I just tried to order a set of the Lotus spec A048's 225-45-17 rears from TireRack on their website.

Five minutes later a salesperson called me and told me that they've been instructed to NOT sell to customers, only Lotus dealers - and that they couldn't sell me a set.

They also only had ONE "medium-hard" tire in stock. I had to settle for the "medium" configuration if I wanted a pair. Considering I only have about 20% life left on my rears (@ 5300 miles) and that I have 4 more track events and 3 more autocrosses for the year I had to bite the bullet. $236 EACH.

What REALLY sucks is that the medium tires are 24lbs. each... the Lotus spec are 21lbs. each. I just gained 6lbs.... GRRRR.

Son of a.... Might I ask why Tire Rack is going to bother sponsoring an enthusiast group they won't sell to??? ... Or does this site just have some sort of agreement with them …

This is very upsetting. I'm in need of new rubber on my rears and I refuse to go through the dealer to get them.

Have they given anyone a reason why they won't sell to any of you? If it's just due to temporary shortage at least there might be an end to the ridiculousness in site ... My advice, which is worth what you've paid for it...

Call your dealer. Be prepared to give them your VIN if they have to order them - they'll order them from TireRack, who offers a wholesale price to dealers, so they can charge roughly the same price you'd pay ordering them from TireRack directly.

If your dealer is trying to gouge you, find another dealer to give your business to.

I'd like to "have it my way" too but I'm also pragmatic enough to realize that I've got to be willing to "roll with the punches" a bit. It's a crappy situation, but not nearly as crappy as having a new car sitting in your garage on bald tires. Maybe that sort of political posturing is worth something to some folks but I'd prefer to be out driving my car. ... find another dealer to give your business to...
I just prefer not to deal at all with my dealer ... if I can help it. I have had a set of rear A048's on back order with Tire Rack for less than 2 weeks and I got a confirmation email saying they have shipped today! Same here, shipping confirmation received today.........they're not on lock-down. If you call them and give a Vin#, they will ship them if they have them. They seem to have some now. AO48 rears arrived from Tire Rack at my home today. There didn't seem to be a lockdown in my case.