Gratuitous pistonfest scrounge...

[Hard-Drive]

Hi all

I've been following this forum like a spooky stalker for a while now as I have my heart set on a S1 Elise by the end of the summer (used to be 156er until my 156 went to be replaced with a diesel company car...all part of teh elise plan!!)

Yep, it's parked in my fantasy garage, insurance looks good (£475!!!), AutoTrader is in my favorites and finances are looking positive to complete the master plan.

Problem is, I've never actaully been in one!!! I'm sure I'll love it, but I really want to experience it. I was wondering if some kind soul going to PistonFest might be able to take me for a quick spin??

DONT WORRY I WONT ASK TO DRIVE IT. But I'm guessing with a car that focussed you'd learn a lot from the passenger seat anyway.

In return I'd be delighted to ply you with alcohol!!!! If I was taking my car I could repay the favour in my fabulous Bora diesel thingy (yawn...). I'm going with my best mate "flyingjase" and I'm sure he'll take you for a spin in his Tuscan S.

Although a spin in the latest race specced supercharged Exige would be fun, I'm going to be looking in the sub 10k bracket so an older S1 would be the most relevant.

Hope to meet a few of you there...and be back in 07 with my Lotus!!!!

Cheers

Iain

[rico]

Drop by a main dealer. Explain your situation and I'm sure they'd let you take one out for a testdrive. Just pop by when they're not too busy (ie not saturday) and most would be happy to chat cars for a bit and take some cars out.

The main problem is you'll then want to buy one straightaway!

[tomtom]

Depending on your location in the midlands (I'm up there a couple of weekends a month) and if I've bought the Lotus up with me, you're welcome to come for a spin if you don't get chance at PF.

[Hard-Drive]

Rico...Can you recommend anyone? Years ago I used to work in a Rover dealership (nope, not a car salesman) and we used to hate the weekend test pilots after a spin in an MGF when they had no intention of buying a new one from the dealership. That said, there might be a forward thinking dealership out there that might realise that I am being honest and although my first Lotus won't come from them, subsequent ones just might...

TomTom, thanks for the offer, I'm in Rugby so pretty central. I'll be in touch if PF does not come off!

[shnozz]

hard-drive, catch me before the beer starts flowing and I'll happily take you for a blast in mine.

[Hard-Drive]

Schnozz

YHM!!

[turnamere]

Have you signed on to MLOC yet (Midlands Lotus Owners Club), you may find someone local who will take you for a spin (not literally) on real roads.

Heed the warnings though, once you've tried you'll just have to have one.

[Sarkmeister]

Im sure most Lotus dealers will let you go for a test drive if you ask nicely. Before I bought my Elise I contacted Nick Whale asking to have a look at a 111s that they had in. Just let them know you are coming, and be willing to sit down and discuss the finance options.

[Hard-Drive]

Turnamere-ta for the tip. I'll keep my eye on it and join up properly as soon as I have a car!

Sarkmeister-good plan. If there is a car in a dealership within my budget I would not think twice about driving it. Just too honest to drive something that isn't! However, if you don't ask you don't get...