Would you do 400 miles in a day in an Elise?
Discussion
Hi Lotus people!
I'm considering getting an Elise S1. I'd be using it for my daily driver, which involves long journeys from time to time, and 12-14,000 miles a year.
How practical a proposition is an Elise for this? One person I've spoken to reckons that if I do 400 miles in an Elise in one day I wouldn't be able to sit down for a week ...
I'm considering getting an Elise S1. I'd be using it for my daily driver, which involves long journeys from time to time, and 12-14,000 miles a year.
How practical a proposition is an Elise for this? One person I've spoken to reckons that if I do 400 miles in an Elise in one day I wouldn't be able to sit down for a week ...
I do about 25K miles a year in mine - longest in one day probably 600 miles. I have an S2 though - the seats are more comfy. Try and get a 135 or 111S - they come with better seats as std. The tank range is about 250miles ish - so you never really do more than a few hours without a break.
No issues really - would have liked aircon for both summer and winter (demisting) but other than that you can cope no problems...especially nice in the summer when you can plot the scenic routes everywhere !
No issues really - would have liked aircon for both summer and winter (demisting) but other than that you can cope no problems...especially nice in the summer when you can plot the scenic routes everywhere !
Hmmm ... I had been thinking of a boggo S1,and an early one at that.
My original plan was to get a less old, more powerful and less rusty version of my current Mk1 Toyota MR2.
But my wife wants me to put my hand deeper into my pocket and get a car that will impress the neighbours more, and she likes the looks of the Elise. And so, as a natural tightwad, I had thought that an early S1 might fit the bill
.
On the other hand, 250bhp in a 950kg Toyota, with comfy seats, for about £5k, has a lot to commend itself
My original plan was to get a less old, more powerful and less rusty version of my current Mk1 Toyota MR2.
But my wife wants me to put my hand deeper into my pocket and get a car that will impress the neighbours more, and she likes the looks of the Elise. And so, as a natural tightwad, I had thought that an early S1 might fit the bill
. On the other hand, 250bhp in a 950kg Toyota, with comfy seats, for about £5k, has a lot to commend itself
Did 600 a week for 4 months in mine. Major issue was the noise level inside (had to start wearing earplugs), and visibility after dark due to being same height as oncoming headlights and glare off roads if it rained.
Also bear in mind that all-weather use will turn a 'nice' car into an 'OK' one. Like mine.
AdrianR
p.s Now got diesel Golf with cruise control for commuting
>> Edited by adrianr on Monday 21st June 11:38
Also bear in mind that all-weather use will turn a 'nice' car into an 'OK' one. Like mine.
AdrianR
p.s Now got diesel Golf with cruise control for commuting
>> Edited by adrianr on Monday 21st June 11:38
For what you'll be spending on an elise, it probably makes sense to see if you can hire one for a week to see if you _can_ live with it on a daily basis!
I used an s1 as a daily drive and had no probs, but I only had a 25 minute, B-road commute, whilst it's not a problem for regular motorway stuff, it does take a certain level of dedication to the cause!
CH
I used an s1 as a daily drive and had no probs, but I only had a 25 minute, B-road commute, whilst it's not a problem for regular motorway stuff, it does take a certain level of dedication to the cause!
CH
Coming up to 5 years with an S1. Mileage to date 81,000 and no mods.
No problems with long Journeys, on the open road or Motorways. As already noted noise unavoidable.
For winter use the Hardtop is recommended.
Constant Motorway miles can ware the front tyres on the inside (Traveled 80 miles on the M4 to and from Bristol for 6 months – also easily returned 40+ mpg).
Steve Williams (at Eaton Wick 01753 858711) keeps it in good order. Speacialised Paintwork (Reading - 0118 9306206) look after the paintwork.
No problems with long Journeys, on the open road or Motorways. As already noted noise unavoidable.
For winter use the Hardtop is recommended.
Constant Motorway miles can ware the front tyres on the inside (Traveled 80 miles on the M4 to and from Bristol for 6 months – also easily returned 40+ mpg).
Steve Williams (at Eaton Wick 01753 858711) keeps it in good order. Speacialised Paintwork (Reading - 0118 9306206) look after the paintwork.
dr bob said:
For what you'll be spending on an elise, it probably makes sense to see if you can hire one for a week to see if you _can_ live with it on a daily basis!
I used an s1 as a daily drive and had no probs, but I only had a 25 minute, B-road commute, whilst it's not a problem for regular motorway stuff, it does take a certain level of dedication to the cause!
CH
Good idea.
My commute's a mix of B-road and d/c/way - maybe about 15-20 minutes on each.
And from time to time, Edinburgh to Aberdeen and back in a day!
How long does it take to get the roof on an Elise? I've timed it on my MR2 T-bar, 25 seconds from opening the driver's door to closing it again. I wouldn't expect an Elise to beat that - but I also wouldn't believe the 5 minutes another MR2 owner has claimed (for the Elise).
I live in Scotland, I need to be able to get the roof on quickly!
I live in Scotland, I need to be able to get the roof on quickly!
40 seconds with 2 people, about 1:10 on your own (because you have to walk around the back of the car twice.
Its very easy indeed - although that is the time it takes to drop everything in the boot - if you want to fold everything all namby pamby and put it in the net that is apparently supposed to hold it (does it?) then I don't know!
Its very easy indeed - although that is the time it takes to drop everything in the boot - if you want to fold everything all namby pamby and put it in the net that is apparently supposed to hold it (does it?) then I don't know!
FIVE MINUTES!! Clearly a simpleton.
It isn't the silkiest of operations, but you should be brandishing your allen key within 40 seconds with practice. As for the mileage, I've driven mine to Scotland a couple of times without complaint. Obviously I would have been more comfortable in an S8 but it was worth it once I hit the mountains.
I actually like the seats and find them very good for my back and posture. In fact I'd say it's quite a comfy car once you're inside. the only thing that niggles me is the getting in and out. I've snapped a couple of credit cards during the contortions before. Mind you, it's good for exercise as if I only need to go a short distance I end up walking.
It isn't the silkiest of operations, but you should be brandishing your allen key within 40 seconds with practice. As for the mileage, I've driven mine to Scotland a couple of times without complaint. Obviously I would have been more comfortable in an S8 but it was worth it once I hit the mountains.
I actually like the seats and find them very good for my back and posture. In fact I'd say it's quite a comfy car once you're inside. the only thing that niggles me is the getting in and out. I've snapped a couple of credit cards during the contortions before. Mind you, it's good for exercise as if I only need to go a short distance I end up walking.
I could put up with that kind of mileage, but I know my wife couldn't put up with being a passenger for those distances! Are the long distance journeys going to be on your own?
If you drive in a "spirited" way, then your passenger will be thrown around a bit, even if they can reach the passenger foot rest! I'm not just talking about sudden hard cornering, but also that the car has such good grip that the lateral G's will take your passenger by suprise! Not so bad if you're gripping a steering wheel, but my missus normally gets out feeling ill, and adopts a strange "holding on for grim death" position for the duration of the journey!
Can't just be my driving, surely?
Stoker.
stoker said:
I could put up with that kind of mileage, but I know my wife couldn't put up with being a passenger for those distances!
Sounds familiar mate.
My g/f is constantly on at me to get a Boxter or Z4 because the seats are too uncomfortable.
Personally I love it and find it fine. Ar5e starts getting a bit numb after 3 hours or more but other than that no problem.
JohnL said:
How long does it take to get the roof on an Elise? I've timed it on my MR2 T-bar, 25 seconds from opening the driver's door to closing it again. I wouldn't expect an Elise to beat that - but I also wouldn't believe the 5 minutes another MR2 owner has claimed (for the Elise).
I live in Scotland, I need to be able to get the roof on quickly!
Not that long, you soon get it down to a fine art and if you need a "quickie" just get a shower-cap in case of sudden need.
Seriously mate, get one with 111s seats and you will be fine. They are SUPERB cars!
stoker said:
If you drive in a "spirited" way, then your passenger will be thrown around a bit, even if they can reach the passenger foot rest!
My g/f is a shortarse and can't reach the footrest in its normal position. The footrest is only velcro'd in place though, so it is a simply matter to insert a suitable spacer block made of timber, between the footrest and the front bulkhead. I am told that this makes high-speed passengering a lot more tolerable.
JohnL said:
How long does it take to get the roof on an Elise? I've timed it on my MR2 T-bar, 25 seconds from opening the driver's door to closing it again. I wouldn't expect an Elise to beat that - but I also wouldn't believe the 5 minutes another MR2 owner has claimed (for the Elise).
I live in Scotland, I need to be able to get the roof on quickly!
John,
With practice you can re-roof or de-roof in <1 minute yourself . . .
Why not pop along to Knockhill this Monday evening, there's a dealer track evening, there will be lots of Elise S1's there, plenty people who own and live with these cars every day to speak to so you can get the facts ;-)
I'm planning on being there, titanium S1, W reg . . . collar me in the pits for a blether and some passenger laps round the circuit !
Cheers
Fd
Edited to say . . . ref comfort . . . Although my car is not a daily driver I routinely do 300+ miles in it on a day, I've done over 500 a number of times too . . . personally I find it no less comfortable than my Autobahnbarge . . . but the ambient noise level make me wear earplugs . . .
>> Edited by fergusd on Sunday 27th June 10:32
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