Boxster for a 111s?
Discussion
Guys,
I have a 97 boxster at the minute and am thinking of changing it.
I like the look of the new 111s as it has a bit more comfort then the standard model.
I would be very grateful for any pro's/con's of moving from the boxster to the elise, and of course any advice on buying one of these cars.
Thanks in advance.
John
I have a 97 boxster at the minute and am thinking of changing it.
I like the look of the new 111s as it has a bit more comfort then the standard model.
I would be very grateful for any pro's/con's of moving from the boxster to the elise, and of course any advice on buying one of these cars.
Thanks in advance.
John
I think it might depend on what you want to do with it. A good friend has an Elise and it's a great car but it is pretty basic. If it's just to be a high days and holidays sort of car then it'll probably be fine but my Boxster is positively practical compared to the Lotus. Just getting in and out of the Elise with the roof on is an art in itself. Probably best to go and drive one for as extended a test drive as you can get and form your own opinion.
John - I love the Elise - its a fine car. But think what you'll miss in the Boxster.
1) A roof that goes up and down in twelve seconds vs a roof that requires minutes of expert attention. Important in a downpour.
2) Enough luggage space not to need to make the wife rest your bags on her knees in the passenger seat.
3) A car made of metal. To which the paint sticks.
I could go on and on. And I'm not trying to paint a poor picture of the Elise as having driven a couple I think they're fantastic. Its just that you really, *really* have to want one to have it as an everyday car. Practical it is not.
Fuel consumption bloody marvellous though, by repute.
1) A roof that goes up and down in twelve seconds vs a roof that requires minutes of expert attention. Important in a downpour.
2) Enough luggage space not to need to make the wife rest your bags on her knees in the passenger seat.
3) A car made of metal. To which the paint sticks.
I could go on and on. And I'm not trying to paint a poor picture of the Elise as having driven a couple I think they're fantastic. Its just that you really, *really* have to want one to have it as an everyday car. Practical it is not.
Fuel consumption bloody marvellous though, by repute.
And now a comment from someone with an actual elise!
1) A roof that goes up and down in twelve seconds vs a roof that requires minutes of expert attention. Important in a downpour.
The new roof style takes about 30 seconds to put up, and if you can clamber around a bit you don't actually have to get out. Still a lot more work than pressing a button though. Makes me wonder why so many boxsters have the roofs up in nice weather - maybe says something about the owners and wanting to look after their hair cuts
2) Enough luggage space not to need to make the wife rest your bags on her knees in the passenger seat.
Not got a huge amount here, but if you pack in soft bags its reasonable. You won't be getting a suitcase in, but you can get a weeks shopping if it doesn't contain too many crates of beer/multipacks of toilet paper!
3) A car made of metal. To which the paint sticks.
Well that last comment is complete bollocks
There is one paint code that has a bit of trouble, but otherwise no known Elise paint problems that I've ever seen mentioned. Actually surprised anyone has formed this opinion as it must have started somewhere. Plenty of other things I'd complain about before that. As to the car being fibre glass vs metal, thats a bit of a silly complaint. The most performant cars in the world are never made out of steel. In terms of crash safety, the Elise has proven itself to be extremely robust and does include a properly mounted roll bar.
Drag racing wise, I think a Boxster S probably has the edge. Definitely will past 70mph or so. Dunno if that bothers you, or even if you have an S.
Just go for a test drive though and see what you think. I know people who use them every day and drive miles, but they are pretty dedicated. I use mine mostly on weekends (live in London) and its just about perfect for my needs.
Wouldn't mind more power, but isn't that always the way?
DanH said: I use mine mostly on weekends (live in London) and its just about perfect for my needs.
My point is made
Wouldn't mind more power, but isn't that always the way?
Of course. I bitch about how my BoxS should be as powerful as my Chimaera all the time. It isn't - and it doesn't stop me loving the car same as you (obviously) love your Lotus.
Now. With respect to the paint sticking. No it is not complete bollocks. I live with a Chimaera (GRP panels same as the Lotus) and my Boxster S. Have done for some years now. Sure the my last Porsche had stone chips - but NOTHING likie the Chimaera.
So now you're telling me Lotus have discovered some magic formula to make the paint stick OR your car doesn't do much mileage.
Lets not dress this up here, eh? Yes. THE PAINT DOES NOT STICK. And SO WHAT? You just get it sprayed every so often. Its not the end of the world...its certainly no reason not to choose the car. But it IS true!
>> Edited by Don on Tuesday 8th April 22:34
xsaravtr said: What is the paint code/colour that has problems sticking?
Its not particular paint. Its any paint at all. And its not a criticism of the damn car.
Its not even a criticism of the paint!
Its just that if you've seen the stone chips on a GRP car vs the stone chips on a aluminium panel in about the same time its seems quite obvious (to me at least) that one is somewhat more glued together than the other!
You framed it as a criticism of the Elise rather than a general opinion re: GRP panelled cars, which was why I objected. Now that you've clarified I agree with you. Paint on GRP needs to be more elastic since the panels flex more, this sadly compromises its ability to resist stone chip somewhat.
Still if it worries you that much I think its safe to assume we have different priorities
As a bit of an aside, my car has armorfend which appears to be working a treat. I didn't buy the car from new, so the previous owner fitted it, but I think if I were to buy a new car I'd get it done again.
Still want more power
Debating whether to go for a turbo technics conversion or wait for whatever lotus has on the cards (probably v6 powered).
DanH said: Still if it worries you that much I think its safe to assume we have different priorities
Actually I suspect we're in violent agreement.
My point was generally you have to budget in the odd touch up into the ownership experience of any GRP car. Can you see the edges of the Armourfend? Considering this for the Chim once its been tidied up....
Still need more power.
Always.
Still want more power
Went down the TT route myself, but there are now the Honda and Audi 225TT conversions available, box with 6 speed boxes.
There is a an ongoing debate between TT and Honda conversions on the SELOC, www.seloc.org, General chat board that makes some interesting points.
As for stone chips, bahh
, as you have stated, GRP panels require show some elasticity, so the under coat is a gel based, therefore the top coats are never going to be as hard as paint on metal, therefore more prone to chips as the stones can literally embed themselves due to the relative softness of the paint. I should know, as much as I like my black paint work, its the worst colour going for showing stone chips!!!
PC
Test drive an S2000, its a decent compromise between the greater refinement of the Boxster and rawness of the Elise. It is the same price as the 111s, but you will be able to get about £1000 off
of you negitiate hard (dealer margin is 5.5% on an S2000)
Oh and those Elise owners that dont have a problem with the paint bubbling and falling off are lucky. I know two Elise S2 owners and both have had bubbles appear under the paint and the
paint peel off.
of you negitiate hard (dealer margin is 5.5% on an S2000)
Oh and those Elise owners that dont have a problem with the paint bubbling and falling off are lucky. I know two Elise S2 owners and both have had bubbles appear under the paint and the
paint peel off.
douglasr said: Test drive an S2000, its a decent compromise between the greater refinement of the Boxster and rawness of the Elise. It is the same price as the 111s, but you will be able to get about £1000 off
of you negitiate hard (dealer margin is 5.5% on an S2000)
Thought that you could do very well on an imported s2000, 24k?
?? CH
Can you see the edges of the Armourfend? Considering this for the Chim once its been tidied up....
Yes, but :
a) not unless you are standing very close (i.e. a few feet).
b) it doesn't actually look that bad. Especially vs the alternative.
c) make sure you don't get polish caught along the edge. i.e. polish away from the seam not into it.
I'd be a tad more concerned with a chimp as the S2 Elise has a somewhat 'faceted' front that makes it easy to hide the joins along the panel gaps. The chimp might be harder - definitely have a look at someone else first I suggest. Convinced my mate to have it done to his noble though and he's pleased. Also there is someone who does the 3M film for less than armorfend which might be worth investigating. Forgotten who does it, but seeing as my armorfend cost 1200 quid or so, it might be worth digging up as I recall it being half that!
As to the other comment about paint bubbling, yeah its a hand built sports car. You are bound to get the odd niggle, but paint bubbling is uncommon and as I said only heard of issues with gunmetal myself. Glad I got my car a year old though, as it saved me doing any bedding in.
1) A roof that goes up and down in twelve seconds vs a roof that requires minutes of expert attention. Important in a downpour.
The new roof style takes about 30 seconds to put up, and if you can clamber around a bit you don't actually have to get out. Still a lot more work than pressing a button though. Makes me wonder why so many boxsters have the roofs up in nice weather - maybe says something about the owners and wanting to look after their hair cuts
MANS CAR - HAIRDRESSERS CAR
2) Enough luggage space not to need to make the wife rest your bags on her knees in the passenger seat.
I have a better idea bags in boot and on passenger seat little cute girlfriend on your lap or wifes at home
They are both good cars for similar reasons their individual touches seperate them just choose what you like best
>> Edited by hungryjim on Thursday 10th April 19:42
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