considering purchase of 111s...
Discussion
Hi,
I've currently got a 3.2 Carrera, but am thinking of changing this to a new car as age related problems are causing the car to be off the road more than I would like, given that it is also my only car.
Is the Elise 111s a usable everyday car (with a hard top) and are there any problems (other than getting in and out) that mean it isn't a good every day car? I have a test drive of one this weekend and would like to have some idea of things to look out for.
Thanks,
Dom
I've currently got a 3.2 Carrera, but am thinking of changing this to a new car as age related problems are causing the car to be off the road more than I would like, given that it is also my only car.
Is the Elise 111s a usable everyday car (with a hard top) and are there any problems (other than getting in and out) that mean it isn't a good every day car? I have a test drive of one this weekend and would like to have some idea of things to look out for.
Thanks,
Dom
It's absolutely fine for every day use, I've used my 111S every day, all seasons for the last 20 months and it's never let me down.
For me, the performance of the 111S is plenty. But then I've never owned a more powerful car. I think coming from a Porsche you will find the foibles of the Elise rather hard to swallow on a day-to day basis. Be prepared for all sorts of strange noises, not all of them intentional. The ride can be very harsh and clattery and I've even found myself wishing I had carpets!
If you're prepared to accept all these things (and the occasional indoor puddle of rainwater) as the true joys of owning a Lotus, and you're not an engine size snob then I think you will be very happy. Running costs and maintenance will probably allow your wallet to breathe a sigh of relief after coping with Porsche. See my car diary for an idea of what to expect.
For me, the performance of the 111S is plenty. But then I've never owned a more powerful car. I think coming from a Porsche you will find the foibles of the Elise rather hard to swallow on a day-to day basis. Be prepared for all sorts of strange noises, not all of them intentional. The ride can be very harsh and clattery and I've even found myself wishing I had carpets!
If you're prepared to accept all these things (and the occasional indoor puddle of rainwater) as the true joys of owning a Lotus, and you're not an engine size snob then I think you will be very happy. Running costs and maintenance will probably allow your wallet to breathe a sigh of relief after coping with Porsche. See my car diary for an idea of what to expect.
Cheers, Bonce. After looking at your profile, I suppose that I should mention that I was thinking of an S2 Elise, rather than an S1. Have you driven both? I understand that these (S2) cars have carpet, which I would probably specify, despite the weight gains. Don't think that air-con is worth the expense/weight though.
Yes, it occurred to me after I posted that you probably meant an S2. I haven't driven an S2, but from what I've experienced of them, they're very much more comfortable and better put together.
Most of what I said about the S1 will still apply to the S2 though, just to a lesser degree....
Wet carpets are more of a problem than wet aluminium. Bits fall off and strange noises haunt their owners. I think the test drive will be a telling experience, try and drive a used one as well as a brand new one to get the full picture. You'll soon know whether you're in love with the Elise or not!
Most of what I said about the S1 will still apply to the S2 though, just to a lesser degree....
Wet carpets are more of a problem than wet aluminium. Bits fall off and strange noises haunt their owners. I think the test drive will be a telling experience, try and drive a used one as well as a brand new one to get the full picture. You'll soon know whether you're in love with the Elise or not!
Thanks.
I used to own a 90s Lotus Elan, so I am not unfamiliar with the charms of Lotus; but if I bought a new one with a hard top, I would be mighty pi$$ed if it leaked. I can live with some road and wind noise, just not mopping my interior whenever it decides to rain. I must be getting old, or just even more intolerant of problems with my only everyday car..
Dom
I used to own a 90s Lotus Elan, so I am not unfamiliar with the charms of Lotus; but if I bought a new one with a hard top, I would be mighty pi$$ed if it leaked. I can live with some road and wind noise, just not mopping my interior whenever it decides to rain. I must be getting old, or just even more intolerant of problems with my only everyday car..
Dom
I've been using a S2 111s as an every day car for the past 3 weeks - just hit 1000 miles and had service today. Performance is amazing. I have a hard top on order, but have been driving around ok with the soft top - there was a small leak in heavy rain when going left (only a couple of drops) but this should have now been sorted.
Before buying I considered alternatives including a 2 year old TVR Tuscan & a 3 year old BMW M3, but the elise won on costs - plus I could get it brand new.
The only slightly annoying thing is getting in and out, plus all buses (such as MPV's) seem to think that as they can see over me, they can drive inches from the rear bumper - and MPV's are a frightening sight when you're sat a few inches off the road - even a new 'Mini' is daunting.
Before buying I considered alternatives including a 2 year old TVR Tuscan & a 3 year old BMW M3, but the elise won on costs - plus I could get it brand new.
The only slightly annoying thing is getting in and out, plus all buses (such as MPV's) seem to think that as they can see over me, they can drive inches from the rear bumper - and MPV's are a frightening sight when you're sat a few inches off the road - even a new 'Mini' is daunting.
I use my S2 every day for work. Do around 30K miles a year in it. Its got the new style short roof which has never leaked. I have carpets, lumbar support etc etc...every option except aircon (which weighs 15kg)The seats are comfy enough for 4-5 hours at a stretch, fuel economy is excellent on the motorway (40mpg+) on B roads its a different matter of course :-) Had no reliability issues, and the only thing I changed inside was to fit a decent stereo to cure the motorway boredom.
cheers
bogie
cheers
bogie
dom_911 said: Over a grand for the hard-top is a bit of a joke.
Purchase and register your new Elise between 1 January and 28 February 2003 and receive a free Hard Top worth £1295.00*. Full terms and conditions apply. Click here for further details.
From www.lotuscars.co.uk - That means its free mate!
I'm a little low on faith on that RR too, still who cares!
Dom definitely test the Elise, you are going to find it lacking in top end grunt coming from a 911. Having said that on the right roads its brilliant and more than fast enough. Not sure an Elise would be my first choice if doing loads of motorway miles, but see for yourself as people like Bogie certainly rack em up and seem quite happy. Bogie does walk with a stoop now though
The S2 doesn't really rattle etc if thats a concern.
Also did a test against a 111s the other day where we both accelerated flat out up a road (him in front), and the 111s put about 5 metres on me upto about 65, so its not a huge difference at lower speeds. Probably comes into its own more at higher speeds. The other driver was in an unmodded 111s vs my airbox+exhaust modded standard S2 and it won't have been his driving making the gap look small (he's Welsh for those who will know who I mean).
On the aircon front, get it if you are going to be stuck in London traffic and you won't miss the money too much. The cars fine when its moving, but at a standstill, on a hot day the heatsoak can be pretty notieable. Especially if its raining so your windows are shut, but its still warm. The S2 fan/heater is a bit of a joke
>> Edited by DanH on Monday 3rd February 02:14
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