My 360 is Gone...

The bad news is that as of yesterday, my 2003 360 coupe is sold..... The good news is that with all the snow we are getting this year, it would have been sitting in my garage until April anyway. Since I was going into exotic car withdrawl after a few hours, I bought a new 2003 Lotus Esprit today! Loved my 360 more than any car I ever owned, but I have always been attracted to the styling of the Esprit and its half the price of the 360, gives you 95% of the performance (in my opinion) and won't take you to the cleaners on service costs. The best part is that Lotus has the best customer service in the world! I had a question and called Lotus USA in Atlanta and the call was immediately picked up by the head of sales. After my questions were answered, we talked other exotic cars for 20 minutes!! Try to do that with someone at FNA!!

I have owned 2 Ferrari's (355 and 360) and I am sure I will own another very soon. I will also try a Gallardo in a few years when the price comes down. The car bug is a serious illness!!!

 

Congrats on the new Lotus!!

Nice to hear about a positive experience with an exotic auto maker!

Let's see some pics of the new ride!!!!

 

Ditto on these statements! Excellent, post some pics when you can.

 

I love Lotus! Congratulations!

 

Congrats to you Scott.

At least you kept it in the Italian family.

Happy driving!

 

ROFL... Lotus is English!

 

Um, lol Lotus is British! Last time I checked...ha

 

Wow, I'm shocked! You didn't have the 360 very long at all. Oh well. Congrats on the new Lotus! I'm looking forward to seeing it.

 

A good investment opportunity popped up.... I'll be back in an F-Car in the summer. We need to get together at the Gin Mill soon.

 

Now that you have driven both how do they compare initially?

Why did you sell the 360?

Vincent.

 

What color lotus did you get scott? did you hear how you can squeeze a little extra power out of the TT v8's? email me for more details

 

I'm happy for you too. I'm interested to see your comments in the future reguarding the running costs, and insurance etc. If you post futher thanks alot, I'm intrigued to see the difference in costs for running everyday between the Lotus and the Ferrai.

 

The car is Inferno red (candy apple) with Magnolia interior (light tan with red piping). All 2003 and later Esprits come from the factory with the high torque ECU

 

Congratulations on the Splendid choice. Rest easy knowing that Lotus is probably the most Ferrari-friendly "exotic" around - i.e. a Ferrari would be welcome at a Lotus gathering and vice-versa. Egos don't tend to get in the way of good conversation and mutual respect for one another's vehicle of choice - that sort of thing. Turf wars over Lamborghini and/or Ferrari are obviously more common in F-chat.

BTW...
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I wanted to add that I always had a positive experience with Lotus USA. I sold my 1999 Esprit for an '01 360 and find it superior to the Esprit. BUT, at half the price, the Esprit was a real value. I guess I got cold feet when Lotus gave up on the Esprit in favor of the incredibly ugly Elise. Also, I never had any trouble with the Esprit during my ownership. Much luck with your '03.

 

Scott,
Great choice. The Esprit is a fantastic car and a superb value. Enjoy it.

 

Pics...........we need pics.

Congrats on the new car. I've always had some strange attraction to the Esprit as well.

 

Congrats, I'm sure you will love the Esprit. I just sold an S4 and would really like to pick up a V8. Let us know how the Esprit compares to the 360.

Oh, and post some picks already.

 

I can't post any pictures until I get the Car!! It will be delivered to me next week. In terms of a comparison, I feel that the 360 is more comfortable and ergonomically better than Esprit, especially with pedal placement. Fit and finish is a bit better on the 360 as well. The straight line acceleration is better on the Lotus and the handling in my opinion is close. 360 brakes are a bit better but not much... Paintwork is better on the Esprit... Keep in mind that the 360 cost $175,000 and the Esprit lists for $92,000 (I paid a lot less).

 

Scott, you had the most beautiful 360 Coupe I had seen in photos, good luck with the Lotus and the Investment in N.J. Post the pictures as soon as you have them.

 

Did someone say Gieger's Gin Mill? I'll drink to that....and of course to Scott's 15th purchase in 6 months : )

 

Scott: your 360 was very pretty indeed

I was wondering if you lost a gread deal in the resale considering that your car was not red on tan?

Looking forward to seeing your new car and best of luck!!

 

Congrats on the new purchase- sad to see the 360 go, but isn't there another on the way ? All I can say is glad I got a ride in your 360.....nothing like "passing" a student driver at 110!!

Can't wait to see the Lotus Scott- I have a bunch of porcelain signs on my garage wall, and just last week added a Lotus sign between the Ferrari sign and mercedes sign...I must have been reading your mind!

Scott and Todd- when are we getting together??

 

I'm in. Let's get something started!

 

The Gin Mill is always open for you VIP's