A&Q about Lotus
Q:
OK. I need a new car. I am looking at the porsche boxster, mx5 miata, and lotus elise. ALL new.
I really have fallen in love with the lotus, but reading the maintenance forum, it sounds like there are SO many problems. I mean, every poster on the sticky about problems with elise had a problem. Doors coming unglued, tail lights unplugged, speakers falling off, spider webs in headlights, alarm going off in rain???
I just want to say that I am a true driver. In it for the thrill and love of the road. Luxury means nothing to me. If I want luxury I'll jack off on my leather sofa set.
My honest question to you all is, in your opinions, do all these reliability problems the lotus elise has make it worth it to you? Do the negative aspects outdo the positive?
And of course, if any of you have any positive stories that might reassure me that the elise isn't so bad in terms of reliability, please share. Thanks!
A:
What reliability issues?
Seriously.
These are hand built cars which makes them 'special' in their own way.
The important bits (engine, drivetrain, suspension, chassis) are ROCK solid.
If you are a true driver, you'll find it in your heart to forgive the little Lotus rattles, creaks and groans.
YMMV. My 2 cents.
A:
Originally Posted by Andrikos
What reliability issues?
Seriously.
These are hand built cars which makes them 'special' in their own way.
The important bits (engine, drivetrain, suspension, chassis) are ROCK solid.
If you are a true driver, you'll find it in your heart to forgive the little Lotus rattles, creaks and groans.
YMMV. My 2 cents.
Maybe you're right. That seemed to be what everyone else did in that thread.
I didn't see one engine complaint.
A:
Originally Posted by Bavarian Motorist
OK. I need a new car. I am looking at the porsche boxster, mx5 miata, and lotus elise. ALL new.
I really have fallen in love with the lotus, but reading the maintenance forum, it sounds like there are SO many problems. I mean, every poster on the sticky about problems with elise had a problem. Doors coming unglued, tail lights unplugged, speakers falling off, spider webs in headlights, alarm going off in rain???
I just want to say that I am a true driver. In it for the thrill and love of the road. Luxury means nothing to me. If I want luxury I'll jack off on my leather sofa set.
My honest question to you all is, in your opinions, do all these reliability problems the lotus elise has make it worth it to you? Do the negative aspects outdo the positive?
And of course, if any of you have any positive stories that might reassure me that the elise isn't so bad in terms of reliability, please share. Thanks!
You walk out to your Lotus and you stare at it.
It is the coolest sports car on the planet and drives (now hear me) LIKE NO OTHER.
Worth it? Oh absolutely yes.
P.S. Toyota engine. Easy to fix. We have very few problems...we just love to mention the ones we do get here.
If you're in L.A you can see mine anytime.
A:
Lets put it this way, much more thought and effort went into the chassis and how the car is going to handle at high speeds on a track than went into things like does the AC keep you cold and is there a place to put my sunglasses, or can my golf clubs fit in the boot.
It is a high performance driving machine, period. Any place where lightness could be gained by deleting a creature comfort was seriously considered by the designers. At one point the designers were arguing over whether or not they could use a thinner glass in the wind screen to save weight.
The cars utilize an extremely reliable Toyota drive train that also gets great gas mileage. As far as knobs falling off, trim coming loose , a rattle or squeak here or there, well if those things bug you this is not your car. This car is not about how well the top keeps the rain out it is about powering into a corner at speeds that would make most drivers turn pale and scream like a little girl
This car is not in the Porsche sports car realm really in my opion, Porsche's normal consumer cars are all about German perfection, fit and finish, driver comfort, image and also good performance to boot. Lotus has always been about speed through light weight and winning races. It is a bugs in your teeth kind of car, not for the light hearted or the I wanna look cool kind of people. That is why you will see a fair amount of them with low milage for sale, many people just don't know what the car is all about, they think it looks cool and will get them attention, so they want one, WRONG reason to buy a Lotus !
To sum it up the 2 main designers of this car are Ducati enthusiasts and many of their main aims were to make a car experience that was much like driving and owning a Ducati. It is a lot like owning /driving a high performance motorcycle
A:
If you're worried about petty things:
1. my front passenger louver piece is lose
2. third gear feels gummy unless the shift is perfect (sometimes it wants to grind)
3. my headlights are already exhibiting sunburn and the car is garaged
4. my windows had to be adjusted
5. my driver's window recently fell off the track after said adjustment
6. my shifter squeaks (sounds like a mouse)
7. the battery leaks
To be honest, I took my ride in to have most of those nuisances fixed yesterday,
but only after the driver's window fell off the track and was preventing me from driving.
Otherwise, it's a Lotus; it's meant for driving, not lasting
A:
I know it is for me. That is not the question, but this is going to be my primary car, and I don't want the top to leak or windows to not roll up. It's not like, "omg, the top doesn't keep me warm enough in the winter months!" It's like, "is this going to even function as a car?" I expect minimal practicality but maximum functionality. To give you a better idea, I intentionally do not want the touring pack or limited slip because they are unnecessary and add weight.
So maybe if someone can talk about their experiences with those problems. Was it hard to get those fixed? Are those covered under warranty, and is lotus helpful generally?
I am looking for reassurance as to why I should get this car. Don't think I am against it. I have fallen in love with the car. Just need some honest opinions.
Thanks for the replies everyone
EDIT: You can rent one from budget?? Thought you had to go to a specialty rental place for that, that rents exotics.
A:
Originally Posted by delise
To sum it up the 2 main designers of this car are Ducati enthusiasts and many of their main aims were to make a car experience that was much like driving and owning a Ducati. It is a lot like owning /driving a high performance motorcycle
I didn't know that. My toy before the Elise was a 748, and while I absolutely loved the Duc I have often said that I believed the Elise attained it's design intent to a higher level of perfection than the Ducati Superbikes.
I agree with renting one, but I 'd also add that this car requires a bit more involvement in it's care and use than most cars. However, it's more than worth it.
A:
There seem to be plenty of little issues going around. My only one so far has been a lost screw in the passenger-side, forward, side window guide. It rattled until I figured it out and replaced the screw with a drop of locktite. No other issues for me.
The common issues more often than not have solutions already posted somewhere on this website, and are rarely anything terribly troubling.
Plenty of people seem to put their cars up for sale before very long, but I attribute that to buying for the wrong reasons in the first place. I havn't heard of anybody selling because of one or two little problems. So my answer is NO the negative aspects DO NOT outdo the positive.
xtn
A:
You need to watch this video.
A:
Originally Posted by Bavarian Motorist
I know it is for me. That is not the question, but this is going to be my primary car, and I don't want the top to leak or windows to not roll up. It's not like, "omg, the top doesn't keep me warm enough in the winter months!" It's like, "is this going to even function as a car?" I expect minimal practicality but maximum functionality. To give you a better idea, I intentionally do not want the touring pack or limited slip because they are unnecessary and add weight.
So maybe if someone can talk about their experiences with those problems. Was it hard to get those fixed? Are those covered under warranty, and is lotus helpful generally?
I am looking for reassurance as to why I should get this car. Don't think I am against it. I have fallen in love with the car. Just need some honest opinions.
Thanks for the replies everyone
EDIT: You can rent one from budget?? Thought you had to go to a specialty rental place for that, that rents exotics.
Yup you can rent them in major US cities at Budget and a place called Rent a vette. I use mine as a daily driver here in sunny So Cal, last month I got to drive in a torential downpour ( by LA standards HA ! ) and I had some minor drips run down the back of the passenger side window. Other than that it has been fine. Been on a few weekend jaunts 250 or so miles away with an overnight bag all went well. Several of us use these cars as around town and commuter vehicles and I think most of us are having a blast ! You can't really parallel park in the car ( well you can , all you want ) but need keep in mind it has no bumpers. One old lady using the braile method of parking and you got yourself a nice expensive fiberglass repair or clam replacement. Also steep driveways and ramps are an issue. We have had a few people realize that their home driveways won't allow an Elise without modification to the driveway.
I personally am having a blast with it as a daily driver, I get groceries, go on trips and to work daily. I rented one for a long weekend before I bought it and drove around San Diego doing daily chore kind of things. And LOVED it !
A:
Originally Posted by Bavarian Motorist
I know it is for me. That is not the question, but this is going to be my primary car, and I don't want the top to leak or windows to not roll up. It's not like, "omg, the top doesn't keep me warm enough in the winter months!" It's like, "is this going to even function as a car?" I expect minimal practicality but maximum functionality. To give you a better idea, I intentionally do not want the touring pack or limited slip because they are unnecessary and add weight.
So maybe if someone can talk about their experiences with those problems. Was it hard to get those fixed? Are those covered under warranty, and is lotus helpful generally?
I am looking for reassurance as to why I should get this car. Don't think I am against it. I have fallen in love with the car. Just need some honest opinions.
Thanks for the replies everyone
EDIT: You can rent one from budget?? Thought you had to go to a specialty rental place for that, that rents exotics.
Unfortunately, only you really know what you can/can't live with as far as the fit and finish issues are concerned. Warranty seems to cover most of the major issues. As far as the leaks into the car go, I think it would be very difficult to get it airtight and not experience some sort of incoming water. Keep in mind, the factory owner's manual describe's the washing procedure and pre-warns of imminent intrusion of H20.
A:
If the Elise is going to be your primary vehicle, a recommendation would be dependent on where you live. If you live in the snow belt or anywhere the climate is extreme, I'd say don't do an Elise as a daily driver. The Elise was specifically designed as a "weekend toy"; although many are using their cars daily, it's almost unreasonable to expect daily practicality.
As others have said, many of the issues folks encounter with the Elise are pretty minor. Given the hand-built, exotic nature of the car, the Elise has very good reliability and extremely low ownership costs. Once the car's out of warranty though, things might get a little pricey -- something to think about if you're going to put loads of miles on it...
If you can, a rental Elise would be the best way to see if you could live with the Elise every day. Pay close attention to entry/exit, parking, and driving in traffic, as these are some of the major criticisms of the car. Take a trip with the car, if the mileage doesn't cost too much.
I could go on and on. If you get one, enjoy it - the Elise is one heckuva car!
A:
The problems I've experienced (windows didn't roll up all the way, loose front wheel well liner, broken clutch switch (ie. a safety device on Canadian cars which requires you to depress the clutch to start the car) were all fixed very quickly by the dealer under warranty. None of them bothered me too much. In fact I enjoyed having an excuse to go to the dealer to chat to them about the cars they have in stock, when they're getting the Exige S, the next track day they're sponsoring etc. There's a whole side of owning an Elise/Exige that I haven't experienced before with any other car. If there is a small problem there's a good community of folks to help you deal with it.
A:
Originally Posted by Bavarian Motorist
If I want luxury I'll jack off on my leather sofa set.
I think you should do this in a Bimmer.
A:
If you go to any forum and look in the maintenance threads that is all you are going to see....issues. The majority of owners here have very little complaints about this car, from what I can see, and that is why I bought one.
First of all, IMHO kick the Miata thing to the curb. I know that a lot of people here like them for the track....whatever, the truth is that all of thier friends make fun of them behind thier backs and call them girl cars, the same goes for the Z3, and the 3 series convertibles just in case you were thinking about one of those!!!
The Boxster, a great car. Very little issues with it mechanically. Especially if you are going to be buying a new one. But you have to ask yourself, How many do you see out on the roads every day....and the answer...WAY TOO MANY!!!!!
If you want an individualistic, kick A$$, car that can be used on the street and track, that no one has, and is a blast to drive, not to mension the bullet proof drive train, suspension, and brakes. Then the Lotus is for you. However, don't forget, this is not a comfortable car for all. It is small and hard to get in and out of, but once your in, you don't want to get out!!!!!
Good luck, and what ever you do don't buy a MIATA!!!!!!!
A:
The minor issues I have had with my 2005 Elise are similar to the issues I had with my 2002 BMW M3 (I had the door seal replaced 3 times), basically fit and finish items only. This wouldn't be a concern for me based on my experience.
Absolutely it is the purist driving experience I have ever had. I was also in the market for a new Miata (I have been a Miata guy for years, sorry ExPorscheDude) and after driving the Elise, I knew that it would be nothing else but an Elise.
Primary car or only car? I have to admit that it would be very difficult for the Elise to be my ONLY car (I have a Truck and three Miatas - one to race, one to autox and one for the street and my wife has a Honda Accord). They are just difficult to live with on a daily basis (limited cargo room, entry / exit is tight, small car in big traffic, don't like leaving it parked in public too long, can't take light bumps front / rear, etc.).
But knowing all of this, you'll never be disappointed when you are inside the car... especially at about 7k rpm in the twisties...
A:
Lol, actually I totaled my 3 series convertible 2 weeks ago. Reason for needing a new car. Definitely wasn't the car for me.
The miata may seem like a girl car to ignorant people but it's truly a good car.
And yes, where I live, everyone has a boxster.
I think I do want the lotus. I just hope the problems remain to a minimum...
Now my concern is that it is going to be my primary vehicle, and I am buying it and going to use it for this winter..(unfortunately) and I don't want to ruin it.
Blah. I don't know. I guess that being the type of driver I am, it really does fit me. I love the fact that its unique.
Well, I will have to install an aftermarket cruise control because I go to college in Albany and come home to NYC area Thursdays. (150 mile trip)
Is it hard to go over speed bumps? I really don't want to own the car going over a speed bump.
A:
Daily driver in Albany might be tough with the snow/ice/salt. There have been threads on winter driving this car. You might want to do some searching of the threads posted on this.
A:
Reliability problems are usually minor. However, the Elise is a fragile car and minor bumps that would just scratch the paint on most cars can cost thousands to replace on the Elise. The low height is an issue when parallel parking since the Elise isn't really visible in the rear view mirror of the guy in front of you.
Speed bumps. Depending on the speed bump. I take some relatively flat and long speed bumps are normal speed 25-35mph with no problem. However tall speed bumps can be a problem.
If you really want an Elise, don't compromise and get one. Then, buy a really cheap $5K to $10K beater car that you won't really care what happens to and haul stuff in.