To Elise, or not Elise... that is the question!
Discussion
Hello everyone - I'm new to the site in terms of posting, but have been reading a lot over the last week or so - good forum, good people and have really enjoyed browsing the questions, info and banter!
To the point then - get an Elise or not get an Elise? I know that money & circumstance no object, the answer is yes of course, why not?!?! But I'll now try to fill you in on what’s racing around my mind almost all day, every day (I think you know that feeling!
)
I have just parted company with a TT - yes, I've probably read all the usual comments towards that, and I wouldn't necessarily disagree with any of them, but 'in their own right', they are fine cars. I was considering moving it on and going for something with more heart, soul, life, fire, character etc, when a lorry slid into me and subsequently wrote it off! As it happens, the settlement is more than I would have hoped for from my preliminary private sale research at the time, so all worked out ok in the end, and I wasn't badly hurt either, bonus!
What else to get came the question... or rather more prominently, do I really want to go down that whole financial commitment road again when there is a clear and easy way to get out of that? I have to be honest and say that nothing, and I mean nothing, is ticking all the right boxes for me, except an Elise 111R... but just how badly? (cont..)
To the point then - get an Elise or not get an Elise? I know that money & circumstance no object, the answer is yes of course, why not?!?! But I'll now try to fill you in on what’s racing around my mind almost all day, every day (I think you know that feeling!
) I have just parted company with a TT - yes, I've probably read all the usual comments towards that, and I wouldn't necessarily disagree with any of them, but 'in their own right', they are fine cars. I was considering moving it on and going for something with more heart, soul, life, fire, character etc, when a lorry slid into me and subsequently wrote it off! As it happens, the settlement is more than I would have hoped for from my preliminary private sale research at the time, so all worked out ok in the end, and I wasn't badly hurt either, bonus!
What else to get came the question... or rather more prominently, do I really want to go down that whole financial commitment road again when there is a clear and easy way to get out of that? I have to be honest and say that nothing, and I mean nothing, is ticking all the right boxes for me, except an Elise 111R... but just how badly? (cont..)
(…cont) I can afford one if I really want it - not straight out, but yeah it can be done with another three year commitment (and a final payment if the currently cracking deal on Lotus Finance is considered of course!)
After the accident, and a look at life and business from a personal point of view, I was pretty well set on banking the insurance pay-out, clearing the outstanding loan on the TT, and be completely happy that it was the end of that little luxury... but I just can't stop the Elise creeping into my head!! I'm 100% sure that if it wasn't for the introduction of the 111R, I wouldn't really be considering an Elise at all, and therefore I'd settle with my Y-plate Astra van only! I fully appreciate die-hard enthusiasts saying that the Chapman philosophy has been lost on the 111R, and I wouldn't argue that point for a moment, but the fact is that for me, the addition of carpets, e-windows, ABS, Toyota VVTi (sorry, but I have a really deep-set and passionate aversion to all things Rover!) and even air-con, are the American market driven additions which really make a difference for me. Whether that's someone coming from Audi speaking or what I'm not quite sure, but Lotus have definitely got my attention now... and I believe attracting custom from Porsche & Audi etc is a definite aim at Hethel nowadays (cont...)
>> Edited by Janitor on Monday 23 January 18:42
After the accident, and a look at life and business from a personal point of view, I was pretty well set on banking the insurance pay-out, clearing the outstanding loan on the TT, and be completely happy that it was the end of that little luxury... but I just can't stop the Elise creeping into my head!! I'm 100% sure that if it wasn't for the introduction of the 111R, I wouldn't really be considering an Elise at all, and therefore I'd settle with my Y-plate Astra van only! I fully appreciate die-hard enthusiasts saying that the Chapman philosophy has been lost on the 111R, and I wouldn't argue that point for a moment, but the fact is that for me, the addition of carpets, e-windows, ABS, Toyota VVTi (sorry, but I have a really deep-set and passionate aversion to all things Rover!) and even air-con, are the American market driven additions which really make a difference for me. Whether that's someone coming from Audi speaking or what I'm not quite sure, but Lotus have definitely got my attention now... and I believe attracting custom from Porsche & Audi etc is a definite aim at Hethel nowadays (cont...)
>> Edited by Janitor on Monday 23 January 18:42
(…cont) I suppose what I’m after here is some input from everyone with a point of view on this. Of course I’m expecting some ‘just do it!’ comments, and maybe some anti-111R argument to counter that… but has anyone here done similar, been faced with the same position and come out of it one way or the other deliriously happy with their chosen path?
I don’t need a whole lot of encouragement to be fair – I tend to come from the ‘long time dead’ school of thought, but I’d just like some input and balanced contributions if you feel inclined please :-)
Many thanks in advance... this could be the start of something beautiful, or salvation from the indisputable fact that investing in a nice car makes absolutely no sense whatsoever!
Cheers!
I don’t need a whole lot of encouragement to be fair – I tend to come from the ‘long time dead’ school of thought, but I’d just like some input and balanced contributions if you feel inclined please :-)
Many thanks in advance... this could be the start of something beautiful, or salvation from the indisputable fact that investing in a nice car makes absolutely no sense whatsoever!
Cheers!
The elise is a focused car - a true drivers sports car in contrast to the TT which is not nearly so driver orientated in terms of steering, feedback etc etc. The rouble is that focus comes at a cost in terms of the creature comforts one might expect from another marque. Certainly if you were happy with a TT, the 111r is the elise to consider in terms of all round ability. Many would argue that is has lost some of the sharpness of the S1 elise, but is infinitely more liveable as a day to day prospect.
My advice would be this, before I waffle on endlessly. If you want something totally practical and luxurious, look elsewhere.
If you are thinking about a car that will put a smile on your face when you drive it, that urges you to go on 50 mile drives for no reason, then think seriously about a 111r. If you think you can live with the odd rattle, the potenially leaky softtop (better on the 111r), you can live with getting in and out, then consider it. If you can afford it financially that is. The reason I stress this, is that once you drive one, if the car is for you, you will know in 5 minutes flat and you will sell your soul to have one. If you don't think you can live with the quirks and what the car is, don't even test one.
My advice would be this, before I waffle on endlessly. If you want something totally practical and luxurious, look elsewhere.
If you are thinking about a car that will put a smile on your face when you drive it, that urges you to go on 50 mile drives for no reason, then think seriously about a 111r. If you think you can live with the odd rattle, the potenially leaky softtop (better on the 111r), you can live with getting in and out, then consider it. If you can afford it financially that is. The reason I stress this, is that once you drive one, if the car is for you, you will know in 5 minutes flat and you will sell your soul to have one. If you don't think you can live with the quirks and what the car is, don't even test one.
Hi, welcome to the forum.
Was in a similar situation to you, had previous car written off, had to replace it with something, had always wanted an Elise and this presented the opportunity. The Elise did stretch my finances, but the 2yr Warranty was a major help.
My peronnel circumstances meant that the 111R was the only viable option. I too was put off by the Rover engined versions, primarily from a reliability aspect, but also from a usability perspective.
This car had to take me to work every day, no matter what and the wife had to be comfortable driving it.
The 111R has proven to be extremely reliable i.e it has started every time for the last 15months and got me to work. That is not to say that it hasnt had its problems, but then the warranty have covered these abd the dealership loans cars out, when they need to keep the car. It has happened 4 times so far I think.
Given what you have mentioned, my suggestion would be to get a nearly new, approx 6 months, 111R. Most, if not all, of the niggles will have been ironed out and you will still have 18months of warranty to get anything else that may crop up.
Be warned.....nothing prepares you for the joy of driving one. Once you have, make sure your cheque book in nearby, as you will want one as fast as humanely possible.
Hope that helps. Keep asking the questions as there are lots of peoples here with vast knowledge on the subject, that are more than willing to share it.
Was in a similar situation to you, had previous car written off, had to replace it with something, had always wanted an Elise and this presented the opportunity. The Elise did stretch my finances, but the 2yr Warranty was a major help.
My peronnel circumstances meant that the 111R was the only viable option. I too was put off by the Rover engined versions, primarily from a reliability aspect, but also from a usability perspective.
This car had to take me to work every day, no matter what and the wife had to be comfortable driving it.
The 111R has proven to be extremely reliable i.e it has started every time for the last 15months and got me to work. That is not to say that it hasnt had its problems, but then the warranty have covered these abd the dealership loans cars out, when they need to keep the car. It has happened 4 times so far I think.
Given what you have mentioned, my suggestion would be to get a nearly new, approx 6 months, 111R. Most, if not all, of the niggles will have been ironed out and you will still have 18months of warranty to get anything else that may crop up.
Be warned.....nothing prepares you for the joy of driving one. Once you have, make sure your cheque book in nearby, as you will want one as fast as humanely possible.
Hope that helps. Keep asking the questions as there are lots of peoples here with vast knowledge on the subject, that are more than willing to share it.
Ta very much for the welcome and input so far, and I'm glad the questions are invited, because (as you may have noticed ), I do like a good type!
I have actually driven an 05 111R at Nick Whale, Bromsgrove - just fantastic! Everything I'd hoped it would be and all I ever want it to be. Yes I was sorely tempted... if I'd received insurance settlement by then, I may well have signed right there! I'm very up for spontaneity, but knew I wasn't in any real position - accepting that fact was most unlike me... maybe I'm getting old?!?! (35!)
I think Shangani's comment about 'selling your soul' is pretty accurate, and the other points about expecting Audi type extras/refinement in an Elise just isn't an issue for me - all that's great about a Lotus that is just too staid in a TT. The TT is great at what it does, and that's probably why I was considering getting rid of it, it's just too correct with nothing to really fuel the fire!
I can feel it coming - I said that on very first in the flesh viewing - and I admit I'm probably in the wrong place if I'm harbouring hopes of being talked out of it, but the biggest battle, which I may not have got across too well, is which of the 'go for it' or 'clear the debt' avenues to take? Both have enormous and obvious appeal and I hope someone here has wrestled the same demons!
(cont...)
), I do like a good type! I have actually driven an 05 111R at Nick Whale, Bromsgrove - just fantastic! Everything I'd hoped it would be and all I ever want it to be. Yes I was sorely tempted... if I'd received insurance settlement by then, I may well have signed right there! I'm very up for spontaneity, but knew I wasn't in any real position - accepting that fact was most unlike me... maybe I'm getting old?!?! (35!)
I think Shangani's comment about 'selling your soul' is pretty accurate, and the other points about expecting Audi type extras/refinement in an Elise just isn't an issue for me - all that's great about a Lotus that is just too staid in a TT. The TT is great at what it does, and that's probably why I was considering getting rid of it, it's just too correct with nothing to really fuel the fire!
I can feel it coming - I said that on very first in the flesh viewing - and I admit I'm probably in the wrong place if I'm harbouring hopes of being talked out of it, but the biggest battle, which I may not have got across too well, is which of the 'go for it' or 'clear the debt' avenues to take? Both have enormous and obvious appeal and I hope someone here has wrestled the same demons!
(cont...)
(…cont)
Reading through what I've written, I can probably accept I can't be helped and that it's just down to me and exactly how much I want it. I was settled on leaving nice cars alone, and was not the slightest bit tempted by anything else. TT, Boxster, VX, RX8, S2000, BMW, Merc, nothing... except a 111R!
One other thought - I've seen a few one owner, not even a year old examples with less than 10k on the clock... what makes people shift them so quickly? Is that they just didn't understand in the first place, or does it quickly become unliveable? I don't have that preconception really, but just wondered what others think?
Ta!
Reading through what I've written, I can probably accept I can't be helped and that it's just down to me and exactly how much I want it. I was settled on leaving nice cars alone, and was not the slightest bit tempted by anything else. TT, Boxster, VX, RX8, S2000, BMW, Merc, nothing... except a 111R!
One other thought - I've seen a few one owner, not even a year old examples with less than 10k on the clock... what makes people shift them so quickly? Is that they just didn't understand in the first place, or does it quickly become unliveable? I don't have that preconception really, but just wondered what others think?
Ta!
Oh gaaawwwddd! 
You went and drove one. Silly fellow. At least post some pictures when you get it then.
BTW also forgot my manners in saying welcome to pistonheads. If you won't miss creature comforts and you sound pretty passionate about the drive, I suspect that might pretty much settle the matter. Good luck.
You went and drove one. Silly fellow. At least post some pictures when you get it then. BTW also forgot my manners in saying welcome to pistonheads. If you won't miss creature comforts and you sound pretty passionate about the drive, I suspect that might pretty much settle the matter. Good luck.
Janitor said:
what makes people shift them so quickly?
Gosh, you *do* like to type as much as I like to read well crafted prose, so keep it coming :-)
A lot of folks I am familiar with who have shifted them quick wanted to "do" the Lotus thing for a year and then move on, or simply find them too impractical (new kids, mway miles) or run out of money (unemployment, house). This sort of churn happens a LOT with TVRs as well so probably affects all specialist sports cars.
And my opinion on your question: if you can afford to meet your commitments, pay your bills and run an Elise, well do it until you don’t want to or cant afford it - life is about collecting experiences and relationships rather than the acquisition of stuff*
*This thinking is contrary to the current social conditioning enforced by western society (e.g. "laminated book of dreams"
and I expect to be silenced by the authorities. to elise or not to elise - what a stupid question!
a car by any other name is a car, an elise is something totally and completely different, it will get you from A to B but when you arive you'll be giggling like a kid on skittles. it'll make the most mundane journey into a race - even if you don't get above 70mph!
let me put it this way, today i had a totally cr*p day at work, it was sh!t on so many levels it was just stupid. i was all for quitting and just walking out. so i went outside, got in my company car (audi with lots of buttons and extras) and drove home! then i got in the elise and via a little detour i drove back to work, and when i arrived the whole thing looked so much better, i had a smile on my face, i'd just fitted a hurricane induction kit at the weekend and today was the first time i'd actually played with it and god is it good! so i got back to work, occassionally glancing out the window at my toy and thinking, oh yes, i will kick your ass on the way home!! and i did too, sliding the back end out all the way home! it was great! and not a bad day at work after all.
the elise is a toy, you play with it and it plays with you, it makes you work and when you hit hte apex just right it makes you think you did it all by yourself! and you're too busy having fun that you don't notice the lack of creature comforts - electric windows, air con, air bags, ABS an elise driver needs not these things! he just needs his car to be light so it goes faster!! lol
have a test drive, i guarantee you'll buy one after half an hour playing
ninja
>> Edited by theweeninjaguy on Monday 23 January 21:47
a car by any other name is a car, an elise is something totally and completely different, it will get you from A to B but when you arive you'll be giggling like a kid on skittles. it'll make the most mundane journey into a race - even if you don't get above 70mph!
let me put it this way, today i had a totally cr*p day at work, it was sh!t on so many levels it was just stupid. i was all for quitting and just walking out. so i went outside, got in my company car (audi with lots of buttons and extras) and drove home! then i got in the elise and via a little detour i drove back to work, and when i arrived the whole thing looked so much better, i had a smile on my face, i'd just fitted a hurricane induction kit at the weekend and today was the first time i'd actually played with it and god is it good! so i got back to work, occassionally glancing out the window at my toy and thinking, oh yes, i will kick your ass on the way home!! and i did too, sliding the back end out all the way home! it was great! and not a bad day at work after all.
the elise is a toy, you play with it and it plays with you, it makes you work and when you hit hte apex just right it makes you think you did it all by yourself! and you're too busy having fun that you don't notice the lack of creature comforts - electric windows, air con, air bags, ABS an elise driver needs not these things! he just needs his car to be light so it goes faster!! lol
have a test drive, i guarantee you'll buy one after half an hour playing
ninja
>> Edited by theweeninjaguy on Monday 23 January 21:47
I've droven some Elise's too(all testdrive's) the first was the first Elise 120hp, big fun on a twisty road, but there are not so many around here, and thats why I found it had to low power to do fast overtaking when doing 80 or 100mph, and I was used to fast cars, so no good for my usesings...
Then later on came the 160 S1 that was a bit better...but stil not anough...
Some time later came the 190 S1...now it begun to look like it...
Again some time later I testdrove a 215hp S1 RHD
from the GB factory testmule
that brought a grin on my face but was a bit to expensive at the time
Last year I owned a Opel Speedster Turbo(VX 220 turbo?) I just bought it because I could buy it for a price I could not resist just 4 monhts old and a real bargain...
But I hated the throttle respons when shifting(still throttle for emissions??or for safe downshifting on the track? but it did also on other occasions) and the very wide turningcircle for such a small car! and my garage is in a small street, never had a problem with others but with the speedster I had! and the gears shifting noises I did not like? sold it within a month and cashed 2.500,- extra so 1 month try and some extra cash...that was the fun.
Then I testdrove the Elise 111R and I was amazed...I loved it, fits good for what I use it for and much better feeling then the Speedster did!! and tought, this car I can love and is a nice base for tuning around 240>>290hp...
But I also like it a bit more
so a hardtop I must have...hm...then I've got a nice offer to a Exige Cup 240....aaaaaaa...thats de creme de la creme for me, and a real boycar, so thats what my number 1 is on Lotus and thats what I'm after i the first place, a Lotus S2 Exige with around 240>>290hp
GTRene
>> Edited by GTRene on Monday 23 January 23:20
Then later on came the 160 S1 that was a bit better...but stil not anough...
Some time later came the 190 S1...now it begun to look like it...
Again some time later I testdrove a 215hp S1 RHD
from the GB factory testmule that brought a grin on my face but was a bit to expensive at the time Last year I owned a Opel Speedster Turbo(VX 220 turbo?) I just bought it because I could buy it for a price I could not resist just 4 monhts old and a real bargain...
But I hated the throttle respons when shifting(still throttle for emissions??or for safe downshifting on the track? but it did also on other occasions) and the very wide turningcircle for such a small car! and my garage is in a small street, never had a problem with others but with the speedster I had! and the gears shifting noises I did not like? sold it within a month and cashed 2.500,- extra
so 1 month try and some extra cash...that was the fun. Then I testdrove the Elise 111R and I was amazed...I loved it, fits good for what I use it for and much better feeling then the Speedster did!! and tought, this car I can love and is a nice base for tuning around 240>>290hp...
But I also like it a bit more
so a hardtop I must have...hm...then I've got a nice offer to a Exige Cup 240....aaaaaaa...thats de creme de la creme for me, and a real boycar, so thats what my number 1 is on Lotus and thats what I'm after i the first place, a Lotus S2 Exige with around 240>>290hp GTRene
>> Edited by GTRene on Monday 23 January 23:20
Thanks again for the warm welcome, and for not kicking my typing habit straight in to touch!
Hee hee, this must be great for you... I reckon you've probably seen this a few times :-)
Someone wanders into the Forum asking whether 'to jump in or not', and I expect you can tell pretty much straight off it's likely to happen or not! Andrew reckons I'll have one lined up by close of business tomorrow! (...thing is, I can't deny that!)
I guess that says it all. I'm with you on that Hans, do it if you can, if somewhere along the way it all goes a tad wrong (plain stupidity aside) then what’s the worse that can happen? Deal with it then, know you had a crack at it and move nicely along. No big deal eh?
I do have a lot of very inspiring things on the horizon professionally, and I'm right on the point of spoiling myself before it’s all happened. Sense would of course dictate I'd wait until it’s all underway and the rewards come rolling in, but I get very impatient once I want something - unbearably impetuous that’s for sure! I mean these professional things on the horizon aren't 'maybe'... they 'will be', so I'm not jumping into an unreasonable gamble... just being typically me! And there was I thinking I'd shaken that
(cont...)
>> Edited by Janitor on Tuesday 24th January 00:17
>> Edited by Janitor on Tuesday 24th January 00:19
Hee hee, this must be great for you... I reckon you've probably seen this a few times :-)
Someone wanders into the Forum asking whether 'to jump in or not', and I expect you can tell pretty much straight off it's likely to happen or not! Andrew reckons I'll have one lined up by close of business tomorrow! (...thing is, I can't deny that!)
I guess that says it all. I'm with you on that Hans, do it if you can, if somewhere along the way it all goes a tad wrong (plain stupidity aside) then what’s the worse that can happen? Deal with it then, know you had a crack at it and move nicely along. No big deal eh?
I do have a lot of very inspiring things on the horizon professionally, and I'm right on the point of spoiling myself before it’s all happened. Sense would of course dictate I'd wait until it’s all underway and the rewards come rolling in, but I get very impatient once I want something - unbearably impetuous that’s for sure! I mean these professional things on the horizon aren't 'maybe'... they 'will be', so I'm not jumping into an unreasonable gamble... just being typically me! And there was I thinking I'd shaken that
(cont...)
>> Edited by Janitor on Tuesday 24th January 00:17
>> Edited by Janitor on Tuesday 24th January 00:19
(…cont)
Great to see so many people here showing such real passion - that's the key for me. I freely admit that for me it’s not necessarily to have it sideways on each an every country road corner here in mid-Devon, but to gaze in admiration while it’s flat-out standing still too. Of course the purists would say 'stop looking and start driving', and I wouldn’t disagree, but it’s just too beautiful...
Interesting point Hans on the occasional rapid turn around in ownership – not something I’m particularly familiar with, or would want to subscribe to either, but I will naturally accept your experiences in this type of animal. It kinda adds up… even if a little wasteful. I suppose that also accounts for why there are some examples bearing three owners in less years too?
Yes Chris, a stupid question indeed on face value. I fully accepted that when filling in the thread title, but the content as you see, was a little more involved, even if the answer remains the same! I don’t even doubt for a second that you’re exaggerating about your ‘day saving’ experience today – I semi-despair when some people just don’t get that
(cont…
>> Edited by Janitor on Tuesday 24th January 00:21
Great to see so many people here showing such real passion - that's the key for me. I freely admit that for me it’s not necessarily to have it sideways on each an every country road corner here in mid-Devon, but to gaze in admiration while it’s flat-out standing still too. Of course the purists would say 'stop looking and start driving', and I wouldn’t disagree, but it’s just too beautiful...
Interesting point Hans on the occasional rapid turn around in ownership – not something I’m particularly familiar with, or would want to subscribe to either, but I will naturally accept your experiences in this type of animal. It kinda adds up… even if a little wasteful. I suppose that also accounts for why there are some examples bearing three owners in less years too?
Yes Chris, a stupid question indeed on face value. I fully accepted that when filling in the thread title, but the content as you see, was a little more involved, even if the answer remains the same! I don’t even doubt for a second that you’re exaggerating about your ‘day saving’ experience today – I semi-despair when some people just don’t get that
(cont…
>> Edited by Janitor on Tuesday 24th January 00:21
(…cont)
I see you are a very regular visitor here too Rene… and I would have to admit to having a slightly less petrol filled head than yourself! But that’s great – you know what you want, and I hope you get it soon!
Thanks for the input guys, really appreciated and a few phone calls tomorrow could decide quite a lot. The wife has done her best to roll me off the idea – but then again she knows me well and knows that’s largely futile once I’m on one! I think I quietly hoped (if that’s right?) for a ‘Nah, don’t do it mate. Bag one if you can but don’t push the boat out’ kinda posting… and may even see one yet, but I doubt it somehow
You know that big kid at Christmas feeling? Yeah, I’ve got an idea I’m gonna get that very soon too
Oh and yeah, the ‘missing the point thread’ – that girl who opted for 206 with leccy gizmo’s… Christ, if it wasn’t so funny, it would be hilarious!
Cheers!
>> Edited by Janitor on Tuesday 24th January 00:22
I see you are a very regular visitor here too Rene… and I would have to admit to having a slightly less petrol filled head than yourself! But that’s great – you know what you want, and I hope you get it soon!
Thanks for the input guys, really appreciated and a few phone calls tomorrow could decide quite a lot. The wife has done her best to roll me off the idea – but then again she knows me well and knows that’s largely futile once I’m on one! I think I quietly hoped (if that’s right?) for a ‘Nah, don’t do it mate. Bag one if you can but don’t push the boat out’ kinda posting… and may even see one yet, but I doubt it somehow
You know that big kid at Christmas feeling? Yeah, I’ve got an idea I’m gonna get that very soon too
Oh and yeah, the ‘missing the point thread’ – that girl who opted for 206 with leccy gizmo’s… Christ, if it wasn’t so funny, it would be hilarious!
Cheers!
>> Edited by Janitor on Tuesday 24th January 00:22
Hi ! Welcome to PistonHeads!
Everybody has pretty much summed up their answers fairly well.
I live with a model year '04 Elise everyday and I love it. This past week has got a bit tough with it being SO cold and it being dark and horrible, but that really is the low bit; it all gets better from here (and, if I'm honest, I still love it then anyway!).
If you have the opportunity and financial capability to do something...go for it. If you go in with eyes wide open - knowing the build quality won't be anywhere near as good as your TT, that you may have a few problems that you'd have to take it back to the dealer for, - then you will love it!
Very best of luck and, as always, feel free to ask all the questions you like!
Everybody has pretty much summed up their answers fairly well.
I live with a model year '04 Elise everyday and I love it. This past week has got a bit tough with it being SO cold and it being dark and horrible, but that really is the low bit; it all gets better from here (and, if I'm honest, I still love it then anyway!).
If you have the opportunity and financial capability to do something...go for it. If you go in with eyes wide open - knowing the build quality won't be anywhere near as good as your TT, that you may have a few problems that you'd have to take it back to the dealer for, - then you will love it!
Very best of luck and, as always, feel free to ask all the questions you like!
Hi there... welcome!
I cover a lot of motorway mileage and have owned my 111R since May last year. The first trip I ever really took in the Elise was 100miles down the M11 (not by choice but for work) and I distinctly remember the feeling of "what the fu** have I done"! It was noisy, uncomfortable, not run in and I couldn’t even really hear the stereo! Every time I think of selling the Elise, I'm sat on a motorway considering I could be so much comfier in a £1K Cavalier or something... I've come close on several occasions now... but...
I totally love the car in any other environment - i.e. B roads. On the first level, having the roof off on a really hot day blasting through the country side really adds to the experience. Initially, I wondered what all the fuss was about with people banging on about the roof off experience but note that the British weather was pretty crap when I first collected the car. The feedback through the steering is amazing - you can actually feel the grip and the road through the wheel - you’re totally connected. The grip is also out of this world; turn in, power on and sling shot out the other side - string a few corners together and keep the engine on 2nd cam and you'll just grin Add a nice exhaust note - the standard is the opposite of nice, and you'll just have the perfect package.
Add to all the kids shouting "nice car" and the whole Lotus scene and you won’t want to move away!
Rob.
PS - life is short and about experiences - sounds to me like buying the Elise is something which just has to be done for you. Are you really able to walk away now and forget about buying one?! Id say they'll be pics posted of your new car within three weeks
I cover a lot of motorway mileage and have owned my 111R since May last year. The first trip I ever really took in the Elise was 100miles down the M11 (not by choice but for work) and I distinctly remember the feeling of "what the fu** have I done"! It was noisy, uncomfortable, not run in and I couldn’t even really hear the stereo! Every time I think of selling the Elise, I'm sat on a motorway considering I could be so much comfier in a £1K Cavalier or something... I've come close on several occasions now... but...
I totally love the car in any other environment - i.e. B roads. On the first level, having the roof off on a really hot day blasting through the country side really adds to the experience. Initially, I wondered what all the fuss was about with people banging on about the roof off experience but note that the British weather was pretty crap when I first collected the car. The feedback through the steering is amazing - you can actually feel the grip and the road through the wheel - you’re totally connected. The grip is also out of this world; turn in, power on and sling shot out the other side - string a few corners together and keep the engine on 2nd cam and you'll just grin
Add a nice exhaust note - the standard is the opposite of nice, and you'll just have the perfect package. Add to all the kids shouting "nice car" and the whole Lotus scene and you won’t want to move away!
Rob.
PS - life is short and about experiences - sounds to me like buying the Elise is something which just has to be done for you. Are you really able to walk away now and forget about buying one?! Id say they'll be pics posted of your new car within three weeks
Go on buy one......
I'd get a second hand one - saving you money (helping your conscience slightly). Buy as soon as possible because this time of year no-one really buys these type of cars - don't let it get to spring. I have not driven the 111R but agree that after 80mph it starts slowing but every drive puts a smile on your face.
I can't see it being anymore expensive to run than your Audi and also around 40mpg...
You know you should
I'd get a second hand one - saving you money (helping your conscience slightly). Buy as soon as possible because this time of year no-one really buys these type of cars - don't let it get to spring. I have not driven the 111R but agree that after 80mph it starts slowing but every drive puts a smile on your face.
I can't see it being anymore expensive to run than your Audi and also around 40mpg...
You know you should
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