Newbie Elise owner
Discussion
Well I have decided to take the plunge and am picking up my S1 calypso red Elise tonight. Can't believe I am finally going to be owning a car I have dreamt about for years! Really just wondering if there is any advice out there, specifically regarding maintenence. Basically, how often should I be checking the oil and stuff like that. Any other tips will be welcome as well of course.
Can't wait to get out there and make the most of all the b roads near my house!
Can't wait to get out there and make the most of all the b roads near my house!
Thanks to everyone so far. Work is going slower than ever now!! I just want to pick it up and enjoy the weekend
I've heard that there is a good culture among Elise owners - acknowledging each other whilst driving etc. is this true? Whats the general reaction from other people as well?
I've heard that there is a good culture among Elise owners - acknowledging each other whilst driving etc. is this true? Whats the general reaction from other people as well?
Davey111 said:
Thanks to everyone so far. Work is going slower than ever now!! I just want to pick it up and enjoy the weekend
I've heard that there is a good culture among Elise owners - acknowledging each other whilst driving etc. is this true? Whats the general reaction from other people as well?
Yup, good manners to flash/and or wave like a nutter (especially the first few times) at other Lotus drivers (and VX drivers if you're in the mood).I've heard that there is a good culture among Elise owners - acknowledging each other whilst driving etc. is this true? Whats the general reaction from other people as well?
Strangely Brown said:
Advice: don't keep topping the header tank up if it looks low. The water level will probably sit just below or around the min mark. This is normal. So long as it stays there and doesn't drop you're fine.
Do keep an eye on it tho'. It's probably more important to check the water level than the oil, but it's not difficult 'cos you'll see it every time you open the boot!Have fun, but take it easy to start with, especially in the wet.
mrssumner said:
Strangely Brown said:
Advice: don't keep topping the header tank up if it looks low. The water level will probably sit just below or around the min mark. This is normal. So long as it stays there and doesn't drop you're fine.
Do keep an eye on it tho'. It's probably more important to check the water level than the oil, but it's not difficult 'cos you'll see it every time you open the boot!... and feeeeeeed the throttle, don't stamp on it. Especially in the wet.
BTW: You're going to enjoy making a fool of yourself getting out at the petrol station the first few times too.
Edited by Strangely Brown on Friday 10th October 13:18
Davey111 said:
Thanks to everyone so far. Work is going slower than ever now!! I just want to pick it up and enjoy the weekend
I've heard that there is a good culture among Elise owners - acknowledging each other whilst driving etc. is this true? Whats the general reaction from other people as well?
Yes - its the one thing which suprised me compared to any other car I've owned. Owners quickly become buddies with each other in the area, always flashing and waving, general chatting, support, helping, organising runs out. All good stuff. Also similar with the vx and tvr crowd.I've heard that there is a good culture among Elise owners - acknowledging each other whilst driving etc. is this true? Whats the general reaction from other people as well?
I'd echo what others have said about the wet, I was almost caught out not long after getting the car when I gave it too much pulling out of a junction, managed to catch it, but almost had a nasty spin which would have bashed the elise off a high kerb.
Take it easy until you get to know the car a bit and then start to press on, you will feel things you've never felt in a car before. You'll love it, enjoy and welcome
Take it easy until you get to know the car a bit and then start to press on, you will feel things you've never felt in a car before. You'll love it, enjoy and welcome
Beachbum said:
When stationary in the Rain, you will see steam rise from the front of your car. No you do not have a blown radiator. Its the rain hitting the rad and looking like you have.
Having said that, there is always that slight chance that it is a blown radiator
When this first happened to me I got out and filmed it to take to the dealers as hard evidence of " a catastrophic fault".Having said that, there is always that slight chance that it is a blown radiator
What a tit I would of looked!
Edited by Chris49 on Friday 10th October 15:20
Yeah I had heard about the whole steam issue. One of the things that drew me to the car is that it is slightly crazy. I love that it is focussed solely around the driving experience.
This is probably going to seem like a silly question but has anyone ever a tyre go? I a slightly concerned about that happening with the absence of a spare. Would be a litle embarrasing to have to call out the RAC for a puncture!
Any guideline on how many miles it should go on a full tank?
This is probably going to seem like a silly question but has anyone ever a tyre go? I a slightly concerned about that happening with the absence of a spare. Would be a litle embarrasing to have to call out the RAC for a puncture!
Any guideline on how many miles it should go on a full tank?
200-250miles on a full tank. (edit, sorry, that's my current one - SB below is correct, more like over 250 per tank!)
You have tyre weld in the car (stick head in boot, it's in there) - which is a foam which you fill a deflated tyre up with. You can then do 50mph for so many miles to get you at least home
I've not had a tyre go, I don't know many (or any) who have, but don't worry - if the need is there, the RAC won't mind at all. They'll just ask you all about the car
You have tyre weld in the car (stick head in boot, it's in there) - which is a foam which you fill a deflated tyre up with. You can then do 50mph for so many miles to get you at least home
I've not had a tyre go, I don't know many (or any) who have, but don't worry - if the need is there, the RAC won't mind at all. They'll just ask you all about the car
Edited by TonyHetherington on Friday 10th October 15:33
Davey111 said:
Any guideline on how many miles it should go on a full tank?
It'll do around 30mpg when "having fun", around 35-40mpg normal mixed driving and approaching 45+ on a run. The tank hold eight gallons (plus the filler neck) and I usually get around 250-280 miles before the "Refill" warning.Gassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff