Strange question
Discussion
Ok, heres the situation. I purchased my 94 S4 while my work currently has be assigned to Europe. I have an estimated return date to the US and home in Feb 04. So, in the mean time I have my S4 stored at a local Ferarri, Jag, Lotus repair shop. They treat the car well and run it regularly (although it is not taken out on the road) and tend to any maintainance that it needs. I pay $100 a month and it is stored in a climate controlled environment and is covered under their insurance as well as having my full auto insurance coverage. Well, the shop isn't going to be local anyomore as my family (where I stay when I visit) is moving to another state, Charlotte NC. I will be moving there when I finish my current contract in Feb as well.
Well, to further complicate matters, I may be getting a new contract in the middle east and not be home to stay for several years. I hate the thought of my S4 sitting so long. So I have a 2 part question.
Does anyone know of a top notch storage facility in Charlotte NC that are Lotus knowledgable that can care for my S4 correctly and perform any maintainance needed? Another option I have been thinking of it to find an automotive company that may have an interest in having my S4 on tour with their products. I would expect some compensation, even if only regular maintainaces were provided, and shipping her back when I visit the states. Of course I would expect they would have insurance to cover damage. I am thinking of contacting Ronal USA once I have the new Ronals fitted. Or, should I just consider selling her and shopping for another when I return?
Maybe it wasn't the best idea to make the purchase while I am going to be away for such a long time, but it was a good deal and the condition and service history was great.
Any ideas, suggestions or comments?
Thanks
John
94 S4
>>> Edited by techspy on Thursday 26th June 10:55
Well, to further complicate matters, I may be getting a new contract in the middle east and not be home to stay for several years. I hate the thought of my S4 sitting so long. So I have a 2 part question.
Does anyone know of a top notch storage facility in Charlotte NC that are Lotus knowledgable that can care for my S4 correctly and perform any maintainance needed? Another option I have been thinking of it to find an automotive company that may have an interest in having my S4 on tour with their products. I would expect some compensation, even if only regular maintainaces were provided, and shipping her back when I visit the states. Of course I would expect they would have insurance to cover damage. I am thinking of contacting Ronal USA once I have the new Ronals fitted. Or, should I just consider selling her and shopping for another when I return?
Maybe it wasn't the best idea to make the purchase while I am going to be away for such a long time, but it was a good deal and the condition and service history was great.
Any ideas, suggestions or comments?
Thanks
John
94 S4
>>> Edited by techspy on Thursday 26th June 10:55
If you aren't going to be home for several years, you should probably sell the thing, and buy another when you come back.
Storing it for that long is asking for maintenance problems. And it's pretty much a waste to you. Depreciation sucks if you don't even get to enjoy it.
Having the Ferrari garage fire up the engine now and then, but not taking it out on the road isn't doing your car any favors. You still aren't getting out there, warming up all the fluids, and putting the car through it's paces.
My mechanic has said that he knows a guy who owns an exotic collection and he has a guy who rotates the garage every week...runs the motors on each car, etc. He said he's slowly ruining the cars doing that. They NEED to be driven.
When you do get back from overseas, there will be other Esprits to buy. It's probably best to wait until then and get one you've seen in the flesh, and better for your current S4 to get into someone's loving hands who will get her driving.
Just my two cents.
Mike
Storing it for that long is asking for maintenance problems. And it's pretty much a waste to you. Depreciation sucks if you don't even get to enjoy it.
Having the Ferrari garage fire up the engine now and then, but not taking it out on the road isn't doing your car any favors. You still aren't getting out there, warming up all the fluids, and putting the car through it's paces.
My mechanic has said that he knows a guy who owns an exotic collection and he has a guy who rotates the garage every week...runs the motors on each car, etc. He said he's slowly ruining the cars doing that. They NEED to be driven.
When you do get back from overseas, there will be other Esprits to buy. It's probably best to wait until then and get one you've seen in the flesh, and better for your current S4 to get into someone's loving hands who will get her driving.
Just my two cents.
Mike
LotusACBC said:
cnh1990 said:
LotusACBC said:
Fear not! I will take it off your hands for you until you return! I will pay $500 a month and get all maintenance done to it needed! Do we have a deal? LOL
You can just about buy one for $500/month plus maintenece.
Calvin
No way.. How?
You're kidding, right? You have priced these cars before? You can get a $26,000 loan from PeopleFirst at just under 6% for $501.00 a month (over 60 months.)
That'll get you into a lot of Esprits. If you have 5 grand in down payment money, 31K will get you into an S4 and below (most likely).
If you ask me, we all let our cars go for under value, but that's the market right now.
>> Edited by madmike on Friday 27th June 17:08
>> Edited by madmike on Friday 27th June 17:09
madmike said:
cnh1990 said:
LotusACBC said:
Fear not! I will take it off your hands for you until you return! I will pay $500 a month and get all maintenance done to it needed! Do we have a deal?
You can just about buy one for $500/month plus maintenece.
Calvin
No way.. How?
You're kidding, right? You have priced these cars before? You can get a $26,000 loan from PeopleFirst at just under 6% for $501.00 a month (over 60 months.)
That'll get you into a lot of Esprits. If you have 5 grand in down payment money, 31K will get you into an S4 and below (most likely).
If you ask me, we all let our cars go for under value, but that's the market right now.
>> Edited by madmike on Friday 27th June 17:08
>> Edited by madmike on Friday 27th June 17:09
Holy crap I had no idea! All this time.... Ah well, I could have done it, now I cant because I have finances on other things etc etc. So im still looking at a 3 year wait. But atleast I can feel comforted in knowing I may obtain one alot sooner than I think!
I am going to college in Charlotte Nc this fall.....Im gonna leave my Lotus in High Point,Nc and come home on the weekends.....High Point is about 80 miles from Charlotte.......In Charlotte there is a place with Certified Lotus mechanics......I would be willing to help you in any way I can......I do have room in my garage.....As far as maintenance goes,you would have to supply the money and i`d be more then happy to take it down to Charlotte and back,on a trailer since i see you don`t want it driven.....2 esprits in my garage would be cool!!!! Email me at THESTEELEMPIRE@aol.com if interested.
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