Lotus Press Car - good/bad idea?
Discussion
15,000 mile 57 plate Exige S, 15,000 miles in 18 months in the hands of the press. Back to the factory for a once over and then retailed, probably 10% - 15% cheaper than would otherwise be the case.
What do we think guys, on the one hand I'm thinking walk, nay sprint away but on the other hand I'm thinking Lotus would probably have maintained this impeccably and a few miles on these motors isn't neccessarily a bad thing providing they've not been whacked backwards through the armco somewhere?
What do we think guys, on the one hand I'm thinking walk, nay sprint away but on the other hand I'm thinking Lotus would probably have maintained this impeccably and a few miles on these motors isn't neccessarily a bad thing providing they've not been whacked backwards through the armco somewhere?
Like any company car it will take a thrashing. My big concern would be a buzz. As suggested, get an ECU printout. I will tell you the details of the car including racing starts and common speeds, it will also tell max engine revs.
If it is clean then I would have a load more confidence in the car.
Then start bartering.
If it is clean then I would have a load more confidence in the car.
Then start bartering.
TOENHEEL said:
Its inevitable that its going to of been driven hard but at the end of the day if its got a warranty and seems like a sound car then why not there built to punished! 
Other than the fact you might get a better kept and treat car if you dont go down the ex press car route?TonyHetherington said:
piooly said:
the problem with press cars is that they have probably been ragged from stone cold without getting any warmth into the engine. Thats my only concern.
Wouldn't that show up on the ECU print out too? It states engine revs @ oil temp, doesn't it?!TonyHetherington said:
piooly said:
the problem with press cars is that they have probably been ragged from stone cold without getting any warmth into the engine. Thats my only concern.
Wouldn't that show up on the ECU print out too? It states engine revs @ oil temp, doesn't it?!My car is an ex Lotus press car and I bought it at a favourable price too.
Lotus used it for 18 months when it was new.
What problems have I had? Absolutely none whatsoever.
If you think that Lotus just obey the standard 9k mile intervals for servicing then you're away with the faries. The car will have been carefully run in (my car had it's 1,000 mile service 2 days after registration) and meticulously maintained.
I contacted Chris Brown (think that's the chap) at the factory who said it'll have been Geo'd before every 'test' and given a through mechanical check after each and every occasion it was sent out.
You may well find that the paint finish is exceptional compared to other cars. Mine has a very deep appearance when cleaned. These days though, it's a bit down on it's luck with stone chips etc.
alunr on Seloc bought the black Exige that was tested on Top Gear against the Apache helicopter and I recall also had no issues with the car at all.
You may even find that you have a particularly 'strong' engine as anyone who's driven my car has said that it goes very very well for 120hp!
Lotus used it for 18 months when it was new.
What problems have I had? Absolutely none whatsoever.
If you think that Lotus just obey the standard 9k mile intervals for servicing then you're away with the faries. The car will have been carefully run in (my car had it's 1,000 mile service 2 days after registration) and meticulously maintained.
I contacted Chris Brown (think that's the chap) at the factory who said it'll have been Geo'd before every 'test' and given a through mechanical check after each and every occasion it was sent out.
You may well find that the paint finish is exceptional compared to other cars. Mine has a very deep appearance when cleaned. These days though, it's a bit down on it's luck with stone chips etc.
alunr on Seloc bought the black Exige that was tested on Top Gear against the Apache helicopter and I recall also had no issues with the car at all.
You may even find that you have a particularly 'strong' engine as anyone who's driven my car has said that it goes very very well for 120hp!
Edited by MJK 24 on Wednesday 18th February 13:48
Scuffers said:
TonyHetherington said:
piooly said:
the problem with press cars is that they have probably been ragged from stone cold without getting any warmth into the engine. Thats my only concern.
Wouldn't that show up on the ECU print out too? It states engine revs @ oil temp, doesn't it?!Nothing's full proof, but when it's the ECU print out that Lotus use when it comes to warranties, it's that which is wise to get before you invest.
aelord said:
TonyHetherington said:
piooly said:
the problem with press cars is that they have probably been ragged from stone cold without getting any warmth into the engine. Thats my only concern.
Wouldn't that show up on the ECU print out too? It states engine revs @ oil temp, doesn't it?!Gassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff