A&Q about Lotus
Q:
Yeah, Neil is practically my neighbor and really cool (for a limey!). My Elise purchase was by far the best dealership experience I've ever had. That includes BMW/Porsche/Audi dealers too. They are just super nice folks (Bo, Eric, and Dacia too!).
It will suck if there is no more Autostrada. It will suck even more if there is no Austin Lotus dealer.
Although, when you think of it, they are one of the few stand alone Lotus dealerships in the country, and in a small market too. Most are teamed up with other premium car brands. That has to be hard to support a business model with a brand as flaky as Lotus can be. And their location can't be cheap tax wise. I know early on, they were selling more Elises than all the other dealers in TX combined, and while they are still selling them, they aren't making much money on them anymore. That sucks, as they were one of the few dealerships who were guaranteeing MSRP and weren't bumping people just to sell cars at market price.
Anyways, I'll have to stop by. I just have to avoid helping them unload that Exige into my garage.
-Dave
'05 Elise
'05 Evo
'03 Evo
A:
Originally Posted by delliott00
they were one of the few dealerships who were guaranteeing MSRP and weren't bumping people just to sell cars at market price.
-Dave
'05 Elise
'05 Evo
'03 Evo
Don't know when I would have finally gotten into a Cartoon Car if Neil didn't find the one I got, at the original MSRP. He called me the same day I sent an email out to all the other TX dealerships. I already had a deposit somewhere else, but was tired of the run around.
I remember his words vividly, give me two days and I'll see what I can do. Two days later, he calls me up again and say it's what you want except it's Ardent Red. I said give me a bit to think about it. I got on the Southwest Airlines site to see if what flights I could take down. Called him back saying I'll be down this Sat to pick it up. It's probably the most impulsive purchase I've ever made . That was Mar of '05. I fell in love with the Elise in late '01 when I saw one sitting on a street in Hong Kong , I just can't help but smile when I see her in my garage. I can only thank Autostrada for that .
A:
Originally Posted by YAUDI
Don't know when I would have finally gotten into a Cartoon Car if Neil didn't find the one I got, at the original MSRP.
And here Rednecks thought calling her Buzzbomb was rough.
Unfortunately for all concerned......this is just the way it typically goes in Lotusland. Be thankful you were handled well at the time you needed to be.
It appears you do.
Lotus will continue to blow themselves up as time goes by. In light of this I reckon that it's NOW a good thing that Buzzy is packing a Rice-a-Roni powertrain......for most people that is.
A:
Originally Posted by dickedup
Maybe those Boys believe charging Rednecks $3000 / yr for track membership fees is the wiser way to go?
Rednecks? I think you will find Lotus owners and track day enthusiasts in Texas as articulate, knowledgeable, and educated as anywhere in the country. Austin has the highest percentage of college graduates of any city that I know of, close to 80 percent. As far as careers go it is much better to do what makes you happy than what makes you the most money.
A:
Originally Posted by Buz
Rednecks? I think you will find Lotus owners and track day enthusiasts in Texas as articulate, knowledgeable, and educated as anywhere in the country. Austin has the highest percentage of college graduates of any city that I know of, close to 80 percent.
As far as careers go it is much better to do what makes you happy than what makes you the most money.
Austin is my hometown. Where do you think I have a house?
A Redneck is practically anyone amigo. You'e no native Texan......I'm guessing?
Granted there's not much money to be made selling Lotus cars. Just sad that Hooples can't stick with it these days.
A:
It's a shame they can't relocate the dealership to the corner of the property. I can't think of a better place for a Lotus dealer, than next to a track.
A:
Originally Posted by jlb1001
It's a shame they can't relocate the dealership to the corner of the property. I can't think of a better place for a Lotus dealer, than next to a track.
It's a CRYING shame that so many Lotus dealerships fold up their tents when they no longer see "The Gravy Train" pulling into the station.
Reckon the Lotus Franchise Department is as squared away as their Marketing Department.
A:
Originally Posted by dickedup
It's a CRYING shame that so many Lotus dealerships fold up their tents when they no longer see "The Gravy Train" pulling into the station.
This can't bode well for anyone in the Central Texas area.
Believe those Hooples back in the eighties lasted at least 4 years pushing the Lotus.