Missing My Car!

[KurtB]

Evening All,

This is a new phenomenon for me, and I’m only posting as I wonder if anyone else has felt similar, because what I’m about to say sounds a bit sad. 

I’ve owned my S1 Exige since 2011, and since then have maintained it myself, as close as is appropriate to the Lotus service schedule. In that time I’ve relied on a specialist for a geo, having the cambelt done at the same time. At that same point, they noted “the verniers are waaay out, it shouldn’t  even run, but obviously does so we just locked it all up, changed belts and prayed”. It ran, the geo was better and I drove away.

Later, it went to Emerald for a remap, I wanted the Scholar Evo II to be more driveable and less peaky. It was going fine until a CV boot let go onto the manifold, then WOOMPH! CV grease and a cherry red manifold equals instant fire! Put that out, returned after repairs (bought a cheap aftermarket weak CV boot, which was foolish), and went home again having not finished the mapping satisfactorily. Still, it’s still quite nippy.

After those incidences, it’s had tyres and further geometry checks done, but all the rest has been at my own hands. Servicing, component replacement, full suspension overhaul, brake and exhaust replacement, etc etc etc. 

On Friday I took it to our favourite specialist to do an engine service and the reason I’m posting this is:

 

I MISS MY CAR!!!!

 

I often say that it’s the fifth member of our family but I’m not going to see it for a week and it’s making my chest hurt! 

I imagine I’ll get some stick for this (not as much as in other forums I’d expect),  but am I alone in my phenomenan of petty grieving?? Has anyone else felt something similar? Go gentle....

[Rob999]

I can understand, having not seen my car since September 2016 memories are getting very hazy right now.

[Elisemadray]

1 hour ago, KurtB said:

Evening All,

This is a new phenomenon for me, and I’m only posting as I wonder if anyone else has felt similar, because what I’m about to say sounds a bit sad. 

I’ve owned my S1 Exige since 2011, and since then have maintained it myself, as close as is appropriate to the Lotus service schedule. In that time I’ve relied on a specialist for a geo, having the cambelt done at the same time. At that same point, they noted “the verniers are waaay out, it shouldn’t  even run, but obviously does so we just locked it all up, changed belts and prayed”. It ran, the geo was better and I drove away.

Later, it went to Emerald for a remap, I wanted the Scholar Evo II to be more driveable and less peaky. It was going fine until a CV boot let go onto the manifold, then WOOMPH! CV grease and a cherry red manifold equals instant fire! Put that out, returned after repairs (bought a cheap aftermarket weak CV boot, which was foolish), and went home again having not finished the mapping satisfactorily. Still, it’s still quite nippy.

After those incidences, it’s had tyres and further geometry checks done, but all the rest has been at my own hands. Servicing, component replacement, full suspension overhaul, brake and exhaust replacement, etc etc etc. 

On Friday I took it to our favourite specialist to do an engine service and the reason I’m posting this is:

 

I MISS MY CAR!!!!

 

I often say that it’s the fifth member of our family but I’m not going to see it for a week and it’s making my chest hurt! 

I imagine I’ll get some stick for this (not as much as in other forums I’d expect),  but am I alone in my phenomenan of petty grieving?? Has anyone else felt something similar? Go gentle....

Hey I unwrap my yellow fellow put him on the drive at the front because I miss seeing Him, then it makes me smile every time I catch a glimpse  and I go to the window to stare.

Lotus is a illness I think

[IAN G]

mines been on ramps with no exhaust now for over a week and have to say it dont feel right !! 😂😂😂😂😂

[DeanB]

When are you picking the old girl up?

I'm off work on Thursday and Friday and looking for excuses to get down to see the lad!  

[Christopher Lawless]

I know how you feel. 

This weekend was the first time I have driven the car properly since probably 2016 as I only did 260 miles last year. I was sooo close to saying "sod this I'm selling".

Glad I didn't as it was brilliant. I've missed that sort of fun! Actually made me smile and giggle driving around the peaks. Plus the attention I got driving through Nottingham on Friday at rush hour just made me laugh out loud. People wanting to chat at red lights, little kids shouting and waving as I drove past slowly.

I love that car! It's amazing! 

[KurtB]

Is that to me Dean? If so, I’ll pick it up on Saturday.

I’m glad it’s not just me fellas, thanks for understanding :-)

[DeanB]

2 hours ago, KurtB said:

Is that to me Dean? If so, I’ll pick it up on Saturday.

I’m glad it’s not just me fellas, thanks for understanding :-)

Yes it was Kurt. I might see what i can do on Saturday

[PJT]

When mine goes in, the garage have it usually from Saturday to Saturday. But this time with Snow and balls ups, they had it for a month. I found myself staring at the empty space in the garage. My son’s go kart actually ended up there as a symbol of a reminder.

 

One of the first things I do when returning from hols is to go and say hello.

 

Not saying it’s not sad Kurt, but your not alone

[collieek]

 

 

After being away for three weeks, within 30 mins of arriving home I have to go out into the garage too make sure they are still OK. 

[kayj_prod]

Totally understand where you're coming from Kurt. I got back to the UK for a few days a couple of weekends ago and couldn't wait to get into Lexi. 200 miles from Norfolk up to Lincolnshire and back was so great! Even the fact that it was torrential rain all the way back was fine. It just proved that Lexi will start after being out in the rain (unlike my S1), that the interior remains dry (unlike my S1), and that semi-slick tyres aren't so bad in wet conditions after all. 

Back in July and looking forward to racking up a few more miles for LiTP.

[KurtB]

I’m so glad I’m not alone in this! Thank you all for your support and an insight into your thoughts. 

I’ve been away on a family holiday, but today’s the day I get on that train to Burton to pick it up! To say I’m excited by that is an understatement, I’ve been awake for an hour already! I chatted with Gav yesterday to make sure all’s well, and we’re good to go. I’m very excited, time cannot pass quickly enough until I’m in it again. Oh, how I love my little Exige! 

[scatty]

Christ, imagine how Colin must feel.

 

gavs had his car in storage for 2 1/2 years now.