Interior Exterior
Q:
Folks,
Anyone out there with experience to evaluate the official Lotus waterproof car cover for the Elise/Exige, item #LOTAC05319, in regards to the following:
-- Overall quality of the product
-- How "waterproof" is this cover?
-- Does it breathe (or not) to let trapped moisture evaporate?
-- The outer shell sort of appears to be metallicized fabric. Is that correct?
-- Is the cover UV prooof for protecting the car's finish?
-- Is the cover lined with a soft fabric material to prevent or lessen scratches? If so, how well does this lining work?
-- Is an under-body tie-down cord included?
-- How well does this cover hold up to the ravages of time and the environment? In other words, does it only last six months and then falls apart or, is it durable?
-- Finally, is it worth the money?
Thanks in advance for any and all who can respond to my questions...
Regards,
Kevin
A:
How about a nice blue car cover from California Car Cover in Los Angeles? They had one for me -- very nice, keeps the car dry and safe, and lasts for a long long time...
And keeps the curious away from the car!
http://www.calcarcover.com/cover_main.aspx
A:
Python,
I have this cover; got it a few months ago. To answer your questions:
1. Quality is good. No obvious problems yet.
2. Extremely waterproof! I left the roof off my car with the cover on recently when an epic storm hit (the entire animal kingdom not just cats and dogs). Not a drop of water inside the car which is funny because I'm sure the soft-top would've allowed water in near the windows had the cover not been on.
3. I don't know how well it breathes but it is a very light fabric. Nothing in the car is hot when I take it off. Have not put it on a wet car so don't know about evaporation.
4. Yes, it is metallicized and very reflective. I figure this coupled with the fact it must breathe some is why the car doesn't get hot.
5. Don't know on the UV but given it's reflective nature, I'd say it does the job.
6. It is somewhat soft on the underside. I've certainly had covers that are much softer though. I don't think it's rough enough to scratch the car; plus, its elastic skirt grabs the car in starshield areas anyway.
7. It has a tie-down strap but the elastic fits so tight you don't need it. The afore mentioned storm had wind like a tropical depression and didn't budge it.
8. Haven't had it long enough to comment on longevity.
9. I think it is. Easy to put on and store, fits well, not bulky, keeps car cool and dry.
A:
Gents,
Thank you very much for the replies! Thalen, really appreciate the detailed responses to my questions. One follow-up though, is there a layer of fabric material on the underside of the cover or, is the cover "unlined"?
Regards,
Kevin
A:
I thought I'd bring your thread back...and what do you know...
They know about your Lotus car cover!
A:
No lining. I know a lot of folks prefer covers that are like quilts on the underside so you may be disappointed with this one. I can't imagine how any cover could truly scratch a car assuming it's not filthy so it doesn't bother me. I think that since it doesn't have a nap at all, it can't trap a pebble in the fabric unlike a cover with a "fuzzy" lining.
A:
Thalen (Eric),
Thank you for the additional info... Overall, this cover appears like what I've been looking for. Lotus dealer here in Tokyo wants to charge 51,324 Yen (110 Yen = $1.00) for the cover! Found a Lotus dealer in Newport Beach selling the same item for $193.29... Even with postage, quite a savings!
Cheers,
Kevin
A:
Got mine here: http://www.huntingridgemotors.com/parts.php
$166 plus shipping.