Prepping for best dealership purchase experience

[Chap944man]

Hey, all. Hoping not to duplicate a question here, and have read many previous posts in this sub.
What should I know/plan beforehand, or expect when walking through the doors of a (US west coast if it matters) Lotus dealership looking for an Emira? Certainly not new to a general dealership and purchase experience, though it is not a frequent thing either. Anything from questions too dumb to ask, to expected research, to critical questions, to waiting to be asked to test drive, to the acceptability of making "Vrooom Vrooom" noises when I sit in one for the first time . And, I guess, whether this is gonna be quick or a long process.
If it matters, am open to new or used, but only manual. Some flexibility on color and options (and just a few hard no's). Cheers.

 

[geoffbland]

100% make sure you get a test drive - and a decent one, more than just a quick drive round the block.

Ask about warranty lengths, ask about servicing, how many techs they have that know Lotus, how many Lotus cars they service. Any waiting times for warranty work & servicing. Any delays on parts deliveries.
Differences between pre-26 cars and 26 cars and the ADAS changes.
Then just bear in mind I've yet to meet a car salesman that would give an honest answer to any question that would risk a sale. So it's pretty pointless asking them anything & better to do your own research.

If you find a car you are thinking of buying check the manufacturing date on the cars vs its VIN and come back here for one of the posts about pre-buy checklists.

 

[Kaz]

You are very far away but...Galpin in Los Angeles (Van Nuys) completely reversed my assumption that the buying experience would be a terrible experience, it was the opposite. Test drove several times, no sales pressure, very easy paperwork, and Galpin gives you a 10 year warranty on top of the Lotus warranty with no exclusions on the warranty. Their techs in the service department are incredible too. Again, very far from you but just a data point that Emira ownership is 100% related to your dealership relationship - good luck and post some pics when you get her

 

[netsinah]

For San Diego, you're looking at only the one dealership. However there are 2 others in your area: one about an hour away (Lotus of Orange County) and the other about 2 hours away (Galpin, as mentioned above). From what Kaz says, Galpin may be worth the drive.

That said, it's always easiest to deal with someone local to you. I'd suggest you look at inventory for all 3 dealerships to see what they've got (new and used) and try to get an idea of pricing over the phone, with the other 2 dealers. Then cast your net wider and see what other dealerships farther away have, if they offer a discount on new or even a new order, plus anyone else listing a used Emira for sale (including private sales). That type of pricing information, should pay off in spades when it comes to negotiating for your Emira at your local dealer. And don't be afraid to pay for ship costs, if the price is right buying an Emira some distance away. I've shipped several vehicles over the years and found that worthwhile, each time, but moreso from a dealership with an experienced salesperson who can "livestream" the vehicle condition for you and give some sort of warranty, if it's used. Bottom line: the dealership should work harder for your sale, if they realize you're not a "captive audience", know your product/pricing, and will go elsewhere if you're not happy with them.

For timing, the more time you spend with research and in the showroom talking to the salespeople and looking carefully at the car, the better result you'll usually get (in my experience).

It might be more helpful to you, if someone in your area that's already dealt with Lotus of San Diego, chimes in. Or search this Forum, for feedback on that particular dealership, which might give you more insights into what to expect or how to deal with them.

Good luck!

 

[grezex]

Dennis in San Diego Lotus is fantastic and will answer any questions you have with zero pressure.
He's not there to upsell you on anything and helps you find what you're looking for.
I'm not saying he's not attentive or nonchalant about things; he makes you very welcomed and knows his clients' time is valuable.
I was intimidated at first since it was mainly an Aston Martin dealer, but best dealer experience (for purchasing) I've had.
For test driving anything on the lot he literally will just give you the keys and say have fun... spoke to many other owners that had the same experience.

Purchasing and taking delivery was just as easy, no upsell of protection plans blah blah unless you ask what programs they offer.
I went in and paid with no nonsense, got some swag, and Dennis arranged transport to the PPF company of my choice.

Service though, let's just say as they sell more Emira's they will get more experience
Definitely not to the level of Galpin from what I'm reading.

 

[Beachbum]

You are very far away but...Galpin in Los Angeles (Van Nuys) completely reversed my assumption that the buying experience would be a terrible experience, it was the opposite. Test drove several times, no sales pressure, very easy paperwork, and Galpin gives you a 10 year warranty on top of the Lotus warranty with no exclusions on the warranty. Their techs in the service department are incredible too. Again, very far from you but just a data point that Emira ownership is 100% related to your dealership relationship - good luck and post some pics when you get her

10yrs !!! I'll sell mine and buy one through them, convert it to RHD, ship it to the UK and still save money

 

[JBravoM3]

I will second Denis over at Lotus of San Diego. Ordered mine after a great test drive last Jan and arrived late June. Really easy to deal with and as said above, not pushy. When the car arrived, had a little unveil (new experience for me which was cool), signed a few papers, paid the man, and then drove away a happy camper. I have yet to take mine in for oil and service but will soon and see how that experience goes as well.

 

[Chap944man]

Good notes, all. Thank you. I'm getting up to speed on some of the changes and options and ADAS gripes, etc. I will start local, towards the middle or end of this month and go from there.
Say the local inventory is not quite matching my personal spec list, and/or I don't want to wait 6 months - to what degree could I expect a local dealer to cast a net and identify the right vehicle somewhere else? Outside of getting familiar with market conditions, is this my leg-work or would it be worth asking the local rep to find one?

Side question - does it help or hurt to pull up in a Maserati? Even though they depreciate so fast as to be worth less than a used H*nda Civic these days!

 

[Chap944man]

Oh, and book it or just show up? Better day/time?
(sorry, over-thinking it all)

 

[grezex]

If going to San Diego Lotus, probably good to call/email to schedule so you're given the proper time.
They're not a large high volume dealership, I think it's just two sales folks (?), I'd ask for Dennis anyhow.
I'm not sure how these low volume network dealers work as in if they can make trades with others for the right spec, but I'm sure they can help you find the right one.
Of course if you locate your exact spec somewhere else, I'd just go for that as a purchase, but def use local dealer for test drive in general.

You're sort of overthinking, but I get it. A lot of higher end dealerships are on the pretentious side, Louts SD is not.
Unless you were thinking about trading in your Maserati for an appraisal, it doesn't matter what you roll in with, imo.