Lotus Dealership in Costa Mesa

Ive been there. The salesman I talked to (forgot his name, however) was very nice and patient. He took the time to walk me around all of the cars and let me sit in a few. Seemed like a pretty decent place to me!

 

Actually yes, I think that was him.

 

I have had bad luck with them. They were great when i was paying them but no help after, deal with symbolic in san diego . I have had many friends buy from them with awsome reviews. Also check with the la lotus club this is a very active club and they use symbolic motors.



www.lotusla.com

 

Nothing to add for the Costa Mesa dealer, but Lotus of South Bay opened recently here in Hermosa Beach where South Bay BMW used to be on PCH. Been meaning to stop by and check 'em out, but no experience with them either. They've only been around for a few months maybe, but the lot seems flooded with Elises everytime I pass by. Also seen a few other makes on the lot at times...Porsche, Ferrari, etc.

Here's the site...
http://lotussouthbay.com/

 

You might ask on www.elisetalk.com, not to steal traffic from Ferrarichat, but more people will know over there.

Symbolic was very good when I bought mine, and they continue to be helpful. Service is good too.

I've heard mixed things about Newport Euro's sales, but their service is excellent. Don is master tech there and goes above and beyond.

Have heard good things about South Bay too.

- J

PS: If you have any specific questions, I'd be more than happy to answer them. PM me and perhaps we can talk on the phone.

 

Lotus of Hermosa Beach, they are very nice there. Great customer service.
If your talking about the Lotus dealership right by the 55, they are no good.
you might wanna try www.dealerrater.com

 

I think resale will be getting progressively worse over the next few years, so I definitely wouldnt buy one as an investment. As far as the engine, size and hp isnt what the car is about. If you go into it knowing that then the car doesnt feel under powered one bit...if go into it anything else, then you will be disappointed.

To get an idea for it I would say do everything you can to drive one. The car definitely isnt for everybody. That said, it was one of the most enjoyable cars Ive ever been lucky enough to drive! It fits me well and I would buy one today if I were able to!

 

Less is more.

 

one of the guys over at 6 speed his selling his chrome orange else. IMO the best color for the elise.

 

Patrick,

I thought you were going for a Z06

 

W/ forced induction it can easily make 300hp- and thats like 500hp in a 'Vette (power to weight)..

 

The engine has a custom ECU and the engine bay is of course different, so not all aftermarket parts will fit. Most of the time, you'll need something Elise specific.

A 243hp Supercharger kit exists from Lotus, but I'm not sure if it will be released for everyone. Look up "240R Exige" on Google.

ForcedFed has a 275hp kit and a 400hp kit. Once you get above 250hp, you start looking for ways to control that power. It's a big jump. There's also a Honda engine conversion. Check out the upcoming November issue of Car and Driver. Supertuner challenge with 2 Elises.

LSD is coming very soon.

The stock motor is very nice above 6k rpm, but it really lacks low end torque. If you want to keep up, you'll have to keep rowing the shifter. Also, even though it can keep up at low speeds, once you get on the freeway, weight matters less and hp matters more. You only have 190.

It's really a car about balance, steering communication, and handling. You can find other cars that go around corners faster with sheer roadholding power, but handling is a sum of many subjective characteristics.

IMO, if the Elise is your only car, look hard before pulling the trigger. Some people can't handle the impracticality. It's really a seat of the pants experience, so ask yourself if that's for you. If it's your weekend car, it's totally manageable.

For aftermarket goodies like exhausts, etc, check www.sector111.com.

The sports package adds more grip and tunes out some understeer, but don't underestimate the base package. Either one can bite if driven with stupidity. Lots of people go for the sports pack because they equate standard with "soft, bad suspension". The base package is more capable than people give it credit for, but yes, the sports pack is faster in the right hands. Most people can't exploit the difference.

A lot of us may be at CC this weekend, many with aftermarket parts, so stop by if interested.

- J

 

If i were you id put a deposit down on an exige!!! It will be at least 7thousand more then the elise but hey you only live once right? My personal choice would be the elise. (Can't afford the exige) And without a doubt in that chrome orange. If you don't mind me asking, whats your size and weight? i am about 5'9 140lb's and i had the worst time getting in and out of the elise. It is probably the most unpractical car ever but all of that escapes you when you fire it up.

 

force fed turbo kit!

Performance Specification:
Horsepower: 275
Torque: 200
0-60mph 4.0 seconds
0-100mph 8.8 seconds
1/4 mile 12.3 seconds @113mph
Top Speed 160mph

http://forcedfed.com/elise/turbokits/forcedfed.html

Enjoy!