re: Which dealers have received a "gift" from Lotus?

That's my car! #8 and they tell me it won't be here till October/November

You are #8 customer car at Overseas? If so, you should call them.

 

[Donovan]

Sorry I should have been more clear. I was just joking about Aztec Bronze. Thanks for the heads up though! Now if you can find me a black one...

 

[Racer X]

I knew you were joking, but hey sometimes people get desperate. Besides, Aztec Bronze may be someone's favorite. I think someone voted for it on the "what color did you order poll. Heck, I ordered Aubergine and it seems that is not a popular color with most (almost all).

I hope the car does come in. I would like to see it in person. However, it does seem as if all the non-customer cars are not coming in as expected.

 

[Paul MD]

PAUL MD
Do you really believe that the distributor has to wait in line like the rest of us ? Ah, NO.... They CAN and do get extra cars when ever they want them, I can guarantee it..

There aren't any 'spare cars floating about, Elisii are built to customer order... so SOMEONE ordered it, legit customer or not. I can guarantee they don't just wake up one morning and say

"lets build a completely random freaking car with no build order and no assigned customer and send it to a random distributor so he can ponce about with it and then pass it on to a random dealer for a few quid that we won't even see"

They don't HAVE spare capacity, cars are demo or customer at this point. In case you hadn't noticed, this isn't Porsche, isn't a mature market and who the hell is a 'distributor' (exactly) anyway? It ain't a shipping company by the way...

:huh:

 

[rbullett]

Where is this dealer located? Is the car still avaliable? Would you provide a phone number please?

 

[smoseley]

Distributors like Porsche, Audi, Lotus, etc. do in fact give extra cars to dealers all the time.

They should instead give the extra cars to customers who got f*cked by their dealers.

 

[Donovan]

Hey Racer X,

Did you check out the post by Bob in the outside topic forum? I know you are getting purple and they have some great shots of a aubergine S2 exige.

 

[AutoXr]

Downtown Jag had the same thing, yellow car with touring and hardtop available that "wasn't their demo and not from allocation" I understand that they got $5k to $10k over list for it. They are still waiting on their "demo" too.

A lot of dealers held a place or two for the "owner". Could it be that car? Maybe the "owner" swapped for the demo and decided to sell? Not making excuses, just giving them the benefit of the doubt...

 

[Steve]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Which dealers have received a "gift" from Lotus?

You are #8 customer car at Overseas? If so, you should call them.

No, at another dealer. If I was at Overseas, I'd do more than call them! But that's my exact car ... makes me all the more anxious.

Steve

 

[Genjuro]

Re: Re: Which dealers have received a "gift" from Lotus?

I went today, and they were detailing the car, my sales guy was at home with a bad back so someone else showed me the car.

The guy told me it's an "extra" car. So I asked and he said about 10k over MSRP. Bought a Jadi model instead

The car is gorgeus!!!! ST, Red leather, Touring, star Shield

They still don't have the demo car, and probably they will sell this before any customer on the list gets a car at MSRP.

Maybe is Lotus way to say, sorry for the delay on your demo, here you have a freebie.

THAT IS MY CAR!!! THAT IS SEAN'S CAR!!!!

I call BULLSHIT!! Are you reading this LCU? How is it that my EXACT vehicle is sitting as an extra when I placed my deposit at the start of 2002?

BTW, did it have a hardtop?

 

[Randy Chase]

There is no "extra" car that appeared out of thin air. There may have been some shuffling of demos and some dealers ordered more than one demo, but these were still allocated.

 

[huggy bear]

I'm sorry to say but you guys with deposits at Overseas Motors are doomed!

 

[Joecooool]

Gift my ass. They just ordered a car for themselves in front of their deposit holders to take advantage of the market.

If they had any ethics at all they would offer the car to the next guy in line at retail price - not "market value".

What a bunch of bullshit.

 

[Lotusman]

Awwww cry me a river. If the asking price of that car is too much don't buy it plain and simple. Lord knows there is tons of markup in Lotus Elise. I find it humorous how a car can bring out the best and worst in people. Get to witness all the paranoid delusions and conspiracy theories. Last time I checked most dealers are selling ordered cars at MSRP. Who cares if a extra car comes in and they want to sell the car over MSRP. Are you having a gun pointed to your head being forced to buy the car??? Lets try and refrain from all the negative comments about how dealers are scum, cheats, and liars. Try doing their job and you might not be so quick to be judgemental. Trade in your cushy salaried jobs with all kinds of perks for straight commissioned pay. Chances are not many of you would make it. Last time I checked dealers are not non-profit organizations.