Lotus Convertible Advice

[thetombraider]

Hello, I am looking at buying a Lotus with the view of using it semi regularly but mainly as a summer toy to get away. My main vehicle is a Land Rover Defender 90 which I love to pieces, but clearly doesn't offer that summer feeling from a roof down, sporty Lotus.

Which model should I look to buy/avoid, what are the the known problems, and are the running costs sensible? Anything else you think I should know would be much appreciated.

T

[thetombraider]

Approx £10k could stretch a bit further if there were no mechanical jobs needed doing.
I'm described Athletic Build, 5'8" or 172cm. So I'd definitely have no dramas fitting in.
It'll be used every other day, and now weekends it will need to do a few hundred miles on a motorway return trip.

[thetombraider]

Ok, are there any variants of the above mentioned I should avoid due to known problems? Or is owning a Lotus stress free?

Also, not a great fan of the look of the Elan, but quite like both Exige/Elise models

Edited by thetombraider on Sunday 12th April 17:38

[thetombraider]

I agree, its not loads to work with. I've been looking online and there are plenty for <£15k, I'm not afraid of milage as I know that good servicing can make an engine run a lot longer than poor management. I'm pretty much set on the idea of a Lotus, it's, like you say, a Driver's car.

What's the main difference between a S1 and S2? Is one a million times better than the other?

And am I right in assuming running costs are relatively low? You're right, compared to my Defender, comfort will be ideal. Because I live on a military base, I have to drive 120 miles home and back roughly each week. But I don't need to drive to work in the week, mainly to Tesco or just when I feel like going for a drive.

[thetombraider]

Thank you! I can deal with that I reckon, you should see what my 90 costs me, so many jobs I need to get around to. But I love it dearly. But I couldn't justify a second money pit!

[thetombraider]

I have now!! Thanks, this should be enough reading to send me off for the night