NEW CAR DAY! Lotus Elise 240 Final Edition. So Why Am I NOT Excited? | TheCarGuys.tv

[@jafooli]

The green looks good imo. The config render was reflecting a warm background and came across too garden green. This looks very Aston Martin Green.

[@Atombender]

I think the "real-life" colour looks better than the configurator colour too. I generally dislike matte colours, this one looks fresh but not too showy.

[@steffydog]

Mmm, have to say, I do love a gree, but totally agree with you, really sad, it’s not a winner. Man, sad times.

[@tomhowland5251]

Cracking review Damian. Perfect honesty! Speaking to many lotus owners, you’ll end up loving the things you hate before long…. All part of the ownership!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Cheers, Tom - I hope so

[@zimbarbaluba]

All lotus owners: "Yep, sounds about right". Just wait until you need some spare parts! I agree it's a shame the colour hasn't lived up to expectations. Hope you can enjoy the driving experience anyway once it has been run in, after all that's the most important thing with an Elise.

[@jonathantennantphotography2869]

Never had an issue, and never had an issue with spare parts. Maybe I was lucky ?

[@zimbarbaluba]

@@jonathantennantphotography2869 depends what you need, some parts end up on back order with the factory for months, years etc

[@tomasengelmajer4634]

@@zimbarbaluba Sadly it is like that today even for some Toyota products and for Lotus many times worse with all the industry/covid/ecoterror issues. I do understand it but it is sad when you are the one needing the part... Some suppliers even ceased to exist so they have to find new ones and other hard situations for the Lotus team.

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

Lotus are usually really good, much better than most other dealers. There can be a wait for certain parts though as the company which made some of the stuff on the older models went out of business years ago and no one has taken over production.

[@tonysheabo]

I’d be pee’d off with that change in green too, nothing like the catalogue sample! Love your videos for being so honest, it’s not as though the car was cheap so fully understand your disappointment with Lotus. Also agree about the plastic trim, should be aluminium for the final edition.

[@4pevans]

I'd agree but I think color it was painted is much nicer

[@Blackr33]

I don't think it's as much of a change in color, rather that the configuration doesn't represent it well. I looked at a hell of a lot of real photos of the colour I got and even then was worried what it might end up like.

[@mrmv6290]

Lotus PR department must be on their holiday's, as they missed a great opportunity to have you look round the HQ and give the brand a boost among your many viewers. As for the car it looks great and it would be good to see some custom metal buttons and vents made to boost the quality or the interior. Keep up the great videos.

[@TomEnduro]

When I buy a Lotus, I’m only interested in the car and not the buying experience. They are brilliant and I LOVE my Elise!! As for your disappointment at Lotus releasing a new Petrol engined car after you placed your order, you have bought the very last lightweight Lotus! And it is awesome! And we have known about the Emira coming for a long time. The FE is brilliant. Love the green, but would have gone for yellow stripes to really complete the look.

[@TheDIGGY93]

I love how transparent you are with all your manufacturer dealings. From purchasing all the way through to servicing etc

[@AdamBuckley1964]

Is the allen key not stuck in the drivers door area? My Elise has had a stick on front numberplate for years, never had any hassle with police. I've had mine 24 years but nearly got rid of it in the 1st year of ownership due to poor dealership experience and warranty issues.

[@JakeStrada]

Lmao - You getting into that car is me getting into my wife's bloody mini, welcome to my world :)

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍👍

[@jakabukovnik8876]

I still think it's a beautiful spec love the green with the yellow accents and grey wheels... would maybe remove those signature stickers they look a bit crap

[@sickjohnson]

You could try a clear mat wrap on the racing green to make it look more like the green on the configuration?

[@elastiekeltjeshaar]

I feel sad for you because of the horrendous service Lotus provides. On a bright side; for me as a viewer there's not more enjoyable than a brutally honest review of that experience. Thank you for that. I do like the color by the way and it looks like a proper supercar to me too. Looking forward to more content once you passed the 1,000 miles. Cheers from the Netherlands

[@jezpoon]

I spent 8 months deciding on colour, Lotus has many different greens, silvers etc with similar names… nearly went Porsche PTS Oak Green… ended up with Daytona Blue in the end. Probably should have went with orange 😂. Car comes alive above 4000 rpm. Can do that after 600km. Sales and service in Australia is exceptional.

[@mikkoleppanen2921]

Start up montage with the pigs had me laughing:DD Epic editing skills!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

I thought you’d like that

[@benbav4585]

I hope we get to see the Tesco car park hokey-cokey in another episode. “You put your left leg in. You put your right leg out. In, out. Where’s the tool for the roof? That’s what it’s all about.” 👍

[@MrDead1975]

don't mind the colour but some gold wheels would definitely give it a bit of a visual lift. "Give it some beans" may also now be inappropriate as the latest craze is for kids to empty a tin of beans all over a car, supermarkets have now been advised not to sell beans to children lol

[@simonorr594]

Yeah, gold wheels are needed. But will Lotus help?

[@MrDead1975]

@@simonorr594 you don't need lotus, you just get them painted or powder coated at a decent shop

[@khurem8465]

Sorry about your experience - mine very different, ordered a exige 390 in racing green also - love the colour, dealer very engaged and went through every option and great advice , yes mine was late also but absolutely love the car !! Think maybe depends on your dealer mine was fab !!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Glad to hear it

[@tonygordon8839]

I've got to say I prefer Lotus's in a bright colour. The 240FE is a good road car but I prefer the Cup250 for looks and track days. I hope your catalyst lasts, watch out for exhaust rattles if you track it

[@ronaldbeech6587]

Thanks for your interesting comments. Concerning the front number plate the 220 sport comes with a much smaller plinth which most Dealers stock and will accommodate a standard plate which I stuck on with double sided Gorila tape ( the original was screwed on too low by the dealer and was ripped off the first time that I pulled into my drive at home)). The tape works very well. I bought my 220 new earlier this year - I couldn't find a final Edition in an acceptable colour which wasn't £10000 more. Your car looks very good in green and I envy your choice. It looks better than my car which is in the blue you refer to. I'm sorry to hear of your disappointing experience. I'm pleased to say that my supplying dealer Hendy of Poole were excellent in every way. Without cost they even changed the radio and were very enthusiastic about Lotus in general.

[@freeskier6377]

Love the brutal honesty, v refreshing! Think the green looks great and would look even better with gold wheels

[@edwardnewton6964]

I also agree with you about the colour, and Lotus should be shamed for the casual way that they have treated you. But.....The Elise is a joyous thing to drive and own.

[@arrangrant6037]

Love the fact the indicator and wiper stalks are still 1990’s Vauxhall Astra ones 👍😎

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Totally

[@tomasengelmajer4634]

@@TheCarGuysTV And then imagine that in 100k Evora GT ;-) It is a pain but that drive!!! Lotus is so obsessed with the driving feel and details but those "market experience" details are just on 27th place sadly for them. It should get higher but keep the driving obsession going ;-).

[@DonHenshall]

Love the way you say it as it is. Good on you, we need more of this on KZbin. Excellent content. Congratulations.

[@tedpal5098]

All that you've said, I still think it's a wonderful and beautiful piece of car art 😊👍🏁

[@claudebovet302]

I noticed you have not reviewed a McLaren 720s yet, which has the steering sensitivity of a Lotus. I am in the area this week in case you want to give mine a go. I also have a 458 Challenge which I am taking to Dick Lovett Ferrari Day at Castle Combe on Sep 28 if you want to give that one a go too. It's nuts! Full racing gear mandatory.

[@danielenticknap7540]

Just to add there are many online resources where you can buy all manner of modifications for your Elise and a huge amount of Indy support. I’m sure you’d be able to find better buttons.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Cool, thanks

[@roybeasley9645]

Great honest Video - I also like you picked a colour that looked great on the configuration page but when it arrived I was extremely disappointed as it also looked nothing like the one on the web, however as this was a car from stock I did have a safety net with the dealer that if I didn’t like the colour then I could cancel my order and have my deposit returned. I must say the dealership and factory they have been extremely helpful in allowing me to re-order a new vehicle in Vortex Grey and to a build spec of my choice.......happy days to come I hope as I await delivery later this year ( one of the last builds ). Just hope my first choice colour is spot on 🤞🏻.

[@Chunny95]

An honest review, lucky the guys (SSC) that look after Lotus Australia are far more accommodating. I second that comment about the brakes being spongey, I own a 430 Cup Exige and never loved the stock brake feel, it might just be a personal preference, but it’s an incredibly unnerving feeling when you hard brake into a corner, and 60% of the pedal does bugger all - I’ve recently solved this by upgrading the pads to Pagid RS14’s, had them on my S2 260, i’d recommend the same, the feel, bite, progression are far superior.

[@iainmcglynn833]

As a Glasgow Rangers fan green is not a fave colour BUT I’d happily have this little pocket rocket I’ve always loved the Elise and this spec is beautiful and will grow more on you you’ll see I love basic and light and fast Handling is everything I’d love a bit of yellow around the front end a little like the Lotus 7 nose cone but smaller Happy days ahead I hate RR limos and expensive super cars we can never afford Yaris this and Porches 💋💋💋

[@johnm6587]

Loved this! Did make me laugh. Well done guys 🤣🤣🤣

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Thank you

[@philipwalters2769]

I bought a 8 months old black and gold Esprit in 1981. It was originally bought by a Saudi Prince whilst studying in London. Had a few thousand miles on clock. Within 2 years got lumbered with £8,000 of repairs consisting of cylinder head gasket that was not diagnosed by dealer, major fault on air conditioning system that dealer couldn’t fix, radiator leaks, worn gear stick linkage, flexible exhaust coupling replaced, doors used to shake at high speed. Had Morris Marina door handles and Rover back lights. Great looking car but taught me a lesson never to buy what was a glorified fibreglass kit car

[@venom5809]

When you said late and unfinished I knew it was a Lotus immediately 😂😂😂

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Ouch! 😀

[@AnthonyWilliams-vh1ds]

Hi, have you done a video with the roof off yet at all? I’ve always wanted a lotus and I’m currently looking even though prices have gone stupid… everyone I tell about my dream to own an Elise tells me I’ll never fold myself into it or out of it but like you say, I can’t think of a time I’d drive it without the roof off. Look forward to more content. 👍🏼 … Was it Hendy’s in Poole you picked it up from? Im coming down from Staffordshire to there in a few weeks to have a look around.

[@iDayno]

I appreciate your candidness, really enjoyed this one :)

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@4pevans]

I'm real sorry the experience didn't go as hoped but I LOVE the color the wheels and just the right amount of yellow! I sure hope it grows on you because it is absolutely beautiful!!!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍👍

[@leeharding8306]

The green looks really nice. This was all bought and collected in COVID-19 times so it was never going to be a normal purchase unfortunately.

[@jonathantennantphotography2869]

Great review. I bought an original S1 with the MMC brakes and I really enjoyed the buying experience . Had a tour round the factory and was given a couple of Lotus books too....... hast forward to 2021 and I've placed an order for the new Lotus Emira. Today I've been invited to check the car out, guessing there's a buffet as my dietary requirements were asked. I'll let you know how I get on.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Lucky you

[@jonathantennantphotography2869]

@@TheCarGuysTV Had an email from Lotus yesterday inviting me to a private launch event at my local dealer and also an invite for a video call to talk to Lotus re. the spec. on the car.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

@@jonathantennantphotography2869 Sounds good

[@jonathanmorris1884]

Thank you for sharing very interesting video. I am still waiting for my 240FE, its looking like Christmas delivery now and I ve been told that when it does come its unlikely to have the soft top with it as there is a supply issue on these. Having had 4 Elise’s though I am prepared to wait as long as it takes as this one needs to see me out! Your dealer did well to get some customisations that weren’t on the configurator, I was told that there was no flexibility whatsoever. I think factory handovers have been quashed due to covid but it is worth paying a visit when things lift it’s a great experience. I think the colour combination looks superb, perhaps a yellow strip up the front and some roundels on the door would finish it off. Get those 1000 miles done and start to enjoy it!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

I didn't get the soft top either, but hopefully it won't be too long. Neither did the faceplate for the stereo arrive. The Colin Chapman signature and yellow "sport" lettering was added after delivery by the dealer. I have no idea if the factory was ever actually going to fit these items. Factory deliveries were possible by the time my car was ready.

[@johnmorrison27]

Always love your content and your complete honesty 👍👍

[@TheCarGuysTV]

I appreciate that!

[@johnpicasso2188]

Great review, I cancelled my Emira order as don’t trust the configurator colours, and only the blue one floating around dealers as an actual live colour. I also put order in and heard very little from Lotus in the meantime.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Sorry to hear that

[@mattmclean6409]

Great review I appreciate the honesty. I don't mind the green but I agree it doesn't look as good as the configurator colour which is what I've always spec'd it as when window shopping. I'm a fan of the exhaust note.

[@benjaminsmall2803]

Great little car, hopefully the green grows on you. Incredible how different it is to the colour when you spec it. Love the interior and the gear shifter. Agree about the stainless bits. Doesn’t need the gold wheels, in my opinion. I look forward to another driving video where you can rev it out.

[@Chewman30]

I had a mk2 when I was 22, I had it for a couple of months before it had to go! I hated getting in and out of it!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Even with the roof off?

[@Chewman30]

It was better with the roof off but taking the roof off and putting it back on was equally as annoying on the mk2, I swapped the car for a truly masculine 2.5 Porsche Boxster!! 😂 I must say that the lotus has aged well and the price for a decent 2001 Elise are still going for a similar price that I paid for mine 20 years ago.

[@peterkirton4580]

I agree with Tony Gordon that a bright colour is preferable that colour is very difficult to see as it is too much like the background, but they are good fun, I have owned two

[@ImBarryScottCSS]

Lotus do both 'racing green' and 'motorsport green' just to confuse us. Motorsport green is fantastic with a yellow metallic fleck to it, racing green is sadly rubbish imo, very flat, no depth. Good if you're into understated colours but not for me. On the plus side you can't see the colour from the inside and it still drives better down UK roads than just about anything else.

[@danielenticknap7540]

It looks fantastic. I ran a number plate on the ‘bonnet’ on mine and preferred the look. However, although the colour is very different surely you looked online to find cars of the same colour? Or were none available as the colour was new to the final edition?

[@vicsh4581]

Congrats mate for taking delivery, I got my cup 250 FE beginning of this month as well :D

[@TheCarGuysTV]

What spec did you go for?

[@vicsh4581]

the very basic spec mate, only added the cruise control & carpet, not even the hardtop. Not willing to pay any more luxury car tax on any of these options. I'm planning to do all the things aftermarket.

[@johannesreichert5574]

I can understand your frustration - and pretty sure Jason had some comments in line with "I told you so, if you buy in a >last edition< hype modus...". Looking at the "Final Edition" and the Emira - as well as how Lotus has placed the Emira in the market - I cannot believe these are really the last petrol cars from them... Hope you can still enjoy the lightness & agility, looking forward to seeing some road trip content with the Elise... but as JayEmm already mention a couple of times, Lotus KZbin Content is not very popular :-(, hope you still share your experiences with us. Btw. not only Lotus is not really enjoyable during the order, production & delivery process - same with Caterham, where my 485 CSR is a complete black-box when it comes to progress updates or "buyer experience"... hope the final product is convincing.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Thanks, Johannes

[@waynemoore9951]

Love Damien's refreshing honesty as always, no fakery like all the usual KZbinrs which is getting very tiresome.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Thanks, Wayne

[@timon1964]

Sorry you had such a bad sales experience with your Elise. I ordered my S1 at the London motor show the moment I saw it. A "P" reg., one of the first 200 produced and the process was great, including a tour of the factory and the dealer offering me 25% extra to not take delivery, which I turned down obviously!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Great story. Yes I was sad about the initial experience , but now it’s time to enjoy the car and find out if I gel with it

[@JayW-44]

Did you not check out the colour properly beforehand?

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Hard to - no swatches, colour charts, colour blocks, existing cars in exactly the same colour.

[@JayW-44]

@@TheCarGuysTV Quick google shows Elises in 'Racing Green', not that hard to figure out the colour. Shame its a flat colour, would have been nice if it had been metallic.

[@korpharm]

Love your honesty and sorry if you’re a bit pissed off by the whole experience. It looks good IMHO.

[@bigbeebrian]

What if you use a satin PPF so the green becomes more muted and maybe even a little darker looking ?

[@realitykicksin8755]

Just googled Lotus Elise racing green ... next time ... do as I just did.

[@Racerman27410]

Truth is truth and thanks for that....customer service seems to have completely vanished these days but at least you have the car and it is a good car.... just leave the wheels as is, throw on some matching yellow racing stripes and get to that 1000 mile mark as fast as you can.

[@caffeinefuelled1]

I agree that colour does match the configuration which is a shame and a lotus could learn from it, however I do think the green is still a really nice colour and somewhat Aston Martin like

[@tomfidler2170]

do you need the yaris now you have this ?

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Yes I do

[@AhmadAlZubair]

What a beautiful car! Congrats

[@Person-cv9dj]

Did all of these come with a hardtop? Because on the used market i can only find them with a soft top

[@TheCarGuysTV]

The hardtop is an option

[@Person-cv9dj]

@@TheCarGuysTV ok thanks

[@888mattd]

Personally like the colour but if you think it’s lacking then think your original idea of yellow stripes would lift it. I didn’t quite understand from the video, were the Chapman sigs done by the dealer? I’d suggest removing the PPF from those panels. Redoing the signature much larger on the side without the fuel filler. Forget about doing signature on both sides. Asymmetric stuff on cars is cool. Signatures on top of PPF so you don’t get those air bubbles. Is the “Sport” lettering a sticker or painted?

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Good idea, Matthew. Chapman dogs were arranged by the dealer as the factory didn’t bother.

[@rupertvega-rice4724]

Thanks for the review. Personal highlight though is the unexpected pig at 14:21!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

I thought you’d like that

[@markwhitaker3673]

I am sorry for your initial experience-the anticipation and following the details/info as your car is being configured and built is a significant part of the whole experience. I remember thinking the green on the configurator looked nothing like the Lotus Racing Green I have seen on other Elises-but I do think its a great color for this car so perhaps over time you will like it. As others have said, hopefully you can banish the initial poor memories once the car is broken in and you can enjoy it fully. I have been thinking of a adding an Elise or possibly Evora/Emira to my 69 Elan at some point(no hurry). The problem in the USA is there are few dealers around and even fewer you can trust- no Bell & Colvills here. Makes the purchase of a $100,000 car stressful, esp if the closest dealer is 200 miles away and you can't get easily service/fettling-no dealer in the Washington, D.C. area-unbelievable. Thanks for the honest review and I look forward to future comments-your channel is a real service to the enthusiast community, cheers.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Thanks, Mark - good to hear.

[@richardcarter1000]

Love the car. I like the green, gold wheels would transform it. Mrs C got the guys to add a little red to Subaru gold on one of our green cars, looks great. I had a new Elise in 1998 after a 18 month wait. Loved it as daily. Did 20k miles in it and pretty much got my money back when I sold it. No reliability issues, just ripped the arse out of three pairs of suit trousers getting in and out. I'm 6ft 2in. Bell & Colvill were excellent back then and I went to factory to see mine on the line etc. Sounds like Lotus service went down hill sadly.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

That customer experience sounds brilliant - always a thrill to see your own car being built.

[@ingvartorma9789]

I wonder if you in England do not have the opportunity to apply for a dispensation to avoid using license plates on the front of the car as we in Sweden can do? In Sweden you can also change number plates to smaller ones that are intended for motorcycles. Thought to look better without number plate in front or change to smaller ones that do not look so big and ugly.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

I wish we did. That is just one of the many ways that Sweden is more advanced and sensible than the UK.

[@ingvartorma9789]

@@TheCarGuysTV It is sad that you can not be more tolerant and accommodating with the car owners.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

@@ingvartorma9789 Sadly the UK government hates cars and sees motorists as easy pickings for I’ll- thought-out policies and additional tax.

[@ingvartorma9789]

@@TheCarGuysTV If they did not do without motoring, the British state would lose billions in tax revenue. But one thing your government has done as the Swedish government has done and as the Green Party in Sweden has done. If you buy a brand new car, you have to pay extra high car tax for the first 3 years and then the fourth year it drops. just as the car would then be environmentally friendly. For example, we can then take a new 2022 Volvo XC60 petrol. The car tax for the first 3 years is then £ 1171, then from the fourth year it is £ 142. No Swede understands the logic at all. If you have a diesel car, the tax is even higher.

[@details78]

I feel like this is JayEmm 2.0. As I recall, he weighed in when you were anticipating this car. And it was a less than enthusiastic weigh in, as I'd mentioned in that video. Almost entirely having to do, I'm guessing, with his own purchase and service experiences. I'd like to hope that this will grow on you? Looking forward to that post break-in video. The beans edition! Cheers from across the pond. 😊

[@gaelenski_]

I’ll be honest with you Damian, I think the car looks brilliant. Really mature, suits the car and while the green difference is staggering the current colour really suits the car too. Don’t feel too harsh 😊

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Thanks, Gaelen

[@tomasengelmajer4634]

@@TheCarGuysTV It will grow on you I am certain.

[@fastdays_1]

Why it doesn't scream and wine like the old Exige S? I've driven a couple and they sound very different from this one...

[@only1jonskcollob]

Nice car Damian, its a shame you feel so let down, I bought a Cup 250 last year, ordered January 20, delivered June 20, delayed due to covid. Lotus and the dealer B&C couldn't have treated me better, and kept me informed throughout, believe it or not they even had colour swatches of all current colours and offered to get a car in whatever colour I chose, even if it meant asking a customer to bring along their own car...me chucking £45k+ at a car means everything has to be right, so taking the time to do a bit of research re colours/dealers etc was important. Pretty easy to address most of your complaints, feel free to get in touch, I'm more than happy to offer a positive Lotus buying experience, and advice on some of your concerns ie number plate plinth etc. I hope you grow to love the car, they really are fantastic fun!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Thanks, John. Yes I agree very easy to fix all these customer service issues. I should’ve listened to James Martin and ordered from B & C as he did strongly recommend them. Sounds like they did well by you, which is great to hear.

[@Matt-ze8ju]

Which dealer was it may I ask?

[@TheCarGuysTV]

@@Matt-ze8ju Hendy Sports Cars, Poole in Dorset

[@markjohnson8352]

Pretty car and a lovely colour. You'll have some fun in that, Damian, the questionable buying experience will fade from the rearview quickly I'm sure. Enjoy!

[@captain_context9991]

A Lotus? Is it a Lotus? Aaaaaand its a Lotus! I recognise that shape. Mine was gunmetal grey. Back in 2001.

[@m1keyw]

Shame to hear the buying experience wasn’t as it should be. There’s no excuse for poor customer service - it’s not hard to get right but so few places do. However, niggles aside, I’m sure you’ll love the car. I owned Lotus’s (Elise 111R & Exige V6) for 11 years and loved them. Great cars to drive. I also found driving with the roof off added to the driving experience too (as well as making it much easier to get in/out!). Enjoy.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Let’s hope so

[@ozeskiman]

Another classic joins the Car Guys garage... and what a lovely little car it is. Looking gorgeous in its racing green, this little pocket rocket is no slouch. It's such a shame that Lotus dropped the bag for Damien and he gives an honest review of his buying experience. Nonetheless, congratulations Damien on adding your 1st new Lotus to the garage. I think it deserves a run up to the highlands or trip thru Wales to show off its abilities. More please. Love that PP too.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍👍

[@AntoniusTyas]

They haven't learned anything from James' experience with buying Evora 400, have they? Ah, Lotus.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Apparently not

[@chrisd635csi]

Great looking car imho, I don't see many green ones. Guaranteed its going to be an awesome drive, more on that please when you're ready!!

[@oliverharvey637]

I really enjoy these kind of videos you do Damian. I'm sorry it hasn't been the new car experience that it should have been, shame. Thanks for the honest informative video though, much appreciated and enjoyed. Have a good weekend!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Cheers, Oliver

[@jameshill8711]

Lotus are out of order. Thankyou very much Damian for giving everyone the heads-up.

[@mortenravnsns8439]

Those lovely aircondition controls are taken straight from a Renault Twingo, along with most of the switches. I should know, since I've owned 2 Twingo's.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Love the Twingo

[@jasonpmcqueen]

Looking forward to the follow up Damian, or not rather. I've been considering ordering an Emira for months but having to deal with Lotus has always led to think twice. I'd hopped Geely would have given them more polish expected of a manufacturer in the 21st century but it seems they're still operating as they've always done.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

I think the Emira will be the real test of future Lotus ownership.

[@jasonpmcqueen]

@@TheCarGuysTV totally agree, they're eying up Porsche and the Cayman, and whilst porsche has its issues (as you know), I still think they're ahead of Lotus at the moment.

[@mrlotusmic]

Welcome to Lotus 😁 I have to confess I purchased my first Porsche sports car this year and I have an issue with it and Porsche are just the same, ignoring a known issue and hope you just give up. Wasn’t expecting that as you kind of except it with past new Lotus.

[@sirsportscarcollectorlancs9447]

Nothing like the configurator, I’d be pretty cheesed off, but it’s not like your looking for a return, so who cares, it’ll be great fun. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@barriepooley1000]

Brilliant car in a lovely colour but i think I would have chosen yellow wheels to match the yellow seat trim to give that classic Jim Clarke Lotus 25 look. Great video btw. 👌

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Thanks, Barrie

[@carrelatedshorts]

Congratulations. A beautiful car that. All the best.

[@philipguacci6452]

That is a bit sad. But a reflection on a world that no longer cares. I love the look of it. I am only 5ft 6in. I wonder about getting in also. A neighbour has a silver one on his lawn. Mx5 also. I am not quite flexible as I used to be. Cheers.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Neither am I 😂😂😂

[@mattbuckley392]

Been hitting the gym big style ..... good for you ..... excellent film too. Good man.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

No chance, must be the camera angle

[@mattbuckley392]

@@TheCarGuysTV What camera do you use .... might get one myself hehehe

[@stevekuca2597]

Me thinks you need an olivy swampy green watch to go with it .........ha! its gorgeous Damien ....

[@NewtonInDaHouseYo]

Still a great looking Lotus. And a future classic for sure. Love the wheels!

[@jcdaly535]

Is that a 5270? Stunning piece… enjoy your car!

[@yukiotakata]

What kills you ,in this YTcar channel business , is your honesty Damian :) BUT we love you for it. Yeaaah the clear difference in the color pattern would be almost the death for me as a buyer,not getting exactly what you paid for IS a deal breaker,so everything else that usually you would take as "quirk" in the buying experience becomes a drag . Hopefully the end of the breaking period and the unleash of the car full potential gets your smile back good buddy!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Cheers,, dude

[@martinjoanna]

Never trust the color shown on the configurator. It shows cartoons not real photos. Go to the showroom and look for the colour cards for real.

[@HenkFueltank]

Welp, sounds a lot like what JayEmm on Cars has explained in a video from a few years ago about the Lotus customer experience and nothing has changed since

[@Scifo321]

What are you on? XD That racing green is a brilliant spec, and those yellow contrasts that you have chosen are perfect. But I have to admit that signature is not the best ^^ Hope driving pleasure will give you your enthousiasm back ;)

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Hopefully

[@platypushatstand]

With all the woes of the buying ‘experience’ it sounds like that’s the first, and last, Lotus you’ll ever buy. Here’s hoping it sounds better after 1,000 miles. Like others have said the brighter metallic colours look better (the configurator showed a bright metallic green that I thought looked good with red accents). Have you considered getting the stripe added by a detailer prior to PPF? Edit: Sorry that vivid green was for the Exige not the Elise.

[@roostfezza7563]

Wouldn't trust that configurator after this result!

[@Maurice_Moss]

I think the spec looks fab, but definitely different to the configurator 😅

[@65Antonis]

I muted the sound and I kept on looking at this lovely car, one of the last of its kind! I'm joking of course, I heard everything, but still, I just love this car and the spec and it would be great in any configuration! Enjoy it as much as you can! Love from Greece ❤️

[@cmeeson100]

Thank you for a great video…as ever. Really sorry to hear you had such a poor buying experience. Once you can get that roof off and beyond the 4000 rev limit things are going to be looking up. I’ve had my Sport 220 for 18 months and it has brightened up almost every day in that time.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Excited to hear that, Chris

[@Holmseyboy0104]

Good on you for being so honest, it's hard when you've spent so much and want to love it so much to admit any gripes, I think the colour looks great but agree, nothing like that configurator image (almost looks matte on the configurator)

[@SpontaneousEvolution]

I really enjoyed this video! Appreciate the honesty from the start, this could have been one of those KZbin New Car vids of how amazing your life and experience is (then sell the car in two weeks). Most of us only own one car (not to dismiss your experience), if I was to put all my money into buying an Elise and then to go through the experience you've had I'd be furious! What is it with car manufacturers and dealers?? From the nightmare of trying to buy a specific Porsche or Ferrari, you have to buy five other cars you don't want first, or then the growing complaints from people dealing with Mclaren... Is customer service really that difficult to master?

[@TheCarGuysTV]

I’m sure they’ll treat Shmee150 much better

[@SpontaneousEvolution]

@@TheCarGuysTV sadly I think you're right...

[@rallymouse1]

What ever happens, you are the few lucky guys who can have this special edition. Do not look back take your car down to the country lanes and enjoy with your car.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Sound advice

[@johnwhood5791]

Would be interested to see how the driving experience compares to the 718 Spyder. Not totally dissimilar in ethos.

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

The Lotus is way more agile and has way more feel. The Porsche feels like a road car, the Elise feels like a racing car.

[@johnwhood5791]

@@BlatentlyFakeName thanks AM. Had the 718 Spyder on a UK racetrack (Anglesey) last week. I suspect the Lotus wouldn’t know which way the Porsche had gone … 😱. Although I’m sure the Car Guys could provide some insight ..

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

@@johnwhood5791 The Exige is quicker than the Cayman GT4 around a track, even being a manual. Even an older Elise will give it a hard time. The Porsches are lardy compared to the Lotuses and you feel it in corners.

[@johnwhood5791]

@@BlatentlyFakeName one for the Car Guys to resolve … 😂

[@PaulAngeloff]

Appreciate the honesty. Make me laugh all the people saying lotus is shit I’d never touch one. The fact is most of them will never be in a position to get one anyway.