111R - calling all owners!

[WhirlingDERVish]

I've owned two mk1 Elises and I sold the last one 2 years ago. I've currently got a refundable deposit paid on a TVR but I was looking at the Lotus site and came across the 111R which I hadn't previously heard of.

I'd be interested in any comments from any owners out there, particularly anyone who also owned a mk1 standard Elise, in terms of whether they love it or loathe it.

Should I stick with waiting for a T350 or be converted back to the Lotus fold? Also, I made the mistake when I bought my first Elise that the mk2 shape was due to come out 3 months later (big surprise that the dealer didn't mention it!), so are there any rumours on a mk3 shape in the near future?

[mustard]

You need to speak to Mrs & Mrs Fish!

Ex T350 owner, now 111R Owner.

111R will be cheaper to buy, far cheaper to run and dare I say it far more reliable

Certainly no plans to update (its only been out a little over 6months)

>> Edited by mustard on Tuesday 18th January 19:45

[theRossatron]

I'd also guess that there will be no Mk3 until the elise has been around for a bit in the States.

[Mrs Fish]

James here:

I don't beleive there is a MK3 on the way in the short term. I've had a 4.0l Tuscan, T350c and a 111r. They have all been used as daily drives. The 111r is not as practical as the T350c which again is not as practical as the Tuscan.

However the car is perfectly capable as a day to day transport. It doesn't have a huge boot but is when you know how easy to get in and reliable etc...

The T350c is more practical used as a daily car and quite reliable if looked after. The car has far more raw power and has quite good handling although no where near as chuckable as the 111r. The Lotus does needmore power which is something I miss and am looking at improving. When I say it needs more power that is only if you are coming from a 300bhp/tonne car.

Hope that helps.

In summary:

If you want a cheaper reliable chuckable car...Lotus

If you want sheer presence, power and performance in a slightly less reliable, costlier package ...T350c


Both cars are brilliant, drive both and make a decision.

[andi_p]

111R has a much better build quality than any previous elises. I chopped my S2 in for one about 8 weeks ago and I'm still in two minds over things like electric windows and aircon, all seems a bit pointless, but the 111R engine is great (no HGF worries) and the lack of squeaks and rattles is a nice surprise. As a daily driver its probably as close as you will get to a "normal" car but still all the Lotus performance and handling to enjoy at the same time

[boggy]

Mrs Fish said:

James here: I don't beleive there is a MK3 on the way in the short term. I've had a 4.0l Tuscan, T350c and a 111r. They have all been used as daily drives. The 111r is not as practical as the T350c which again is not as practical as the Tuscan. However the car is perfectly capable as a day to day transport. It doesn't have a huge boot but is when you know how easy to get in and reliable etc... The T350c is more practical used as a daily car and quite reliable if looked after. The car has far more raw power and has quite good handling although no where near as chuckable as the 111r. The Lotus does needmore power which is something I miss and am looking at improving. When I say it needs more power that is only if you are coming from a 300bhp/tonne car. Hope that helps. In summary: If you want a cheaper reliable chuckable car...Lotus If you want sheer presence, power and performance in a slightly less reliable, costlier package ...T350c Both cars are brilliant, drive both and make a decision.

Hi Mrs Fish,

I agree haven't owned a Tvr but I'm now getting used to the power of the 111R, I'll be investing in some sort of upgrade this year, also I feel the car need's a sport's exhaust it just need's a little more presence

Boggy

>> Edited by boggy on Wednesday 19th January 09:45

[apprentice]

boggy said:

Hi Mrs Fish...

That were James... boggy

[WhirlingDERVish]

Thanks for all your opinions.

I'm test driving the 111R next week and the T350 the week after that. In truth the TVR would have to justify the extra £10k, although it does have the edge in looks (IMHO). The last TVR I test drove was a Griffith 500 and it was a bit like trying to guide a shopping trolley with a wonky wheel - it went where it wanted to go. I want to enjoy whichever car I get, and not be all the time thinking it's going to end me up in a ditch.

[boggy]

apprentice said:

boggy said: Hi Mrs Fish... That were James... boggy

Great Bloke (Not) sorry James

Boggy

[S Works]

WhirlingDERVish said:

I'm test driving the 111R next week and the T350 the week after that. In truth the TVR would have to justify the extra £10k, although it does have the edge in looks (IMHO).

Must it be brand new? There are some gorgeous T350's for sale in the classifieds in the same ish price range as 111r's.... still think the Lotus will be more fun though.