Elise or Boxster
Discussion
Venisonpie said:
Composite Guru said:
I spoke to Jaime there when I was after an S2 Exige but it never came to anything.
In the Lotus circles they seem to fairly well rated out of most of the dealers. I don't think you will have any issues.
Thanks, much appreciated. In the Lotus circles they seem to fairly well rated out of most of the dealers. I don't think you will have any issues.
I own both a Boxster and VX220. Basically the budget version of your question. They are both brilliant and very different but similar in many ways. If I had to pick one it would be the Lotus, no question. For short blasts it’s better, but the Boxster is a much better cruiser. You are winning whichever you chose I reckon!
For weekend use, the Elise makes much more sense and is far more special. Having had a Cayman S before myself as well, moving to a Boxster seems like the least interesting option. My wife packs quite a lot and we've had no issues for any long weekends. As a daily driver then a Boxster is better but I can't see why else it would, especially as a depreciation proof interim car.
For the Elise also look out for boot release to be smooth/easy to pull without resitance, these can be a problem area, and the drivers seat can squeak / rattle if the runners have become worn (over and above what other's have said).
For the Elise also look out for boot release to be smooth/easy to pull without resitance, these can be a problem area, and the drivers seat can squeak / rattle if the runners have become worn (over and above what other's have said).
J__D said:
For the Elise also look out for boot release to be smooth/easy to pull without resitance, these can be a problem area, and the drivers seat can squeak / rattle if the runners have become worn (over and above what other's have said).
Lotus have a fix for the rails now. I’m getting mine done next month. 
Venisonpie said:
Yes the Elise was my first thought for all the reasons you mention! However, will it still be in November for a trip to my folks in Suffolk? And can SWMBO fit a weekend worth of luggage in it?
Dependent upon the particular model of SWMBO you have, will depend on whether all the paraphernalia will fit. Squishy bags and use of space behind the seats helps. Back in the day, we went camping for two weeks in France in a VX220 - including taking a tent, stools, air mattress, sleeping bags, clothes, shoes, small camping stove etc.Basically, a weekend away should be easily achievable!
As a former 987 Boxster S and Cayman S owner and a current VX220 owner, it'd be the Lotus for me for weekend use - it's simply more special more of the time. If I was planning to go camping in the South of France for a fortnight though, it's a different question. Then again, I'd probably take my diesel A4 over either of those and then regret it when the roads opened up.
Nonetheless, my point stands - the Boxster is a great car, the Lotus is a great driver's car. And it'll get more positive attention than the Porsche - much more.
Nonetheless, my point stands - the Boxster is a great car, the Lotus is a great driver's car. And it'll get more positive attention than the Porsche - much more.
Actus Reus said:
Nonetheless, my point stands - the Boxster is a great car, the Lotus is a great driver's car. And it'll get more positive attention than the Porsche - much more.
I get loads of attention in mine. I don’t know why. It’s been called a Lamborghini by a group of local kids. 
If it gives off that sort of vibe then I’m happy.
I've just recently sold my Elise S3 after 1 year ownership (literally to the day).
Bought at 2yrs old and sold at 3 yrs old - used it as my daily drive albeit I only live 2 miles from the office.
Bought private and sold private and lost £1250 in depreciation - only other cost was the annual service - circa £320 at my local Lotus dealership.
My advice is just buy one - put a smile on my face everytime I walked out of the door and saw it on the drive! Only sold once the 2nd little one arrived and I'll definitely have another one, one day.
Currently trying to find something similar to fill the void, just with 4 seats.....M2??
Bought at 2yrs old and sold at 3 yrs old - used it as my daily drive albeit I only live 2 miles from the office.
Bought private and sold private and lost £1250 in depreciation - only other cost was the annual service - circa £320 at my local Lotus dealership.
My advice is just buy one - put a smile on my face everytime I walked out of the door and saw it on the drive! Only sold once the 2nd little one arrived and I'll definitely have another one, one day.
Currently trying to find something similar to fill the void, just with 4 seats.....M2??
Venisonpie said:
Quick question, how watertight are these later Elises's and is there any value in having a hardtop?
The new ones are pretty good. Soft tops are always a bit flaky as you can fit them differently every time. I have a hardtop on mine and it stays on most of the time. I use silicone grease to lube the window seals as that's where it comes in if it does rain.
Sometimes I get a little trickle on the inside when washing the car but that's normally because the higher pressure water forces past the seal.
Venisonpie said:
Quick question, how watertight are these later Elises's and is there any value in having a hardtop?
Never had water leak in except once when parked on a sideways angle when opening the door (so technically not a leak). Nor when washing the car, although I've not used a pressure washer on it. Hardtop didn't add anything to me, the difference between the two roofs isn't what it used to be in the S1.Composite Guru said:
The new ones are pretty good. Soft tops are always a bit flaky as you can fit them differently every time.
I have a hardtop on mine and it stays on most of the time. I use silicone grease to lube the window seals as that's where it comes in if it does rain.
Sometimes I get a little trickle on the inside when washing the car but that's normally because the higher pressure water forces past the seal.
Thanks. Given the car will live outside and be used in winter I think the hard top would be useful - a lot of the S3's for sale appear to have them. A quick google suggests a hard top is £500 plus paint so worth having.I have a hardtop on mine and it stays on most of the time. I use silicone grease to lube the window seals as that's where it comes in if it does rain.
Sometimes I get a little trickle on the inside when washing the car but that's normally because the higher pressure water forces past the seal.
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