Cancelled my M3 order. Fell for another beauty.

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luvdatbimmer

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#1
First off please don't bash me for changing my decision, but I couldn't help myself when I saw the the other car.

I fell for the 2005 Lotus Elise in Ardent Red. I already have a 2004 330XI sport and BMW cruiser motorcycle, which are by far the best rides I've ever owned!!!

http://www.puresportscar.com/colors.php

http://www.eliseracing.com/

click on the colors on the second site.

Thanks again for all the suggestions and positive comments in the past!!!
 
frolf

frolf

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i would take an Elise any day. i think you made a good decision, not to say i don't love M3's to death, but a lot of people have them. The elise will be a little more orginal, and quite the performer as well. post pics when you get it.

i'll probably get bashed for that one.
 
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Bryan330i

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But remember, the Elise starts at about $40, that is the 330 range, at that price how many do you think there will be? I would guess a lot more of them than M3's, at $20k more for the M3.

Not to say that I would not get one.
 
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gbf1lm

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toyota 4cyl. and good choice. my dad would have got instead of the m3 conv but its too small, were 6-0 and 6-2 (me) .

190hp in 1700lb, thats awesome. did u buy the radio ? supposedly the best handling road car in the world. i absolutly love that car. i think one track version of it pulls 1.10g on teh skidpad while the m3 pulls like .92 and 911 .96 and 1.06 for ferrari enzo. remember its short and wide.
 
Abdoman

Abdoman

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I would definitely consider a Lotus Elise - wouldn't make a great everyday driver, but man it looks extremely fun to drive.

by the way, it's a 4 cylinder Toyota engine.
 
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luvdatbimmer

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With with all the option's the Elise is around $50,000-52,000. Not including tax... With the Sport Package, the Elise will run 0-60 4.7 and quarter mile est.. upper 12's... Without the sport package add .2 seconds on 0-60. 13.1 q/t. They will be making only 2,000 Elises this year starting end of May/beginning of June. I still have an 04' 330XI and a 98' 12cc BMW motorcycle. So I know how nice Bimmer's are.... The Elise olny weighs like 1900 lbs. with 190 HP!!!
 
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luvdatbimmer

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#10
well that's how much they are is you get it stock.. most people will just be getting the touring package with upgraded sound, leather, etc... so i doubt the average person is spending more then $42,000.
 
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epj3

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#11
That's an absolutely awesome decision. You already have an every-day practical car, a motorcycle, and now you're buying a toy car, that's for fun.

You're doing exactly what I would do.
 
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paddyLV

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I'm glad I didn't know about these a few months ago. I love 'um... [thumb]

If I brought one of these home I'd be in divorce court before the first payment was due...

Anyone know a good attorney... (wife) [boxface] (me)
 
F

frayed

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#16
I have a deposit down on one, for mid year delivery. Not sure if I will go through with it, as dropping 40k is not insignificant. I've always thought the Elise would provide a stellar one-two punch paired with an M5 as a daily driver.

If I do pick it op, it will be with the sports package, which comes stock with height adjustable suspension, revalved dampers, wider front wheels/tires, and tires that are essentially Rcomps. Lotus says not to get the sports package unless it is to be track driven. . . supposedly brutal ride.

I remain concerned about build quality (read the UK boards), and reliability despite the bulletproof tranny/motor. Electrical gremlins, leaking softop, excessive NVH, corroding floorpans, assorted hardware issues. Another real problem is the aluminum chassis. One accident that causes any chassis damage will total the car since the aluminum chassis is not repairable. At first, I'm guessing insurance companies will not appreciate this fact. However, as folks start wrecking them (it WILL happen), minor off road excusions will turn into 40k payouts. Things will get ugly.

I remain tortured about the car. . .

With 360 rwhp (Eurosport/JimC blower) just around the corner for me, I'm thinking my motoring obsession may be pacified enough to drive the nail in the coffin and bail on the Elise.

Can't wait to see them on the track though. A well driven one will crush my car, and just about anything else save for a well driven Pcar TT or Z06.
 
daihard

daihard

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#18
Didn't know about the car until a few days ago... Looks awesome. Maybe I should give my M3 to my wife and go for an Elise... ;)

(Seriosuly, I would stick with the M3 just because of such a wonderful engine.)
 
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luvdatbimmer

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#19
Guess what.. I just purchased the BMW M3 convertible I had origionally ordered.. I'm picking it up on Wed. It's just more practicle for me then the Elise.. Plus the origional M3 I ordered is the one I saw at the dealorship and had to have it.. Coincidence i guess.
 
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