Ok, I’ve sat this conversation out now for long enough, and feel it necessary to weigh in. A few things: I am fortunate enough to be in the position to purchase this fantastic automobile, and I am very proud of all of the work I have put in the last 2 decades to achieve this. I purchased from Lotus of Dallas. They were nothing short of professional, courteous, responsive, and attentive. Ask for Tony Luu, he’s a pro. Tony Conaty, the Finance Manager, was just as professional.
My vehicle is being shipped to me on the East Coast (to a CARB state, too… so that’s possible) and I am very much looking forward to physically acquiring it within the next 2 days. Regarding the purchase; yes, they charge what they call a delivery-fee. No, the ceramic coating was not mandatory, nor were any of the other finance protection products they offer. The Emira is one of the most low-supply and high-demand vehicles out right now. You have to respect that, in addition to the legal, compliant, and although-maybe-not-agreeable-to-you profit opportunities the Lotus dealers have right now.
It is important to note that I am in the car business, and run stores with brands very much like these new Lotus dealerships. The transaction prices that the manufacturer and dealers are honoring for original reservation holders – regardless of 1.0 or 2.0 – at MSRP is very good business. Additionally, there are others willing to pay above those prices, so that cannot be overlooked, by either the buyers nor the sellers. Many of the comments on this topic seem to be from people who have not yet even transacted on one of these cars. A lot of the negative comments are conjecture, mob-mentality b.s. These dealers are in business to make money. You cannot hold that against them. Some commenters complain about dealer mark-ups then in the next thread discuss the value of paying $5,000 - $6,000 for paint protection film… that’s absurd. Please stop complaining like you’re on a forum in 2009 discussing budget-style imports. These are big-boy cars, and big-boy prices. Respect the process, ask your questions of your dealer when it comes time for you to take delivery of your own Emira, write the check, and go enjoy the car.
I’m sorry, the internet can be very negative sometimes, and it takes the fun out of reading and contributing to these types of sites. I look forward to reading more about the fun, exciting, and positive elements that this new car brings to it’s owners and admirers. Sorry for the rant, but Lotus of Dallas is a 10 out of 10. So do like you promised, and go delete your post on page 515.