A&Q about Lotus
Q:
Originally Posted by RegGuy
The car is louder with the top on than it is with the top off at least in the deep rumble sound region.
I agree with this. With the top on and windows up mine gets very loud inside at speeds around 5000RPM, probably due to some acoustical property of the cabin.
Get your lady to sit in it and ride in it, mine hates the seats.
This is another good point. The car is difficult to get in and out of, and even once you get the hang of it it's not a really graceful procedure. Also the passenger's side is slightly thinner than the driver's side and the passenger seat doesn't adjust at all. There have been stories around here of "either that car goes or I go" ultimatums from girlfriends and wives.
A:
Originally Posted by steidley
Thanks for the input. Sounds like the showercap is a good idea. I assume it is super quick on / off.
I use the Lotus OEM outdoor cover (covers the entire car) and it can be put on pretty quickly. I hook it under the front, make sure it's draped over both side mirrors, pull it over the back from behind, and then adjust its position at the wheels. I've never timed it but it probably takes a minute or so. I only bother to strap it under the car if I expect high winds. Removing it takes a little longer mainly because it involves stuffing it back in the bag.
A:
Since you have the Dodge as backup I say go for the Lotus - you won't be disappointed. I still maintain it would be trying at times if the Lotus was your only car. Also, heed the advice from RegGuy about getting your significant other to weigh in - if applicable. My girlfriend was cool about it at first because she knew I was excited about the car but that wore off and now she pretty much opts out if I plan to drive the lotus - not always but most of the time. It is harder to get out of the passenger side than the driver side in my opinion - no steering wheel to use as support and you should not expect the windshield or door to handle the weight of a person using it to help them get out.
The LA traffic issue is subjective - I personally prefer not to drive it in heavy traffic but as you can see many are not bothered by it at all.
Forget parrallel parking - too much risk of someone hitting front or back clam.
A:
I am thinking of buying ReVerie CF spark plug and intake covers for my Elise. Anybody have opinions on the issue. Good, bad, don't waste the money, go for it ??
A:
I purchased my 2005 from Sports and Specialist Cars which has been a great experience for me. I dealt with Ramsey. I don't know if he is still there. He was very nice to deal with.
I had a 944 turbo and my father had a 911 cabriolet. After driving the Elise, both cars feel like a cadillac in both creature features and handling. I thought that my 944 turbo was the best handling car I ever drove until I got my elise then the turbo felt almost sloppy. The Porsche was a very forgiving car to drive. One time the back of my 944T kicked out going around a bend at 130MPH and all I had to do was turn into the slide and there was no problem because of the 50-50 weight distribution. I have never lost the elise so I don't know if it would be as forgiving. You have a 911 so I don't think they are very forgiving either.
As far as options are concerned I would get the starshield for sure, touring pack,alpine stereo, hard top and stage II exhaust because the OEM exhaust note is too quiet for my taste.
I drive my elise every nice day that I don't have to carry anything bigger than my briefcase. I have an X-5 that I use every other day and that would be the vehicle I would take on vacation with my girlfriend because you can't fit much in the trunk or behind the seat. If you over pack the trunk you will probably remove one of the taillight wires that are taped to the rear clam.
I am 5'10" and 205 ( I'm not fat, I am just big boned )and the seats are comfortable to me, the 2006 seats are even more comfortable than mine.
I would definitely sell the 911 and buy the elise, I don't think you will have
any regrets especially since you have a 2nd car. Maybe you will regret having a working heating system or cold A/C but thats all.
Make sure that you drive the car like a motorcycle here in NJ and always be in the right lane around the friggin circles
Enjoy your new car when you get it
A:
I live in Hopewell, walking distance from Sports and Specialist, so...
I've never met Ramsey, but Paul and Ed are very pleasant to deal with and I enjoyed my slow slide into ownership at this dealer. Besides, you'll not find a nicer town to visit in NJ...if I say so myself.
A:
StarShield is a must.
I have the hard top. I never use it. The touring pack soft top is well insulated. It takes 45 seconds for either on or off. I'll toss it in the passenger seat for short drives because the trunk is the most awkward part.
The point is well taken that the hard top is much more expensive to buy after the fact, but in truth you'd never miss it, unless there's a track organization that requires it. The Porsche Club does, for example.