RE: PH Carpool: Lotus Elise

[kambites]

Sivraj said:

I really like these and they look like loads of fun but I've had lots of issues with the 'K' series Rover engine,(mainly cooling and cylinder head/ head gasket problems).
Have the units fitted to the Lotus been more reliable?
Did Lotus carry out any modifications to the engines before they were fitted to the Elise?

They tend to be slightly more reliable, not because the engines are better, but because Elise owners tend to look after their cars better than Rover 25 owners. Replacement bits have improved over the years too, so if the head gasket does go and you get it fixed right, it shouldn't go again if you don't abuse the engine.

Head gasket repair also gets complained about less in a relatively expensive car, because a 500 quid bill isn't very significant to the average Elise owners, but will sometimes write off an old Rover. Or to put it another way, if a potential 500 quid bill puts you off buying one, an Elise isn't the right car for you anyway.

Edited by kambites on Wednesday 22 June 13:01

[andy_s]

4+ years with my S2 111S and apart from the characterful indicator popping out thing, hassle free and first time starter. Great fun.

[Frimley111R]

You forgot to mention that people think it is an expensive sports car. People with VW Golf's that cost thousands more think you're the flash one!!!

[cullen]

Nice write up. I love my S1 Sport 135 infact it's the first car in many years that I have decided to keep hold of for more than a year! It's also been bloody reliable and is just such a hoot to drive even in the pissing rain! It would be nice if the roof was less hassle to remove but that's probably just because I came from an S2000/Z4.

[Lione1 Richie]

Still hanker after an S1, perhaps this winter.

Good write up and a great car.

[soad]

Sure looks great

[Mr E]

There's plastic in a S2?

[kambites]

Mr E said:

There's plastic in a S2?

I thought exactly the same bits were made of plastic, I must admit.

[zebedee]

Sivraj said:

I really like these and they look like loads of fun but I've had lots of issues with the 'K' series Rover engine,(mainly cooling and cylinder head/ head gasket problems).
Have the units fitted to the Lotus been more reliable?
Did Lotus carry out any modifications to the engines before they were fitted to the Elise?

Look after the engine, let it warm up, thermostat open, temp drops 4 degrees, climbs again, stabilises - now you can cane it, not before! Bit of mechanical sympathy goes a long way to longevity.

[gnm321]

looks great.

[davidpn]

I miss mine so much - many happy memories. Recently I have been thinking of buying a 'life car' (i.e. one that I will keep forever) and even though I have owned one before and there are so many new cars out there to try, this is one I keep coming back to, especially for the money. And it HAS to be an S1.

[griffo20022]

zebedee said:

Bit of mechanical sympathy goes a long way to longevity.

Believe in that VERY strongly myself, regardless of what car and how renowned it may be for reliability, they're always treated in the same manner!

Very good write up! I really enjoyed reading it! I used to HATE S1 Elises when they first came about, however over the past few years i've really grown to accept them and must admit that in black like yours, they look amazing!

[Rawwr]

kambites said:

Mr E said:

There's plastic in a S2?

I thought exactly the same bits were made of plastic, I must admit.

Mine was all covered in alcantara. It was like sitting inside the knee-high boot of an expensive hooker.

[zebedee]

griffo20022 said:

Believe in that VERY strongly myself, regardless of what car and how renowned it may be for reliability, they're always treated in the same manner!

Very good write up! I really enjoyed reading it! I used to HATE S1 Elises when they first came about, however over the past few years i've really grown to accept them and must admit that in black like yours, they look amazing!

why did you HATE them?! Strong word.

Mine is my LIFE car I believe, to answer someone else's post.

[kambites]

Rawwr said:

Mine was all covered in alcantara. It was like sitting inside the knee-high boot of an expensive hooker.

I bet it was plastic underneath, though, so probably a cheap hooker.

[300bhp/ton]

zebedee said:

griffo20022 said:

Believe in that VERY strongly myself, regardless of what car and how renowned it may be for reliability, they're always treated in the same manner!

Very good write up! I really enjoyed reading it! I used to HATE S1 Elises when they first came about, however over the past few years i've really grown to accept them and must admit that in black like yours, they look amazing!

why did you HATE them?! Strong word.

+1

Can't understand how people can claim to hate an object, let alone one that has done nothing to them.

[Blown2CV]

Could you use one as a daily driver, doing a fair amount of motorway miles or is it not comfy enough? What sort of realistic fuel consumption?

[Oddball RS]

300bhp/ton said:

zebedee said:

griffo20022 said:

Believe in that VERY strongly myself, regardless of what car and how renowned it may be for reliability, they're always treated in the same manner!

Very good write up! I really enjoyed reading it! I used to HATE S1 Elises when they first came about, however over the past few years i've really grown to accept them and must admit that in black like yours, they look amazing!

why did you HATE them?! Strong word.

+1

Can't understand how people can claim to hate an object, let alone one that has done nothing to them.

I hate tax demands, they are an object aren't they?

[pthelazyjourno]

Rawwr said:

Mine was all covered in alcantara. It was like sitting inside the knee-high boot of an expensive hooker.

Ha. I actually meant the plastic sill covers, the plastic bits at the front with the speakers in it, just lots of cheap shiny plastic that's just uncovered aluminium on the s1. I know you can get them covered in alcantara - and they look great then - but it's rare to see any cars with them already done. And the dash on later cars may be better quality, but just looks a lot more like other cars, loses some of the special feel IMO. Thanks again for all the kind words people, it really is my perfect car! And to the chap with the smart roadster, that was on my list previously, when I wanted something semi automatic. Lovely little cars!

[kambites]

Blown2CV said:

Could you use one as a daily driver, doing a fair amount of motorway miles or is it not comfy enough? What sort of realistic fuel consumption?

They're fairly comfortable - very well damped and the seats are quite supportive. However, it's damned noisy so ear-plugs are a must for long trips. S2s are slightly better, both in terms of apparent suspension compliance and noise levels, but I'd still use ear plugs for long trips.

I generally get between 40 and 45mpg on the motorway depending on speed.