Aircon that important?

[sheetstabuer]

I'm about to buy a 111R and have narrowed the choice down between two cars, exact same spec except for one having aircon and one not, is aircon really worth it, do you cook in the car in summer?

thanks for the help!

[bobcorb]

I wouldn't be put off by lack of AC. Okay its good for demisting if you plan on driving it in yucky weather but with a bit of practice you'll learn to turn the heater to the correct settings....

On warm summer days you should have the roof off anyway. I was looking at something similar myself but bought an Exige (with AC) as it was cheaper (?)

[Sonic Nonsense]

Air con's by no mean vital, especially in roof off weather, but I find that on some long journeys, it can get a little hot inside (think it might be heat soak from the engine) and the air con's really nice just to take the edge off it.

Just my two cents worth!

[Skyman]

Sonic Nonsense said:

Air con's by no mean vital, especially in roof off weather, but I find that on some long journeys, it can get a little hot inside (think it might be heat soak from the engine) and the air con's really nice just to take the edge off it. Just my two cents worth!

That would be my view. Made two mistakes 3/4 years back when buying a Boxster (first mistake) without a/c (second mistake). Not good when (if) the weather gets really hot. A/c takes the edge off.

>> Edited by Skyman on Monday 22 May 17:19

[kevin ritson]

To be honest, I've owned a car with aircon before, didn't spec it on the car I bought and haven't missed it - personally I wouldn't make a decision based on that.

[sp60]

Useful for about 3 weeks in the average british year.
Personally I looked for a car without aircon.
It's heavy, saps engine power and infrequently useful.
To be honest I don't think that the majority of potential lotus owners
will be bothered if it has aircon or not. Different ballpark to porsche spec IHMO.

[gooby]

I have a 111R and air con is really not necessary. There has been about 3 times I would have used it. If it is hot you take the roof off!

[dogchillibilly]

I've had the car 7 weeks - i've used it lots.

Car got a bit damp at the weekend (Lorry drive by + puddle + window open) so steaming up like a sauna at the moment - the a/c clears the window in seconds.

Plus at the begining of May had enough of roof off on a motorway - a/c made it habitable inside with the roof on.

[xxplod]

I wouldn't be too bothered. I've owned 3 Elises, non with air-con. As said, it isn't really useful very often and the system in the Elise is not great anyway. Don't think it will blast cold air like your BMW/Merc/Porsche etc...

[Hollywood Wheels]

Please can someone tell me, what is this 'aircon' you all speak of????

[gooby]

Hollywood Wheels said:

Please can someone tell me, what is this 'aircon' you all speak of????

Air Conditioning

[telecat]

As somebody who has been buying cars for over 30 years.... I would spec it on any new car I had. If it saves you on an Elise purchase I would not worry... providing you don't expect to recover money later.

>> Edited by telecat on Tuesday 23 May 01:04

[beachbum]

I the basic 111R, i.e. no touring pack, so no aircon. Owned it for 18months now and have never needed it. Granted I drive virtually everywhere with the roof off, but even on those damp mornings with the windows misted up on both sides the heater does a fast enough job. A/C really isnt worth it.
If we were talking about the Exige, that would be something completely different

[nwtony]

If all aircon is good for is demisting fast, I can reccommend fogX at about a fiver a bottle. Mine used to steam up like a b'stard but since using it, it's been fine. You know its good because the elise heater fan is like being breathed on by an asthmatic gerbil.