S1 Elise as a daily driver?..
Discussion
OK, this is likely to be the most boring post on the forum, but I have a couple of questions I wreckon are possibly best answered by owners, so here goes..
I would really like to buy an Elise in the summer; Ive promised myself one forever, so its time to bite the bullet!.. I would ideally like a metalic blue S1 with beige (spelling?!) leather, and am hoping to get a hardtop because this will be my only car and driven every day..
Does anyone else use an Elise as an every day car? I only do about 7 miles each way to work, some short journeys (10-15miles) at weekends, and occasional longer journeys (about 70 miles) maybe once every couple of months. I guess the 1.8 rover K-Series is up to the task? I have read about head gasket issues, but Im guessing on std cars (ie not a 111s or anything) with no mods, the general reliability should be pretty good? Do they mind being driven on short journeys day-to-day, or are they cars that like to be driven for an hour or so at a time? Also, what are they like around town? Not bothered about heavy steering and things, more worried about over-heating issues or things like that which will effect the car (rather than me!)
Im a single bloke, so I dont need the ability to carry kids, wife, loads of shopping, etc., however as its my only car I will need to carry some stuff from time to time; weekend bag and a couple of pairs of shoes. Im guessing this will be a job for the passenger footwell (which doesnt bother me) but was wondering what size the luggage area/boot is on the s1? I know this is a really boring-old-fart question, but Ive never seen pictures (funnily enough) and whenever Ive been in one, Ive never thought to look!
Lastly, how practical is it to run one through late autumn/winter/spring with a soft top rather than a hard-top? I prefer driving with the roof off wherever possible in other convertibles I have owned, but generally I ended up with wet feet if it was raining (even with the roof on!)
I know these are all really boring questions, but I would appreciate it if someone could give me some answers, rather than laughing me off the forum on my first post!.. ..be gentle; Im a pistonheads newbie!
b
I would really like to buy an Elise in the summer; Ive promised myself one forever, so its time to bite the bullet!.. I would ideally like a metalic blue S1 with beige (spelling?!) leather, and am hoping to get a hardtop because this will be my only car and driven every day..
Does anyone else use an Elise as an every day car? I only do about 7 miles each way to work, some short journeys (10-15miles) at weekends, and occasional longer journeys (about 70 miles) maybe once every couple of months. I guess the 1.8 rover K-Series is up to the task? I have read about head gasket issues, but Im guessing on std cars (ie not a 111s or anything) with no mods, the general reliability should be pretty good? Do they mind being driven on short journeys day-to-day, or are they cars that like to be driven for an hour or so at a time? Also, what are they like around town? Not bothered about heavy steering and things, more worried about over-heating issues or things like that which will effect the car (rather than me!)
Im a single bloke, so I dont need the ability to carry kids, wife, loads of shopping, etc., however as its my only car I will need to carry some stuff from time to time; weekend bag and a couple of pairs of shoes. Im guessing this will be a job for the passenger footwell (which doesnt bother me) but was wondering what size the luggage area/boot is on the s1? I know this is a really boring-old-fart question, but Ive never seen pictures (funnily enough) and whenever Ive been in one, Ive never thought to look!
Lastly, how practical is it to run one through late autumn/winter/spring with a soft top rather than a hard-top? I prefer driving with the roof off wherever possible in other convertibles I have owned, but generally I ended up with wet feet if it was raining (even with the roof on!)
I know these are all really boring questions, but I would appreciate it if someone could give me some answers, rather than laughing me off the forum on my first post!.. ..be gentle; Im a pistonheads newbie!
b
Hi Ben and welcome to PH
Just do it mate, it will be the best decision you'll ever make.
There are loads of guys that use S1s as daily drivers and they are perfect for someone in your position.
I'd love to use mine daily but just can't bring myself to put 60 miles on the clock every day!
Ok, not the most practical car in the world but they are reasonably water tight - mine never lets a drop in even with just the soft top. They have a boot, not massive but you can certainly fit a good sized "sports bag" inside, easily enough space for a long weekend. And like you say, plenty of room in the passenger seat / footwell.
As I am sure you are aware, the Elise is a fairly simple car mechanically speaking with very few bits to rust or go wrong. Providing you allow the engine to get up to temp on each run you should have no problems with short runs. Just make sure you give her a nice blast once a week, which won't exactly be a chore!
Great MPG, reliable, cheap parts and simply the most satisfying way of getting from A to B (or just A back to A again!)
Loads of good S1s around at the mo'. Azure Blue and Magnolia hide was a very popular combo so you should be able to find a lovely example for 11k up.
Make sure you log on to MLOC (www.midlandslotus.co.uk) Lots of good guys and girls there that will give you loads of advise about Lotus in the midlands (I live in Leicester too by the way - quite a few of us actually)
So don't delay mate, spring is in the air!
Hope it helps
Dunc
Just do it mate, it will be the best decision you'll ever make.
There are loads of guys that use S1s as daily drivers and they are perfect for someone in your position.
I'd love to use mine daily but just can't bring myself to put 60 miles on the clock every day!
Ok, not the most practical car in the world but they are reasonably water tight - mine never lets a drop in even with just the soft top. They have a boot, not massive but you can certainly fit a good sized "sports bag" inside, easily enough space for a long weekend. And like you say, plenty of room in the passenger seat / footwell.
As I am sure you are aware, the Elise is a fairly simple car mechanically speaking with very few bits to rust or go wrong. Providing you allow the engine to get up to temp on each run you should have no problems with short runs. Just make sure you give her a nice blast once a week, which won't exactly be a chore!
Great MPG, reliable, cheap parts and simply the most satisfying way of getting from A to B (or just A back to A again!)
Loads of good S1s around at the mo'. Azure Blue and Magnolia hide was a very popular combo so you should be able to find a lovely example for 11k up.
Make sure you log on to MLOC (www.midlandslotus.co.uk) Lots of good guys and girls there that will give you loads of advise about Lotus in the midlands (I live in Leicester too by the way - quite a few of us actually)
So don't delay mate, spring is in the air!
Hope it helps
Dunc
Definately not a problem. I've had 3 Elises the first of which was an S1 which did 17K in 18 months. All of mine have been every day drivers.
Advice - the hardtop is a good idea if it will be used in all weathers, esp. if you don't have a garage.
The mechanicals are everyday Rover, so the car will not be overly fussy whether it is driven a short hop or a longer drive. Obviously a good long blat on a regular basis is to be recommended. For the driver, if not the car!
Luggage Tip: If you do plan to go away weekends etc... buy a nylon roly type bag. Pack your clothes/goods directly into the boot, thereby using every available cubic inch of space. Then on arrival, pack these into the roly bag. A bit of a kerfuffle, but believe me you'd be surprised how much you can get into a small space!
Overall, if you can spend say £12K you'll get a corker and you won't look back. Go for it!
If you've any other questions do mail me, I've done 70K in Elises over 5.5 years, so I've encountered most things. Incidentally, I sold my S2 111S last month and the withdrawal symptoms have not gone away!
Advice - the hardtop is a good idea if it will be used in all weathers, esp. if you don't have a garage.
The mechanicals are everyday Rover, so the car will not be overly fussy whether it is driven a short hop or a longer drive. Obviously a good long blat on a regular basis is to be recommended. For the driver, if not the car!
Luggage Tip: If you do plan to go away weekends etc... buy a nylon roly type bag. Pack your clothes/goods directly into the boot, thereby using every available cubic inch of space. Then on arrival, pack these into the roly bag. A bit of a kerfuffle, but believe me you'd be surprised how much you can get into a small space!
Overall, if you can spend say £12K you'll get a corker and you won't look back. Go for it!
If you've any other questions do mail me, I've done 70K in Elises over 5.5 years, so I've encountered most things. Incidentally, I sold my S2 111S last month and the withdrawal symptoms have not gone away!
Thanks for the good advice guys! I was expecting to get flamed for asking questions about boot space, so that was a nice surprise!..
I dont have a garage unfortunately but I am looking to move in 12 months or so, and thats top of the priority list (then boring things like whether the house has windows and doors!)
Dunc, thanks for the link; I will have a snoop round on there now!
I like the idea of the hardtop, and it seems like its worth the money to buy one s/h if the car doesnt come with one. My budget is about 10-12 (hence std S1) so its encouraging to hear I can get a good one for that from people in the know!
Im positive going for a long blast once a week is not going to be an issue for me; Im already dreaming about it!... My trip to work and back seems ideal too; about 2 miles at 30mph in traffic, 5 miles cross country on an empty road, then another mile at 30mph as a bit of a cool down (my old RX7 used to love that trip!) Will be nice to turn up at work with a grin on my face again
Sounds like the boot will be big enough for what I need anyway; if I go anywhere I only ever use my "hand luggage" bag (to save time getting out the airport when travelling abroad!)
This might be a funny question to ask, but does anyone know if a dis-assembled shotgun fits in the boot?! I do a lot of shooting, and dont really like having it on show in the passenger seat when Im driving... Again, this can be got around by buying a less obvious looking "breakdown" case if necessary!..
thanks again guys
b
I dont have a garage unfortunately but I am looking to move in 12 months or so, and thats top of the priority list (then boring things like whether the house has windows and doors!)
Dunc, thanks for the link; I will have a snoop round on there now!
I like the idea of the hardtop, and it seems like its worth the money to buy one s/h if the car doesnt come with one. My budget is about 10-12 (hence std S1) so its encouraging to hear I can get a good one for that from people in the know!
Im positive going for a long blast once a week is not going to be an issue for me; Im already dreaming about it!... My trip to work and back seems ideal too; about 2 miles at 30mph in traffic, 5 miles cross country on an empty road, then another mile at 30mph as a bit of a cool down (my old RX7 used to love that trip!) Will be nice to turn up at work with a grin on my face again
Sounds like the boot will be big enough for what I need anyway; if I go anywhere I only ever use my "hand luggage" bag (to save time getting out the airport when travelling abroad!)
This might be a funny question to ask, but does anyone know if a dis-assembled shotgun fits in the boot?! I do a lot of shooting, and dont really like having it on show in the passenger seat when Im driving... Again, this can be got around by buying a less obvious looking "breakdown" case if necessary!..
thanks again guys
b
Im an everyday user - not a problem in the slightest. Awesome car for weaving in and out of rush hour traffic.
Some people would reccomend not bothering with a hard top as they are not garunteed to keep out water and do the same job as a well fitted soft top.
Dont be too shy of mods. There are a few mod friendly insurers about and the mods themselves are generally improvements on the car that many regard should be standard from the factory. I certainly wouldnt have any reservations about buying an elise with mods, in fact it could save you some money!
The struts that traverse the cockpit fit in the boot so I reckon a dismantled shotgun would fit too, although I dont speak from experience.
Regards,
pop
Some people would reccomend not bothering with a hard top as they are not garunteed to keep out water and do the same job as a well fitted soft top.
Dont be too shy of mods. There are a few mod friendly insurers about and the mods themselves are generally improvements on the car that many regard should be standard from the factory. I certainly wouldnt have any reservations about buying an elise with mods, in fact it could save you some money!
The struts that traverse the cockpit fit in the boot so I reckon a dismantled shotgun would fit too, although I dont speak from experience.
Regards,
pop
Thanks for the info guys; obviously the boot is bigger than I gave it credit for!..
The only reason I am a bit mod shy is that Im 26, and dont have a garage, so the insurance is prob going to be steep with them!.. I checked www.confused.com last week, and the best quote was just over 1k for 12months, unlimited, fully comp., etc. although Im sure a specialist insurer would get under that
Thanks again
b
The only reason I am a bit mod shy is that Im 26, and dont have a garage, so the insurance is prob going to be steep with them!.. I checked www.confused.com last week, and the best quote was just over 1k for 12months, unlimited, fully comp., etc. although Im sure a specialist insurer would get under that
Thanks again
b
Some info here:
For Sale:
http://stock.autorespond.co.uk/hawkinsandlock.aspx
www.alexanderdavid.co.uk/_adavidmc.htm
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk
www.pistonheads.com/ads/adverts.asp?s=12
www.eliseparts.com
www.exchangeandmart.co.uk/motoring/index.php
www.findit.co.uk/cars/lotus/elise.htm
www.adtrader.co.uk/postcode_splash.php
www.preloved.co.uk/search/advanced_results.cfm?sect=Motoring&cat=Cars&subcat=Lotus
http://fish4.co.uk/cars/index.html
www.carsource.co.uk/
www.usedlotuscarsforsale.co.uk/used-list
www.loot.com/rs6/cl.asp?action=srslt&ps=15&cpg=sf&kyp=&xp1=0&xp2=0&xp3=0&xp4=0&ord=&prc=4399&kyd=elise&c1=4399&mnp=&mxp=&do=&trd=0&ow=0&psc_dis=0&psc=&iss=
www.upmystreet.com/cla/uc/?a=37&d=elise&m=any&x=any&k=&l1=E1
www.leichat.co.uk/classifieds/elise.html
www.desperateseller.co.uk/findacar/searchpage.asp
www.trade-it.co.uk/cars/
http://forums.seloc.org
www.allapprovedcars.com/UsedCarSearch.aspx?UManufacturerId=0&UModelId=0&UseContext=1
www.goldstar-racing.com/goldstarcarsforsale.htm
www.uksportscars.com/sales___stock.html
www.christopherneil.co.uk/
www.ntccars.com/ntcframe.htm
www.wilson-group.co.uk/lotus/Lotushomepage.htm
www.loti.co.uk/
http://cars.uk.freeads.net/browse.php?catid=491
www.moto-build.com/
Info on Elise:
www.elises.co.uk/miscellaneous/buyingused.html
www.parkers.co.uk/choosing/car_reviews/review.aspx?range_id=337
www.lotus-elise.nl/Buyers_Guide/buyers_guide.html
www.elise-faq.info/
www.pistonheads.com/lotus/elise/Default.asp?storyId=3917
www.elises.co.uk
www.powerelise.com/manual/seite1.html
www.mikecauser.com/lotus/parts/paint_codes.html
Download manuals:
www.brooke-kensington.co.uk/misc/Elise%20Service%20Manual%20-%20indexed.pdf
www.lotus-elise.be/
Insurance:
Chris Knott 0800 917 2274
Auto Torque 0161 278 5226
Elephant 0870 0401 140
Footman James 0121 561 4196
Adrian Flux 08700 777 888
Egger Lawson / CCI 0115 941 5255
Lotus / AON / Esteem (Official) 01483 706 051
Tesco 0845 300 4400
Direct Line 0845 246 8701
Priviledge 0845 246 0275
Liverpool Victoria 01202 292 333
Admiral 0800 600 800
Bell Direct / Admiral 0800 140 180
More Than / Hastings 0800 072 4186
Quoteline Direct 0870 442 9049
Norwich Union Direct 0800 092 9564
budget 0800 072 0644
esteem 01483 706051/706070/706065
frizzel 0800748748
cheam 0208 7701001
adrian flux 01533774477
Aplan 01494 677776
argos 0800 015 4835
insurance world 01604 615415
ASDA 0845 300 2310
www.confused.com
www.elephant.co.uk
www.budgetinsurance.com/
www.asda.com
Tyres:
www.mytyres.net/start.html
www.camskill.co.uk/brand.php?bid=103&tbv=TOYO_T1R_TYRES
Parts:
www.hangar111.com
http://search.ebay.co.uk/elise_W0QQcatrefZC6QQfromZR10QQsacategoryZQ2d1QQsbrftogZ1QQsoZShowQ20ItemsQQsofocusZsoQQsoloctogZ9QQsosortorderZ1QQsosortpropertyZ1
www.pistonheads.com/sales/list.asp?p=1&s=14
www.moto-build.com/classified.html
www.eliseparts.com/index.htm
http://lotusecosse.com/
www.brooke-kensington.co.uk/ppartl6.htm
www.cars.u-net.com/lotus/elise.htm
www.tadts.com/instructions/index.html
http://www25.brinkster.com/bobvanm/
www.ekmpowershop.com/ekmps/shops/grouplotusplc/index.asp
www.loctiteproducts.com/products/detail.asp?catid=13&subid=29&plid=170
http://shop.christopherneil.co.uk/acatalog/Christopher_Neil_Bodywork_157.html
http://bg.mgcars.org.uk/index1.html?o=109715882528634
henry
For Sale:
http://stock.autorespond.co.uk/hawkinsandlock.aspx
www.alexanderdavid.co.uk/_adavidmc.htm
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk
www.pistonheads.com/ads/adverts.asp?s=12
www.eliseparts.com
www.exchangeandmart.co.uk/motoring/index.php
www.findit.co.uk/cars/lotus/elise.htm
www.adtrader.co.uk/postcode_splash.php
www.preloved.co.uk/search/advanced_results.cfm?sect=Motoring&cat=Cars&subcat=Lotus
http://fish4.co.uk/cars/index.html
www.carsource.co.uk/
www.usedlotuscarsforsale.co.uk/used-list
www.loot.com/rs6/cl.asp?action=srslt&ps=15&cpg=sf&kyp=&xp1=0&xp2=0&xp3=0&xp4=0&ord=&prc=4399&kyd=elise&c1=4399&mnp=&mxp=&do=&trd=0&ow=0&psc_dis=0&psc=&iss=
www.upmystreet.com/cla/uc/?a=37&d=elise&m=any&x=any&k=&l1=E1
www.leichat.co.uk/classifieds/elise.html
www.desperateseller.co.uk/findacar/searchpage.asp
www.trade-it.co.uk/cars/
http://forums.seloc.org
www.allapprovedcars.com/UsedCarSearch.aspx?UManufacturerId=0&UModelId=0&UseContext=1
www.goldstar-racing.com/goldstarcarsforsale.htm
www.uksportscars.com/sales___stock.html
www.christopherneil.co.uk/
www.ntccars.com/ntcframe.htm
www.wilson-group.co.uk/lotus/Lotushomepage.htm
www.loti.co.uk/
http://cars.uk.freeads.net/browse.php?catid=491
www.moto-build.com/
Info on Elise:
www.elises.co.uk/miscellaneous/buyingused.html
www.parkers.co.uk/choosing/car_reviews/review.aspx?range_id=337
www.lotus-elise.nl/Buyers_Guide/buyers_guide.html
www.elise-faq.info/
www.pistonheads.com/lotus/elise/Default.asp?storyId=3917
www.elises.co.uk
www.powerelise.com/manual/seite1.html
www.mikecauser.com/lotus/parts/paint_codes.html
Download manuals:
www.brooke-kensington.co.uk/misc/Elise%20Service%20Manual%20-%20indexed.pdf
www.lotus-elise.be/
Insurance:
Chris Knott 0800 917 2274
Auto Torque 0161 278 5226
Elephant 0870 0401 140
Footman James 0121 561 4196
Adrian Flux 08700 777 888
Egger Lawson / CCI 0115 941 5255
Lotus / AON / Esteem (Official) 01483 706 051
Tesco 0845 300 4400
Direct Line 0845 246 8701
Priviledge 0845 246 0275
Liverpool Victoria 01202 292 333
Admiral 0800 600 800
Bell Direct / Admiral 0800 140 180
More Than / Hastings 0800 072 4186
Quoteline Direct 0870 442 9049
Norwich Union Direct 0800 092 9564
budget 0800 072 0644
esteem 01483 706051/706070/706065
frizzel 0800748748
cheam 0208 7701001
adrian flux 01533774477
Aplan 01494 677776
argos 0800 015 4835
insurance world 01604 615415
ASDA 0845 300 2310
www.confused.com
www.elephant.co.uk
www.budgetinsurance.com/
www.asda.com
Tyres:
www.mytyres.net/start.html
www.camskill.co.uk/brand.php?bid=103&tbv=TOYO_T1R_TYRES
Parts:
www.hangar111.com
http://search.ebay.co.uk/elise_W0QQcatrefZC6QQfromZR10QQsacategoryZQ2d1QQsbrftogZ1QQsoZShowQ20ItemsQQsofocusZsoQQsoloctogZ9QQsosortorderZ1QQsosortpropertyZ1
www.pistonheads.com/sales/list.asp?p=1&s=14
www.moto-build.com/classified.html
www.eliseparts.com/index.htm
http://lotusecosse.com/
www.brooke-kensington.co.uk/ppartl6.htm
www.cars.u-net.com/lotus/elise.htm
www.tadts.com/instructions/index.html
http://www25.brinkster.com/bobvanm/
www.ekmpowershop.com/ekmps/shops/grouplotusplc/index.asp
www.loctiteproducts.com/products/detail.asp?catid=13&subid=29&plid=170
http://shop.christopherneil.co.uk/acatalog/Christopher_Neil_Bodywork_157.html
http://bg.mgcars.org.uk/index1.html?o=109715882528634
henry
catboy said:
Thanks for the info guys; obviously the boot is bigger than I gave it credit for!..
The only reason I am a bit mod shy is that Im 26, and dont have a garage, so the insurance is prob going to be steep with them!.. I checked www.confused.com last week, and the best quote was just over 1k for 12months, unlimited, fully comp., etc. although Im sure a specialist insurer would get under that
Thanks again
b
I'm 26... protected no-claims, unlimited miles, street parked - around £700 for the year... Elephant and Adrian Flux seem to offer young lotus drivers good deals.
Ben, you're in a good position to buy at the moment mate, market's good, you'll get a deal if you don't rush in and are prepared to look far and wide to find your perfect car - will be worth it when you do!
My 2p's worth...
Don't rule out other colour combo's - you may miss a beauty.
Useable everyday? Yes. As a single guy you'll find ways of making stuff fit. Shotgun in boot should be ok, you'll just have to feed it in carefully across from one side. If you can, save some budget to upgrade the seats (if you get a std S1) to 111s spec as they are more comfortable with a bit more arse-padding!
Hardtop? Not really worth the £5-700 premium if you ask me. I have one but it's not been used in 12 months. Soft-top leaks a little, only onto the sills though and droplets at worst from the front corner of the window where there's not a perfect seal. Only time it's ever 'leaked' was in a total torrential downpour where I almost had to stop cos I couldn't see the road. The money's better spent on mods or other stuff
Insurance - try Adrian Flux or Elephant as mentioned. I'm 29, 3yrs NCB, parked on road, no points £800.
Do it - buy a good one and you'll never look back!
Tim
My 2p's worth...
Don't rule out other colour combo's - you may miss a beauty.
Useable everyday? Yes. As a single guy you'll find ways of making stuff fit. Shotgun in boot should be ok, you'll just have to feed it in carefully across from one side. If you can, save some budget to upgrade the seats (if you get a std S1) to 111s spec as they are more comfortable with a bit more arse-padding!
Hardtop? Not really worth the £5-700 premium if you ask me. I have one but it's not been used in 12 months. Soft-top leaks a little, only onto the sills though and droplets at worst from the front corner of the window where there's not a perfect seal. Only time it's ever 'leaked' was in a total torrential downpour where I almost had to stop cos I couldn't see the road. The money's better spent on mods or other stuff
Insurance - try Adrian Flux or Elephant as mentioned. I'm 29, 3yrs NCB, parked on road, no points £800.
Do it - buy a good one and you'll never look back!
Tim
In short Elise Owner for 5+ years. 99 S1 from new used Sun, Rain, Hail, Snow, Ice and Fog.Worth every penny.
To date problems worth noting are:
1) 1000 miles - Throttle Body & Rivet for the accelerator spring at 1000 miles (fixed under warranty)
2) Feb 2004 – After visiting www.lotuscars.co.uk Floor well rot (to be fixed under Warranty Oct 25)
3) Nov 2004 84,000 miles Gear selection is as if the gearbox is possessed reverse put into first let out the clutch, still in reverse! (Trying to find out if it is linkage, Clutch or the gearbox)
4) Feb 2005 87,246 HGF - Fixed with the help of AA parts & Labour insurance.
For six moths I did 160 miles a day. Only problem was it brought the service quicker.
I have used an independant (Steve Williams and Specialised Paintwork) for servicing. AA breakdown insurace £100 for 12 months (covers upto £1000).
Good Luck as aove take your time, plenty around.
Gary
To date problems worth noting are:
1) 1000 miles - Throttle Body & Rivet for the accelerator spring at 1000 miles (fixed under warranty)
2) Feb 2004 – After visiting www.lotuscars.co.uk Floor well rot (to be fixed under Warranty Oct 25)
3) Nov 2004 84,000 miles Gear selection is as if the gearbox is possessed reverse put into first let out the clutch, still in reverse! (Trying to find out if it is linkage, Clutch or the gearbox)
4) Feb 2005 87,246 HGF - Fixed with the help of AA parts & Labour insurance.
For six moths I did 160 miles a day. Only problem was it brought the service quicker.
I have used an independant (Steve Williams and Specialised Paintwork) for servicing. AA breakdown insurace £100 for 12 months (covers upto £1000).
Good Luck as aove take your time, plenty around.
Gary
Welcome! Use my S1 111S daily also and it's parked on the drive overnight (some bu99er's bagged the garage). Ditto Sworks with regard to the leaking roof - very little and only onto the sills after a heavy downpour.
I manage perfectly with the small boot - have to confess I use the passenger seat/footwell more often than not but it's surprising how much you can actually get in the boot.
Do it! You know you want to
Sorry should have said:
For the Winter a Hard top, Summer I use the shower cape when left outside. You can always put the shower cape ontop of the soft top for extra rain cover.
Long journeys no issue, Short Journeys no problem.
Re consumables:
Rear tyres 9000 to 22000 miles, Front 18,000 over 30,000. Clutch and Shocks I am still on the original at 88,000. Pads & disks here I just cant say. 1st disks & pads 18,000, 2nd pads set 18,000 2nd disks went from 18,000 to 54,000. Third set of disks still on and Pads just changed.
Good luck Buy one today and always have a the bigest grin when you are driving.
Gary
For the Winter a Hard top, Summer I use the shower cape when left outside. You can always put the shower cape ontop of the soft top for extra rain cover.
Long journeys no issue, Short Journeys no problem.
Re consumables:
Rear tyres 9000 to 22000 miles, Front 18,000 over 30,000. Clutch and Shocks I am still on the original at 88,000. Pads & disks here I just cant say. 1st disks & pads 18,000, 2nd pads set 18,000 2nd disks went from 18,000 to 54,000. Third set of disks still on and Pads just changed.
Good luck Buy one today and always have a the bigest grin when you are driving.
Gary
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