A&Q about Lotus
Q:
I have never been able to hold onto a car more then a year or two but my 2002 s2k has proved that wrong. This has been the longest I have ever owned a car and have to admit I love my Honda..... but the time has about come to make a change. I believe the LOTUS Elise maybe for me...I am going to test drive the Lotue Elise hopefully soon. I don't know to much about the car accept what I have read in the car trade mags and some articles online. I figured this maybe a great place to start....... Let me apoligze for my first post adding not a lot of value and asking a BIG question here. I am eager to hear from this group. I am aware the Elise is small, fast, hadles great, aware of its performance numbers, know its a raw sportscar (in a good way), not many bells and wistles inside etc... but have no idea about the cars overall level of quality. (my honda has 50K miles and some track time and never had an issue with anything) I know the engine is tried and true, has a great reputation etc. but do not know about the Elise as a whole accept knowing prior that early years of Lotus had some issues. I would like to ask what to watch out for when buying an 05 Lotus Elise, pro's and con's about the car (mainly it's mechanics or problem areas if any). Finally what does service look like and is it hard to get in the Boston area? Also I know it is a heck of a track car but hope to find one that has not been tracked if thats possible. I want to sell my 2002 Honda (slighly modded) S2K for roughly 20K and then cough up another 15-17K or so and get a used low like 2005....Finally this is a summer nice weather car for me will be driven 10K miles a year or so...... Thanks again....
OK here goes, anyone willing to take me out in there lotus? (Ma/NH/RI area...)
A:
I came off of 5 years of NSX ownership. I bought a new 01 NSX and was always thrilled to excellent build quality and reliability. Comfort and storage was also good. And, of course the NSX handles very well and makes that intoxicating induction sound behind your head.
The Elsie does not have the same build quality, will have issues that you need to sort out, and when trim and bolts fall off, you glue or tighten them back on.. and don't get too excited. It's also noise, bumpy, very tight, hard to get in/out of, etc. I can only store my gym bag in the 'trunk'. It has no glove box, map pockets, or cupholders.
So why am I driving the hell out of it, while the NSX was a garage queen? Because it's fun Fun FUN!! Nothing feels like it, nothing looks like it, nothing drives like it. It isn't for everyone, but I'm enjoying the hell out of it.
For me, it's a toy that I play with. It's not a car that I need. I feel like I'm a kid again with my go-cart. Instead of ibeing wow'd by mpeccable build quality, I'm amazed at how it goes around corners.
The only way to tell if it's for you is to experience one.
Another important piece of advice: Ask yourself why you want an Elise. If you get one for the right reasons and know what to expect, you'll probably keep it for a long time.
If you get one because you want a flashy exotic to impress your friends, that you apply 50 coats of Zaino to, and obcess over the slightest smudge. Or if you want a grand touring car that you and the wife can tour the countryside in and take on vacation, then you probably will sell it in a short time.
YMMV
MikeC
A:
This thread may be of interest...
A:
You know, you should be able to rent an Elise from places like budget shortly.
I've never driven an S2000 so I can't replace compare the two but the Elise's short wheelbase takes some getting use to. It can be darty.
A:
I echo these guys comments.
Build quality isn't close to the S2k (I had one). It's not a practical daily driver for EVERYONE (tho mine is). Parts do come loose, etc.
Reliability issues, some people have had a few probs, others major probs. But have to say both elises I've had have been problem free (my first one had 5k on it second one is at 4k right now). AND it really is a handbuilt car.
Fun factor is probably the overwhelming value on this car.
BUT, don't even consider this car if you only plan to keep a year, unless you're willing to take a HUGE loss on it. Tho buying used or a leftover 05 will alleviate a lot of that.
Take one for a test drive, that'll convince you one way or the other I think.
A:
I had not one but 2 S2ks and trust me the elise is much much better. When you drive it you forget about reliability, price etc. Just get it-you wont regret it. You will find out what a real sports car is all about