Speccing my first (new) Elise
Discussion
My Caterham has sold and I've had a good long test drive of a new Elise. Looking to spec a new 'S'. Helpful dealer with answers to a lot of my questions but I'm mulling over a few different things. Be good to get the forumites opinion on the following.
1) My biggest issue is with seating. I need some lumbar support. Dealer is pretty sure that the factory can insert a 'pump-up' lumbar support and is getting back to me. It appears to be standard on US-spec cars but not UK. Has anyone else got this done, or added something aftermarket? I used to have a cushion in the Caterham but it is not very rock and roll!
2) Unsure about the benefit of the sound insulation in the Touring pack vs Standard. Coming from the Caterham I think it is pretty quiet but could only drive a Touring pack equipped car today. Does the insulation make a real big difference to the nopise? What about the standard car roof-is a lot less bulky without the padding? I should have checked this out today but forgot.
3) Aircon has never seemed that essential to me but is it something that people regret ordering afterwards?
4) Can you stow the roof anywhere in the cabin-such as behind the rear seats? My guess is not!
5) Just occasionally we might like to carry a bit more kit. Does anyone do an aftermarket luggage rack? I guess it has to be elevated from the engine intakes etc. I found an S1 version online.
6) The hard top is cheaper ordered with the car rather than later. The car will be stored outside sometimes but my general impression is not to bother. Opinions? Does it make it a lot noisier when installed? I think I can see a few after-market types-good stuff or not worth it?
Thanks in advance.
Bruce
1) My biggest issue is with seating. I need some lumbar support. Dealer is pretty sure that the factory can insert a 'pump-up' lumbar support and is getting back to me. It appears to be standard on US-spec cars but not UK. Has anyone else got this done, or added something aftermarket? I used to have a cushion in the Caterham but it is not very rock and roll!
2) Unsure about the benefit of the sound insulation in the Touring pack vs Standard. Coming from the Caterham I think it is pretty quiet but could only drive a Touring pack equipped car today. Does the insulation make a real big difference to the nopise? What about the standard car roof-is a lot less bulky without the padding? I should have checked this out today but forgot.
3) Aircon has never seemed that essential to me but is it something that people regret ordering afterwards?
4) Can you stow the roof anywhere in the cabin-such as behind the rear seats? My guess is not!
5) Just occasionally we might like to carry a bit more kit. Does anyone do an aftermarket luggage rack? I guess it has to be elevated from the engine intakes etc. I found an S1 version online.
6) The hard top is cheaper ordered with the car rather than later. The car will be stored outside sometimes but my general impression is not to bother. Opinions? Does it make it a lot noisier when installed? I think I can see a few after-market types-good stuff or not worth it?
Thanks in advance.
Bruce
uzbek said:
My Caterham has sold and I've had a good long test drive of a new Elise. Looking to spec a new 'S'. Helpful dealer with answers to a lot of my questions but I'm mulling over a few different things. Be good to get the forumites opinion on the following.
1) My biggest issue is with seating. I need some lumbar support. Dealer is pretty sure that the factory can insert a 'pump-up' lumbar support and is getting back to me. It appears to be standard on US-spec cars but not UK. Has anyone else got this done, or added something aftermarket? I used to have a cushion in the Caterham but it is not very rock and roll!
2) Unsure about the benefit of the sound insulation in the Touring pack vs Standard. Coming from the Caterham I think it is pretty quiet but could only drive a Touring pack equipped car today. Does the insulation make a real big difference to the nopise? What about the standard car roof-is a lot less bulky without the padding? I should have checked this out today but forgot.
3) Aircon has never seemed that essential to me but is it something that people regret ordering afterwards?
4) Can you stow the roof anywhere in the cabin-such as behind the rear seats? My guess is not!
5) Just occasionally we might like to carry a bit more kit. Does anyone do an aftermarket luggage rack? I guess it has to be elevated from the engine intakes etc. I found an S1 version online.
6) The hard top is cheaper ordered with the car rather than later. The car will be stored outside sometimes but my general impression is not to bother. Opinions? Does it make it a lot noisier when installed? I think I can see a few after-market types-good stuff or not worth it?
Thanks in advance.
Bruce
I can give you my opinion on a few1) My biggest issue is with seating. I need some lumbar support. Dealer is pretty sure that the factory can insert a 'pump-up' lumbar support and is getting back to me. It appears to be standard on US-spec cars but not UK. Has anyone else got this done, or added something aftermarket? I used to have a cushion in the Caterham but it is not very rock and roll!
2) Unsure about the benefit of the sound insulation in the Touring pack vs Standard. Coming from the Caterham I think it is pretty quiet but could only drive a Touring pack equipped car today. Does the insulation make a real big difference to the nopise? What about the standard car roof-is a lot less bulky without the padding? I should have checked this out today but forgot.
3) Aircon has never seemed that essential to me but is it something that people regret ordering afterwards?
4) Can you stow the roof anywhere in the cabin-such as behind the rear seats? My guess is not!
5) Just occasionally we might like to carry a bit more kit. Does anyone do an aftermarket luggage rack? I guess it has to be elevated from the engine intakes etc. I found an S1 version online.
6) The hard top is cheaper ordered with the car rather than later. The car will be stored outside sometimes but my general impression is not to bother. Opinions? Does it make it a lot noisier when installed? I think I can see a few after-market types-good stuff or not worth it?
Thanks in advance.
Bruce
1. My 111r has a pump thing to provide extra lumbar support and I am guessing it is standard - maybe the S has different seats or my car has upgraded seats? I am sure someone will know.
2. I've got the sound insulation kit and never tried one without. Mine has a sports exhaust so you still can't quite hear a pin drop
3. No aircon in mine and no regrets. If it was a daily driver I may have a different opinion but when I was lookign for mine a year ago (second hand) opinion on here seemed fairly split. It would not bother me now if I was looking for another Elise.
4. I have never tried stowing it anywhere but in the boot. I think it would be impossible/ a push. The boot is surprisingly still spacious when the roof is in there and pushed right to the end.
5. -
6. Hardtop was another thing intiially on my list but I ended up without one and would not buy one now. Again, if it was a daily driver I might have a slightly different view but to be honest I doubt it.
Edited by limpsfield on Wednesday 22 July 15:53
Thanks for the answers.
I was actually pretty impressed by the boot size. You'd be amazed by how much we got in my Caterham mind you! We tour abroad a bit and the Caterham roof stows on top of the boot-thereby not taking any space.
This Elise will probably be my daily driver, at least for a while, and certainly through this winter. Hence the aircon/hardtop queries.
I was actually pretty impressed by the boot size. You'd be amazed by how much we got in my Caterham mind you! We tour abroad a bit and the Caterham roof stows on top of the boot-thereby not taking any space.
This Elise will probably be my daily driver, at least for a while, and certainly through this winter. Hence the aircon/hardtop queries.
fairly new to elise ownership only three months but will help best i can,
1, we were offered an adult booster cushion which sits on the standard seat and is designed to create a bit more support, considered it for the wife to stop having to lean to far forwards for the controls but should help i was offered a trial with it before i bought might be worth asking. also in my experience the leather seats are a lot harder than the cloth seats not sure why but the cloth ones definitely seem to have more padding.
2, i have the standard car so cannot comment what the touring pack adds for insulation but do not find it too bad at all can get a bit tiring after 2 hours on the motorway but am led to believe that i am one of the few people that uses mine mainly for motorway miles.
3, i do not have air con, it can get a bit stuffy but nothing that opening the window an inch or taking the roof off cant sort, have not missed it yet and that has been through the glorious 30 degree week we had. am led to believe though that the main benefit is in the winter to stop misting up, to answer this i keep some anti misting wipes in the cabin.
4, i often put my roof in the passenger seat if just going a short distance or if the boot is full obviously this is not an option if you have a passenger, otherwise unfortunately nowhere else for it to go.
5, i believe eliseparts do one but not sure if this is for the s2, sorry cant help anymore there, if you do find out for sure could you let me know and i will do likewise if not heard from you when i find out.
6, i regularly keep my car outside and only have the soft top, in heavy rain a tiny amount of water makes it onto the plastic sill but only a few drops so not enough for me to think the expense is worth it.
hope this helps and please post a piccy of your new car when you get it heres mine
mine is a daily driver
edited to add last line (quite happy with the spelling mistakes
1, we were offered an adult booster cushion which sits on the standard seat and is designed to create a bit more support, considered it for the wife to stop having to lean to far forwards for the controls but should help i was offered a trial with it before i bought might be worth asking. also in my experience the leather seats are a lot harder than the cloth seats not sure why but the cloth ones definitely seem to have more padding.
2, i have the standard car so cannot comment what the touring pack adds for insulation but do not find it too bad at all can get a bit tiring after 2 hours on the motorway but am led to believe that i am one of the few people that uses mine mainly for motorway miles.
3, i do not have air con, it can get a bit stuffy but nothing that opening the window an inch or taking the roof off cant sort, have not missed it yet and that has been through the glorious 30 degree week we had. am led to believe though that the main benefit is in the winter to stop misting up, to answer this i keep some anti misting wipes in the cabin.
4, i often put my roof in the passenger seat if just going a short distance or if the boot is full obviously this is not an option if you have a passenger, otherwise unfortunately nowhere else for it to go.
5, i believe eliseparts do one but not sure if this is for the s2, sorry cant help anymore there, if you do find out for sure could you let me know and i will do likewise if not heard from you when i find out.
6, i regularly keep my car outside and only have the soft top, in heavy rain a tiny amount of water makes it onto the plastic sill but only a few drops so not enough for me to think the expense is worth it.
hope this helps and please post a piccy of your new car when you get it heres mine
mine is a daily driver
edited to add last line (quite happy with the spelling mistakes
Edited by kazste on Wednesday 22 July 16:05
suppose could be useful but got a free pack of anti misting wipes with some Rain X when first bought the car, i do a lot of night shifts and have noticed that the side windows were misted but the windscreen was not so they seem to work well and save you some money and weight, i do of course now use the wipes on all the windows not just the front having learned my lesson just wanted to see if they did make a difference.
while i think about guess you have or will be told by your dealer but anything that goes in the boot must be secured as if not can distor the outside bodywork as not much padding between the boot liner and the bodywork. was told of bottles of wine rolling around boots causing lots of star effect in the bodywork which can be costly to sort.
also be aware that stone chips are common so might be worth looking at some of the clear film or coloured vinyl like i have on mine (everything apart from the blue is vinyl and can easily and cheaply be replaced if chipped, plus i think it looks different)
also be aware that stone chips are common so might be worth looking at some of the clear film or coloured vinyl like i have on mine (everything apart from the blue is vinyl and can easily and cheaply be replaced if chipped, plus i think it looks different)
1.The standard Probax seats are fantastic,the Sports ones are even better.I'd avoid the leather ones and stick with cloth(see 2)
I suffer badly with my back but even after 3hrs driving the Elise with Probax's i've had no problems.
2.Touring pack is basically £2k for a bit of carpet,sound deadening,leather seats and driving lamps,oh and a cup holder.
The thing to do with an S is to keep options to a minimum,keep it basic
I just specced the Sport pack and nothing else.It was £1500 and included the lightweight wheels,cloth sports seats,sports dampers and traction control(not that you need it).
3.Personal preference-is it a daily driver?I did'nt bother with it for the one day a year its hot enough to need it...;)
4.Roof will go behind the seats(just)
5.Dont know.
6.Dont bother,not worth it.It'll sit in your garage gathering dust.
Hope that helps!
I suffer badly with my back but even after 3hrs driving the Elise with Probax's i've had no problems.
2.Touring pack is basically £2k for a bit of carpet,sound deadening,leather seats and driving lamps,oh and a cup holder.
The thing to do with an S is to keep options to a minimum,keep it basic
I just specced the Sport pack and nothing else.It was £1500 and included the lightweight wheels,cloth sports seats,sports dampers and traction control(not that you need it).
3.Personal preference-is it a daily driver?I did'nt bother with it for the one day a year its hot enough to need it...;)
4.Roof will go behind the seats(just)
5.Dont know.
6.Dont bother,not worth it.It'll sit in your garage gathering dust.
Hope that helps!
uzbek said:
My Caterham has sold and I've had a good long test drive of a new Elise. Looking to spec a new 'S'. Helpful dealer with answers to a lot of my questions but I'm mulling over a few different things. Be good to get the forumites opinion on the following.
1) My biggest issue is with seating. I need some lumbar support. Dealer is pretty sure that the factory can insert a 'pump-up' lumbar support and is getting back to me. It appears to be standard on US-spec cars but not UK. Has anyone else got this done, or added something aftermarket? I used to have a cushion in the Caterham but it is not very rock and roll!
2) Unsure about the benefit of the sound insulation in the Touring pack vs Standard. Coming from the Caterham I think it is pretty quiet but could only drive a Touring pack equipped car today. Does the insulation make a real big difference to the nopise? What about the standard car roof-is a lot less bulky without the padding? I should have checked this out today but forgot.
3) Aircon has never seemed that essential to me but is it something that people regret ordering afterwards?
4) Can you stow the roof anywhere in the cabin-such as behind the rear seats? My guess is not!
5) Just occasionally we might like to carry a bit more kit. Does anyone do an aftermarket luggage rack? I guess it has to be elevated from the engine intakes etc. I found an S1 version online.
6) The hard top is cheaper ordered with the car rather than later. The car will be stored outside sometimes but my general impression is not to bother. Opinions? Does it make it a lot noisier when installed? I think I can see a few after-market types-good stuff or not worth it?
Thanks in advance.
Bruce
1) My biggest issue is with seating. I need some lumbar support. Dealer is pretty sure that the factory can insert a 'pump-up' lumbar support and is getting back to me. It appears to be standard on US-spec cars but not UK. Has anyone else got this done, or added something aftermarket? I used to have a cushion in the Caterham but it is not very rock and roll!
2) Unsure about the benefit of the sound insulation in the Touring pack vs Standard. Coming from the Caterham I think it is pretty quiet but could only drive a Touring pack equipped car today. Does the insulation make a real big difference to the nopise? What about the standard car roof-is a lot less bulky without the padding? I should have checked this out today but forgot.
3) Aircon has never seemed that essential to me but is it something that people regret ordering afterwards?
4) Can you stow the roof anywhere in the cabin-such as behind the rear seats? My guess is not!
5) Just occasionally we might like to carry a bit more kit. Does anyone do an aftermarket luggage rack? I guess it has to be elevated from the engine intakes etc. I found an S1 version online.
6) The hard top is cheaper ordered with the car rather than later. The car will be stored outside sometimes but my general impression is not to bother. Opinions? Does it make it a lot noisier when installed? I think I can see a few after-market types-good stuff or not worth it?
Thanks in advance.
Bruce
I have been driving them every day for 5 years now and can't contemplate driving anything else.
Seats - the Probax seats that have been standard fit since 2006 don't have the lumbar pump that was on the early cars. Having done 25,000 miles in both types of seat I find the Probax ones much more supportive and have done 400 miles in the without any problem.
Hardtop - Car looks nicer with it on, it's no quieter that the soundproofed hood (touring pack) and just as watertight. The big drawback with a hardtop is that you can't easily take the roof off to drive home on those rare but lovely sunny days in winter!
Touring Pack - worth it for the soundproofed hood, if it's a daily driver than the extra bits are well worth it.
Aircon - only time I have wanted it is sitting with the roof off on the M25 on the one really hot aummers day each year. The ability to put the roof on, wind up the windows and turn on a fridge was somethign I really really needed. More sunblock just wasn't helping! Neither of may cars had a problem with misting up in Winter, I do tend to run with the blower on the windscreen though.
Hood - use the bag that comes with it as it keeps it small in the boot. if you don't need the seats right back it will (allegedly) fit on the shelf behind them. Personally I keep mine in the boot and can get a small trolley load of groceries around it on the shopping run. Be prepared for a crowd of shoppers watching this particular piece of magic! Oh and avoid the eco terrorist on the checkout as you are going to need lots of bags!
Most importantly, as you are buying new, get them to throw in the 3 year warranty. My car has been totally reliable in the 2 years I have had it, however I have had an exhaust, 4 indicators and a couple of other bits sorted.
Obviously I highly recommend getting one and using it every day!
Seats - the Probax seats that have been standard fit since 2006 don't have the lumbar pump that was on the early cars. Having done 25,000 miles in both types of seat I find the Probax ones much more supportive and have done 400 miles in the without any problem.
Hardtop - Car looks nicer with it on, it's no quieter that the soundproofed hood (touring pack) and just as watertight. The big drawback with a hardtop is that you can't easily take the roof off to drive home on those rare but lovely sunny days in winter!
Touring Pack - worth it for the soundproofed hood, if it's a daily driver than the extra bits are well worth it.
Aircon - only time I have wanted it is sitting with the roof off on the M25 on the one really hot aummers day each year. The ability to put the roof on, wind up the windows and turn on a fridge was somethign I really really needed. More sunblock just wasn't helping! Neither of may cars had a problem with misting up in Winter, I do tend to run with the blower on the windscreen though.
Hood - use the bag that comes with it as it keeps it small in the boot. if you don't need the seats right back it will (allegedly) fit on the shelf behind them. Personally I keep mine in the boot and can get a small trolley load of groceries around it on the shopping run. Be prepared for a crowd of shoppers watching this particular piece of magic! Oh and avoid the eco terrorist on the checkout as you are going to need lots of bags!
Most importantly, as you are buying new, get them to throw in the 3 year warranty. My car has been totally reliable in the 2 years I have had it, however I have had an exhaust, 4 indicators and a couple of other bits sorted.
Obviously I highly recommend getting one and using it every day!
uzbek said:
1) My biggest issue is with seating. I need some lumbar support. Dealer is pretty sure that the factory can insert a 'pump-up' lumbar support and is getting back to me. It appears to be standard on US-spec cars but not UK. Has anyone else got this done, or added something aftermarket? I used to have a cushion in the Caterham but it is not very rock and roll!
Did the car you tried have the leather Probax seats? Mine has and they are really surprisingly comfortable over decent distances - Spain and back for example.uzbek said:
2) Unsure about the benefit of the sound insulation in the Touring pack vs Standard. Coming from the Caterham I think it is pretty quiet but could only drive a Touring pack equipped car today. Does the insulation make a real big difference to the nopise? What about the standard car roof-is a lot less bulky without the padding? I should have checked this out today but forgot.
depends on use. I wouldnt dream of a car without the max sound deadening but then I wouldnt consider a louder exhaust either. Dont see the point in a level of noise that limits use to short journeysuzbek said:
3) Aircon has never seemed that essential to me but is it something that people regret ordering afterwards?
IMO essential. One design flaw of the Lotus is that you cant stop heat flow out of the front clam into the car even with the heater off. Did a test once and the output of my air vewnts were 10 deg C above ambient with the heater off and the system working correctly. Not a problem in a typical Brit summer but on the hot days or if you want to go abroad - imagine 30C outside and 40C inside the car. And taking the roof off is not the answer - you still get HOT!uzbek said:
4) Can you stow the roof anywhere in the cabin-such as behind the rear seats? My guess is not!
Yes it will fit behind the seats - justuzbek said:
5) Just occasionally we might like to carry a bit more kit. Does anyone do an aftermarket luggage rack? I guess it has to be elevated from the engine intakes etc. I found an S1 version online.
cant be fitted to the S2 because of the build of the rear deckuzbek said:
6) The hard top is cheaper ordered with the car rather than later. The car will be stored outside sometimes but my general impression is not to bother. Opinions? Does it make it a lot noisier when installed? I think I can see a few after-market types-good stuff or not worth it?
My soft top is 100% water tight (surprisingly) but the decison also depends on area. Is the soft top likely to get slashed? Jealous louts like to damage Loti.It just shows how personal cars are.
I wouldn't go without the AC or Hardtop, the 2 go hand in hand, it does get a bit stuffy, even with the rag top on, and it just looks soooooooo nice with the hard top on. It's one of the good things to look forward to about winter.
which ever way you get it, just enjoy............
I wouldn't go without the AC or Hardtop, the 2 go hand in hand, it does get a bit stuffy, even with the rag top on, and it just looks soooooooo nice with the hard top on. It's one of the good things to look forward to about winter.
which ever way you get it, just enjoy............
Thanks for all the advice. I did wonder about heat transfer into the car from the front rads possibly being an issue.
I'm leaning towards having aircon I think.
As for the seats issue-I have a particular spinal curvature that means I need lumbar support even in a normally well fitted and comfortable seat. I'll hope the dealer comes up with the option.
I'm booking a longer drive. Seat comfort is a deal breaker on any new car purchase for me. The Caterham was actually very comfy for me on long trips.
I'm leaning towards having aircon I think.
As for the seats issue-I have a particular spinal curvature that means I need lumbar support even in a normally well fitted and comfortable seat. I'll hope the dealer comes up with the option.
I'm booking a longer drive. Seat comfort is a deal breaker on any new car purchase for me. The Caterham was actually very comfy for me on long trips.
uzbek said:
Thanks for all the advice. I did wonder about heat transfer into the car from the front rads possibly being an issue.
I'm leaning towards having aircon I think.
As for the seats issue-I have a particular spinal curvature that means I need lumbar support even in a normally well fitted and comfortable seat. I'll hope the dealer comes up with the option.
I'm booking a longer drive. Seat comfort is a deal breaker on any new car purchase for me. The Caterham was actually very comfy for me on long trips.
Heat will tend to soak into the cabin from the rad pipes that run through the drivers sill, and from the engine bay... at least that's my experience from K-series engined Elises, not sure if the Toyota is any better? Either way, as has been mentioned, aircon would be something I'd go with if it's a daily driver, if only for demisting in winter. The standard blowers are pretty useless for that until the car's hot.I'm leaning towards having aircon I think.
As for the seats issue-I have a particular spinal curvature that means I need lumbar support even in a normally well fitted and comfortable seat. I'll hope the dealer comes up with the option.
I'm booking a longer drive. Seat comfort is a deal breaker on any new car purchase for me. The Caterham was actually very comfy for me on long trips.
My views:
Touring pack - well they aren't a Mercedes and fitting sound proofing is probably not going to turn it into a whisper quiet limo. Also the sound proofing weighs around 35kg so by not having it you get a good weight saving on the lower powered S? Prob best to drive one with and without and see the difference. I did and couldn't really notice much in it.
Aircon - Essential for me more for Winter than Summer. Have used it on all my cars without fail to help in demisting especially on damp days. Sure the regular blower can deal with the windscreen, with the AC on you get a completely clear cabin eg windows and rear screen as well without having the blower running at max speed. Having said that even on a not particularly warm day if I have the softop on it does get a little too warm to drive without putting the windows down or AC on.
Hartop - I would order one. Firstly I think they look fantastic with the hard top on, secondly makes it feel / look like a different car when you put it on in Winter - makes a nice change!
Obviously every person is different though and the above is AIMHO!
Touring pack - well they aren't a Mercedes and fitting sound proofing is probably not going to turn it into a whisper quiet limo. Also the sound proofing weighs around 35kg so by not having it you get a good weight saving on the lower powered S? Prob best to drive one with and without and see the difference. I did and couldn't really notice much in it.
Aircon - Essential for me more for Winter than Summer. Have used it on all my cars without fail to help in demisting especially on damp days. Sure the regular blower can deal with the windscreen, with the AC on you get a completely clear cabin eg windows and rear screen as well without having the blower running at max speed. Having said that even on a not particularly warm day if I have the softop on it does get a little too warm to drive without putting the windows down or AC on.
Hartop - I would order one. Firstly I think they look fantastic with the hard top on, secondly makes it feel / look like a different car when you put it on in Winter - makes a nice change!
Obviously every person is different though and the above is AIMHO!
had mine a month and use as daily driver, its a 2002
no aircon, dont want one,
rag top great for quick on and off just takes minutes,
i have the lumber support it was optional when purchased new, find it usefull on long journeys.
if drivers seat not requied all the way back roof with stow, but plenty of room in boot.
dont know if its got sound deadening, but its a sports car
dont know if this helps.
no aircon, dont want one,
rag top great for quick on and off just takes minutes,
i have the lumber support it was optional when purchased new, find it usefull on long journeys.
if drivers seat not requied all the way back roof with stow, but plenty of room in boot.
dont know if its got sound deadening, but its a sports car
dont know if this helps.
If I was speccing my liz, I would do the following.
Get the racing seats and racing harnesses. They cost a bomb afterwards.
Get the best lotus sport suspension. You will in the long run so why waste time.
Get the hard top. I love mine and have it on all winter and late into the year. The car looks superb with it and you have dual personality for winter and summer.
Air con? I probably would go for it. Stuff the extra 15kg. I have been stuck in london traffic jams too often roasting my nuts off.
Sound insulation? I know people who have ordered the car wihout but they all seem to come with. It doesnt weigh much and part of the touring pack is the leccy windows which are lighter.
Get the racing seats and racing harnesses. They cost a bomb afterwards.
Get the best lotus sport suspension. You will in the long run so why waste time.
Get the hard top. I love mine and have it on all winter and late into the year. The car looks superb with it and you have dual personality for winter and summer.
Air con? I probably would go for it. Stuff the extra 15kg. I have been stuck in london traffic jams too often roasting my nuts off.
Sound insulation? I know people who have ordered the car wihout but they all seem to come with. It doesnt weigh much and part of the touring pack is the leccy windows which are lighter.
S Works said:
uzbek said:
Thanks for all the advice. I did wonder about heat transfer into the car from the front rads possibly being an issue.
I'm leaning towards having aircon I think.
Heat will tend to soak into the cabin from the rad pipes that run through the drivers sill, and from the engine bay... at least that's my experience from K-series engined Elises, not sure if the Toyota is any better? Either way, as has been mentioned, aircon would be something I'd go with if it's a daily driver, if only for demisting in winter. The standard blowers are pretty useless for that until the car's hot.I'm leaning towards having aircon I think.
I recently drove as a courtesy an Elise S MY06 which had no touring pack, while my SC MY08 was being repaired.
See my other thread (about 1 week old) if you like - SC to S and Back
I found a huge difference in refinement between them.
I don't know if it was just the case of MY08 being better put together - the other one was very clunky.
In esthetic terms the no touring pack suits the Elise better IMO.
A/C - I have it, use very seldom, but if it has to be a comfy everyday car get it.
So if I was speccing my Elise
- no Touring Pack (I'd just get the dealer add the iPod connector)
- A/C yes
- no Sport Pack either, because I do not want the Sport suspension, but I'd get the sport seats if I could.
- T/C why not, you can turn it off, doesn't cost an arm.
- 2bular exhaust again, it never tired me and spices up the experience like nothing else
cheers
I've never heard of probax seats having the lumbar pump - the old seats had it and probax are better.
See my other thread (about 1 week old) if you like - SC to S and Back
I found a huge difference in refinement between them.
I don't know if it was just the case of MY08 being better put together - the other one was very clunky.
In esthetic terms the no touring pack suits the Elise better IMO.
A/C - I have it, use very seldom, but if it has to be a comfy everyday car get it.
So if I was speccing my Elise
- no Touring Pack (I'd just get the dealer add the iPod connector)
- A/C yes
- no Sport Pack either, because I do not want the Sport suspension, but I'd get the sport seats if I could.
- T/C why not, you can turn it off, doesn't cost an arm.
- 2bular exhaust again, it never tired me and spices up the experience like nothing else
cheers
I've never heard of probax seats having the lumbar pump - the old seats had it and probax are better.
I had an Elise S for nearly 2 years and 20k miles
Hardtop = looks nice but I drove more miles with the roof off than I did with it on.
Touring = I had this but havent driven wone without it was certainly nice to drive with though
Aircon = didn't use this loads but it was nice on hot sunny days and on muggy wet days.
Roof storage = Pax footwell or boot imho then again i had the drivers seat right back.
If I were specing an Elise S new I would have a 2bular exhaust for a start
Sports pack over Touring. Those wheels are lovely and £1500 is a bargain (Bandits car is lovely btw)
Aircon
If you can afford then i'd get touring too oh and remember to budget for an nice bright paint job.
Hardtop = looks nice but I drove more miles with the roof off than I did with it on.
Touring = I had this but havent driven wone without it was certainly nice to drive with though
Aircon = didn't use this loads but it was nice on hot sunny days and on muggy wet days.
Roof storage = Pax footwell or boot imho then again i had the drivers seat right back.
If I were specing an Elise S new I would have a 2bular exhaust for a start
Sports pack over Touring. Those wheels are lovely and £1500 is a bargain (Bandits car is lovely btw)
Aircon
If you can afford then i'd get touring too
oh and remember to budget for an nice bright paint job.Gassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff