I thought you were all mad
Discussion
And then it happened, took a test drive in a 111R yesterday.
Massive thanks to the guy that took me out, a complete lunatic who egged me on to drive more and more 'enthusiatically'. Twisting country roads with cambers, long fast straights, very light traffic, sun shining. Im not gonna name the dealership as that would be unfair, but what an intro to the Elise.
Ive read all the reviews, but to actually feel the slick gear shift and the steering wheel communicate the torque/road surface/the tiny losses of grip of the rears as it skipped over the road. Just the whole mechanical experience of driving the Elise, WOW.
The reviews dont do it justice.
Although driven a few, (including recently a boxster) the only mid engined 2 seater Ive actually owned was a mk2 MR2, (back when it was a more a poor mans Fezza then a hairdressers car), that would punish ya more than a night out with Max Mosely. I couldnt believe the difference.
I think I've found my crack pipe. I know you all know this because you drive em daily, but thought I'd reassure you all that your not crazy. And also to say hello to everyone on the formus, I'll be joining the Lotus Family very soon....
Only problem now is that rather buying a 111s straight away, Im gonna grit my teeth and wait 2 months to raise finances for a 111r. The power band is just so addictive. As much as I love my Cooper S, after yesterday, its soooooo getting sold next month!
Just one silly question, despite searching the forums, can you tell me the proper way to get into one with the roof on, Im 6ft and 14st, and look like a wally falling into it!
Massive thanks to the guy that took me out, a complete lunatic who egged me on to drive more and more 'enthusiatically'. Twisting country roads with cambers, long fast straights, very light traffic, sun shining. Im not gonna name the dealership as that would be unfair, but what an intro to the Elise.
Ive read all the reviews, but to actually feel the slick gear shift and the steering wheel communicate the torque/road surface/the tiny losses of grip of the rears as it skipped over the road. Just the whole mechanical experience of driving the Elise, WOW.
The reviews dont do it justice.
Although driven a few, (including recently a boxster) the only mid engined 2 seater Ive actually owned was a mk2 MR2, (back when it was a more a poor mans Fezza then a hairdressers car), that would punish ya more than a night out with Max Mosely. I couldnt believe the difference.
I think I've found my crack pipe. I know you all know this because you drive em daily, but thought I'd reassure you all that your not crazy. And also to say hello to everyone on the formus, I'll be joining the Lotus Family very soon....
Only problem now is that rather buying a 111s straight away, Im gonna grit my teeth and wait 2 months to raise finances for a 111r. The power band is just so addictive. As much as I love my Cooper S, after yesterday, its soooooo getting sold next month!
Just one silly question, despite searching the forums, can you tell me the proper way to get into one with the roof on, Im 6ft and 14st, and look like a wally falling into it!
NathanE said:
I find it easier getting in with the roof on than off - strangely 
I am with you on that one. If you step in with the roof off then its hard to lower your body down so you inevitably end up getting in the same way as you would with the roof on.Glad you enjoyed your experience. You wont regret an R, its a smile machine. Just be aware that nearly everything you drive from now on will feel totally inadequate.
Left foot on to the alu plate cross member - don't put it on the carpet, it often pulls the studs out and then you have to wait for the epoxy to cure for 24 hours 
It gets easy with practise, trust me, I'm 6ft 4". Once you've done it a few times, you can make it look effortless - unless of course you happen to take your GF out for a drive, then swap over and let her drive, then you look like a complete gimp because you've only ever once before got in/out the passenger side of an Elise.
It gets easy with practise, trust me, I'm 6ft 4". Once you've done it a few times, you can make it look effortless - unless of course you happen to take your GF out for a drive, then swap over and let her drive, then you look like a complete gimp because you've only ever once before got in/out the passenger side of an Elise.LivinLaVidaLotus said:
Left foot on to the alu plate cross member - don't put it on the carpet, it often pulls the studs out and then you have to wait for the epoxy to cure for 24 hours It gets easy with practise, trust me, I'm 6ft 4". Once you've done it a few times, you can make it look effortless - unless of course you happen to take your GF out for a drive, then swap over and let her drive, then you look like a complete gimp because you've only ever once before got in/out the passenger side of an Elise.
Ha ha! Yeah getting in and out the passenger side is alot harder! Though what you doing letting the Mrs drive! :O It gets easy with practise, trust me, I'm 6ft 4". Once you've done it a few times, you can make it look effortless - unless of course you happen to take your GF out for a drive, then swap over and let her drive, then you look like a complete gimp because you've only ever once before got in/out the passenger side of an Elise.
GhostDriver said:
Thanking you all for the advice, only problem now is Im wishing my life away for the couple of months till I can afford one, time is going so slooooow
think yourself lucky, from the first time I saw one I knew I wanted one, It took me 2 years to save up bit by bit... now that was sloooooooooow ! Gassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff