Leftover 2025 or New 2026?

[MikeMT]

Hi everyone. First time posting here.

I've been wanting an Emira since they were announced and am finally in a position to get one. I test drove a new, leftover 2025 V6 Base today in the exact color and configuration I want, except without a body colored roof (I had been looking for the full black pack) and without the upgraded sound system. But everything else, down to the brake calipers and Lotus emblems is what I want.

Dealer took 11,000 USD off the sticker. Now I have to decide whether to buy it, or wait for a new one with everything I would want. If I bought new, I'd likely add the removable roof so the price over the 2025 base I drove today would be about 17,000 USD more.

What's giving me pause on the 2025 is the lack of blind spot assist and rear cross traffic alert. I've had those features on my last 3 cars and am worried I'll miss them (blind spot warning more so than cross traffic alert). I also can't tell for sure if it has parking sensors (I've emailed the dealer to ask).

Any opinions on this situation are appreciated. Do you feel the need for the blind spot monitoring on your pre-2026 Emiras? Anyone have a 2025 V6 Base and know if parking sensors are standard? Is the base sound system good enough?

Thanks for your help here.

Mike

 

[Beachbum]

Also consider what a new car would come with/out
With ADAS, many find this annoying. It cannot be permanently turned off. You have to set it to off, each time you start the car
Without Android Auto and some other connectivity e.g. Bluetooth

If none of the above bothers you, then its just a matter of cost and what you feel you gain from the additional $$$

 

[Thirdgen89gta]

2025. Death to ADAS.

 

[geoffbland]

Hi everyone. First time posting here.

I've been wanting an Emira since they were announced and am finally in a position to get one. I test drove a new, leftover 2025 V6 Base today in the exact color and configuration I want, except without a body colored roof (I had been looking for the full black pack) and without the upgraded sound system. But everything else, down to the brake calipers and Lotus emblems is what I want.

Dealer took 11,000 USD off the sticker. Now I have to decide whether to buy it, or wait for a new one with everything I would want. If I bought new, I'd likely add the removable roof so the price over the 2025 base I drove today would be about 17,000 USD more.

What's giving me pause on the 2025 is the lack of blind spot assist and rear cross traffic alert. I've had those features on my last 3 cars and am worried I'll miss them (blind spot warning more so than cross traffic alert). I also can't tell for sure if it has parking sensors (I've emailed the dealer to ask).

Any opinions on this situation are appreciated. Do you feel the need for the blind spot monitoring on your pre-2026 Emiras? Anyone have a 2025 V6 Base and know if parking sensors are standard? Is the base sound system good enough?

Thanks for your help here.

Mike

It's not clear if the 2025 one has or hasn't got the black pack, or if you want the black pack or not. It you did want the black pack, wrapping the roof would be possible and much cheaper than a new car.

All Emira as far as I know come with parking sensors, my '24 V6 has them.

As for the sound system as everyone has a differing opinion so you'll not find an answer here. Just decide for yourself - and know that upgrading the sound system to something that you do like, again, is a lot cheaper than buying a new one.

Worth you knowing that if it is a 2025 car then the 10th character of the VIN (before the 'H' for Hethel) should be 'S'.

 

[MikeMT]

Also consider what a new car would come with/out
With ADAS, many find this annoying. It cannot be permanently turned off. You have to set it to off, each time you start the car
Without Android Auto and some other connectivity e.g. Bluetooth

If none of the above bothers you, then its just a matter of cost and what you feel you gain from the additional $$$

Thanks. I just did a search for ADAS and am seeing all the complaints about having to turn off each time. That is great info. Appreciate it.

 

[MikeMT]

It's not clear if the 2025 one has or hasn't got the black pack, or if you want the black pack or not. It you did want the black pack, wrapping the roof would be possible and much cheaper than a new car.

All Emira as far as I know come with parking sensors, my '24 V6 has them.

As for the sound system as everyone has a differing opinion so you'll not find an answer here. Just decide for yourself - and know that upgrading the sound system to something that you do like, again, is a lot cheaper than buying a new one.

Worth you knowing that if it is a 2025 car then the 10th character of the VIN (before the 'H' for Hethel) should be 'S'.

Thanks for the information on the parking sensors.

The 2025 does not have the black pack. I did think I wanted it from all the photos I've been lusting over all these years, but today seeing the full body colored car made me think I actually really like the roof the same color as the rest of the car.

I was so excited about the test drive and the car as a whole that I forgot to even test the sound system. Will have to take it out again. Wish the dealer wasn't over an hour away!

 

[Glowtus]

I think the 2025 is the sweet spot for Emiras. They dont seem to have some of the issues of the MY24s, and they dont have all the annoying electronic nannies in the 2026. If you like the 2025, that is what I would go for.

 

[geoffbland]

The 2025 does not have the black pack. I did think I wanted it from all the photos I've been lusting over all these years, but today seeing the full body colored car made me think I actually really like the roof the same color as the rest of the car.

Ditto. I wanted the black pack but got one without and now think this looks better.

I was so excited about the test drive and the car as a whole that I forgot to even test the sound system. Will have to take it out again. Wish the dealer wasn't over an hour away!

Any excuse to have a test drive. Sounds like this is the car for you.

 

[MikeMT]

I think the 2025 is the sweet spot for Emiras. They dont seem to have some of the issues of the MY24s, and they dont have all the annoying electronic nannies in the 2026. If you like the 2025, that is what I would go for.

Thanks Glowtus. I'm seriously considering it. Sounds like all the nannies are annoying. I will miss having blind spot assist though — have had that on my last 3 cars.

 

[Nelumbo nucifera]

Thanks Glowtus. I'm seriously considering it. Sounds like all the nannies are annoying. I will miss having blind spot assist though — have had that on my last 3 cars.

I think the blind spot (ln mirror) notification is a great idea. I plan on installing an after market set. Perhaps you could consider that as an option.
Having raised this thought, have any members done just that, installed an after market blind spot system?

 

[Glowtus]

Thanks Glowtus. I'm seriously considering it. Sounds like all the nannies are annoying. I will miss having blind spot assist though — have had that on my last 3 cars.

All of my other cars have blind spot assist, but it hasnt been an issue at all in the Emira. Honestly, they car is so damn small and the mirrors work great. You wont miss it at all.

 

[Thirdgen89gta]

If the mirrors are adjusted properly for your driving position, you can see cars transition from the rearview mirror into the side mirror.

And when they are adjusted like that, you can easily see the third lane on a highway. So there is no Blindspot.

 

[BLUEMIRA]

All of my other cars have blind spot assist, but it hasnt been an issue at all in the Emira. Honestly, they car is so damn small and the mirrors work great. You wont miss it at all.

Agreed. MY24 for me.