Realities of daily Elise use
Discussion
Hi Tricia, welome to our world!
I bought an Elise S1 to use as a weekend car back in December but until a couple of weeks ago used it as my daily drive working as a rep in Cornwall. I cover about 100/150 miles daily and the sheer fun of the thing completely outways the disadvantages. Depending on the exhaust and induction system noise levels are Ok up to about 80 mph and the ride is surprisingly good - firm but remarkably supple. The only reason I'm not using her at the moment is that I'm waiting for the supplying dealer to do some work on her.
The only real downside is getting out whilst retaining some dignity - I've pretty well mastered it now but occasionally slip, to the amusement of passers by.
As you can imagine we're all a liitle(!!) biased on here but if you enjoy driving for the sake of it, get an Elise - you won't regret it.
I bought an Elise S1 to use as a weekend car back in December but until a couple of weeks ago used it as my daily drive working as a rep in Cornwall. I cover about 100/150 miles daily and the sheer fun of the thing completely outways the disadvantages. Depending on the exhaust and induction system noise levels are Ok up to about 80 mph and the ride is surprisingly good - firm but remarkably supple. The only reason I'm not using her at the moment is that I'm waiting for the supplying dealer to do some work on her.
The only real downside is getting out whilst retaining some dignity - I've pretty well mastered it now but occasionally slip, to the amusement of passers by.
As you can imagine we're all a liitle(!!) biased on here but if you enjoy driving for the sake of it, get an Elise - you won't regret it.
responded on SELOC...but 40 miles a day is nothing....just time for it to warm up nicely in 20 miles each way (yes thats how long the oil can take to warm up on a winters day!)
running costs are not that bad for motorway/commuting miles...wouldnt bother paying main dealer rates though...use a specialist.
running costs are not that bad for motorway/commuting miles...wouldnt bother paying main dealer rates though...use a specialist.
Hi there,
I've had 3 Elises (Mk 1, Mk 1 111S and now the Mk 2 111S). Each time I've used them as the only car I had. Does that make sense? In other words, an Elise is the only type of car I've owned for the last 6 years. In terms of practicality, the Mk 2 is a much more refined and user-friendly option than a Mk1. The Mk 1's are seriously basic (which appeals to alot of people). A Mk 2 with all the trimmings (electric windows, remote control central locking, leather seats/carpets etc) is every bit as refined as the so-called 'proper' sports cars costing twice as much.
The boot is actually quite large if you delve into the areas around the wheel arches. You soon begin to discover hundreds of ways of packing more and more in there using several small soft bags rather than a suit case. The passenger seat is always an option for larger loads. I should point out that I don't have any kids!
Ironically, I've also found that the Elise is EXTREMELY cheap to run. Servicing costs are reasonable and I've never had a breakdown or indeed anything mechanical that failed.
Incidentally, my 2004 Mk 2 111S (Type 25 - the limited edition, racing green one with every extra and racing stripes, (pics available) and with only 11,000 miles) will soon be for sale. I'm moving up to a Europa!!
Good luck!!
Graham
I've had 3 Elises (Mk 1, Mk 1 111S and now the Mk 2 111S). Each time I've used them as the only car I had. Does that make sense? In other words, an Elise is the only type of car I've owned for the last 6 years. In terms of practicality, the Mk 2 is a much more refined and user-friendly option than a Mk1. The Mk 1's are seriously basic (which appeals to alot of people). A Mk 2 with all the trimmings (electric windows, remote control central locking, leather seats/carpets etc) is every bit as refined as the so-called 'proper' sports cars costing twice as much.
The boot is actually quite large if you delve into the areas around the wheel arches. You soon begin to discover hundreds of ways of packing more and more in there using several small soft bags rather than a suit case. The passenger seat is always an option for larger loads. I should point out that I don't have any kids!
Ironically, I've also found that the Elise is EXTREMELY cheap to run. Servicing costs are reasonable and I've never had a breakdown or indeed anything mechanical that failed.
Incidentally, my 2004 Mk 2 111S (Type 25 - the limited edition, racing green one with every extra and racing stripes, (pics available) and with only 11,000 miles) will soon be for sale. I'm moving up to a Europa!!
Good luck!!
Graham
Had mine for coming up to 2 years and use it to commute, runs, track days etc. Find a good specialist/dealer that doesn't cost the earth and servicing isn't a problem. It does cost a bit more than a mainstream car but not nearly as much as most sportscars. and some of that cost is on upgrades, which you'll soon find the need for 
Tricia B said:
I'm thinking of buying an Elise S2 for everyday use - that's a 40-mile round trip, plus occasonal weekend blasts to Wales, Lancs, Derbys and Le Mans. Fun guaranteed but does anyone do similar mileage who can advise on costs and hassles?
Tricia, go for it girl!!! You won't regret it, the Elise will come alive in the twisty Welsh roads and you won't even think other cars exist. There was even an S2 in blushing pink on this website recently, gorgeous. If your a petrolhead you will enjoy the tactile feeling you get driving the car, its an assault on every sense especially the hearing, I have an MP3 CD fitted and I haven't had it on once, even forgot it was there last journey I made.
Reliability is good and petrol consumption is better than most performance cars, if you dont need huge load carrying space then it is as practical as any car.
The only drawback I can think of is that you can't wear a mini skirt, you should have seen the stares I got on the few occasions I have worn mine!!! (My wife has taken it back anyway).
Been using mine (S2 111S) as my main car for 18 months and wouldn't contemplate anything else now. The sensible car did a quarter of the mileage of the Elise last year and is om target for the same this year. Car has never let me down but had to spend some money on it when it was serviced due to an oil seal going on the engine, so the cam belt change was done earlier. As long as you are OK with that kind of thing and don't expect to have a conversation with you passenger above 70 MPH, you'll be fine. Highly recommended by loads of us on here who drive them every opportunity. Must now nip out for the 30 mile round trip to buy the Sunday paper....
I bought my S2 111S last week and I intend to use it as my only car. All I can say is go for it! The noise levels are surprisingly low, and it is wonderful to be able to drive such a a car all the time. I have absolutely no issues at all with using it everyday, though I do worry about leaving it places - that's the only thing. You'll get used to hopping in and out and the boot is actually quite large.
The mpg is the best bit.. I've just returned from a 62 mile spirited drive involving fast B roads and a couple of blasts through a ring road. I filled up before and after and have just calculated 39 mpg for the whole run. I wouldn't be surprised if my relaxed commute returns mid 40s.
have fun!
The mpg is the best bit.. I've just returned from a 62 mile spirited drive involving fast B roads and a couple of blasts through a ring road. I filled up before and after and have just calculated 39 mpg for the whole run. I wouldn't be surprised if my relaxed commute returns mid 40s.
have fun!
Well, I'm selling my TVR and looking for something with lower overall running costs. I test drove a new 111R yesterday and was very impressed. It would be my every day car for 100 miles a day.
Struck me as usable both for pressing on cross country as well as pottering along when you're not in the mood.
Was quieter than I was expecting too.
May well be in here more often if I strike the right deal!
Struck me as usable both for pressing on cross country as well as pottering along when you're not in the mood.
Was quieter than I was expecting too.
May well be in here more often if I strike the right deal!
Second every comment above, I've run a standard S1 now for just short of 2 years, use it every day - sun/rain/snow - and haven't had any problems. Amazed friends when I told them we'd been up to and all over Scotland for 10 days and got everything we needed in the car; we have a couple of smart day sacks which fit neatly in the boot to avoid feeling like a hobo when you arrive at a smart hotel's reception with armfuls of carrier bags.
Absolutely love driving it, with the recent nice spell done about 200 miles for no reason whatsoever over the last 48 hours. If it has enough space go for it.
Absolutely love driving it, with the recent nice spell done about 200 miles for no reason whatsoever over the last 48 hours. If it has enough space go for it.
agree with all the comments above.
i used to run an s2 sports tourer as an everyday car for 2 years. then had a small error of judgement and got an m3. saw the error of my ways though and have replaced the m3 with an exige.
if you can live with the practicality and you don't need to park it somewhere really dodgy everday, and you can afford it, then just do it. tbh the only thing you'd ever regret is not doing it.
i used to run an s2 sports tourer as an everyday car for 2 years. then had a small error of judgement and got an m3. saw the error of my ways though and have replaced the m3 with an exige.
if you can live with the practicality and you don't need to park it somewhere really dodgy everday, and you can afford it, then just do it. tbh the only thing you'd ever regret is not doing it.
swilding said:
then had a small error of judgement and got an m3. saw the error of my ways though and have replaced the m3 with an exige.
I ran a Caterham for three years, replaced it with a BMW 330ci, then bought an Elise as quick as I could!! 
Not a mistake that I intend to make again!I have a S1 and do about 30 miles a day commute. It's fine for even the coldest days, but I garage it, if not I would want the air con to speed clearing the windscreen of a morning.
It's a bit tricky with a family of four, but the boot is surprisingly spacious!
I think you have to decide how you will treat your car up front. Will you leave the top off in the supermarket car park, what are you going to do when the roads are covered in salt....
I rarely have the time to take it for a blat at the weekends, so all my pleasure comes from the commute - and I haven't wanted to change it once!
Go for it you won't be disappointed.
It's a bit tricky with a family of four, but the boot is surprisingly spacious!
I think you have to decide how you will treat your car up front. Will you leave the top off in the supermarket car park, what are you going to do when the roads are covered in salt....
I rarely have the time to take it for a blat at the weekends, so all my pleasure comes from the commute - and I haven't wanted to change it once!
Go for it you won't be disappointed.
BMW need to capture a bunch of us Lotus owners, fly us to Munich for questioning and not let us go till they've sorted themselves out again. I used to have a 1993 325i (backup to the Caterham), and whilst I'm not pretending it was anywhere near as good as the Elise, it went, stopped, handled and steered very well! I don't know about the M3, but the 330ci was dire in comparison - a complete mess. Hethel, on the other hand, continue to work wonders and build my perfect car!
I've just given up my Mini Cooper S for an Exige, and I'm praying it'll cope with everyday use as it'll be my only car too.
There's one speed bump in particular that I'm concerned about, and I'm hoping that the passenger seat will accomodate my bags and bits and pieces I usually cart about. But apart from that I don't see it being a big problem for everyday use.
I had an elise for a week and found a stray tangerine in one of the light clusters after a visit to the supermarket, so I'm thinking of getting the holdall for the boot - anyone got this or the cargo net?
There's one speed bump in particular that I'm concerned about, and I'm hoping that the passenger seat will accomodate my bags and bits and pieces I usually cart about. But apart from that I don't see it being a big problem for everyday use.
I had an elise for a week and found a stray tangerine in one of the light clusters after a visit to the supermarket, so I'm thinking of getting the holdall for the boot - anyone got this or the cargo net?
NathanK said:
It's a bit tricky with a family of four, but the boot is surprisingly spacious!
Wow, didn't realise the boot was big enough for two children, thats amazing. With the boot being warmed by the engine you could say its 'central heating, for kids' (same as the Ready Break ads!)
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