should i buy an elise
Discussion
hi all,
im in need of some advise. I currectly own a peugeot 106 gti, not the fastest and most desirable of cars but it was the best car (for the price) that (so far) has been very reliable and a joy to drive. Anyway, it has seen me through my apprenticship and into a posistion where i can afford to buy something a little more expensive. Would it be foolish to suggest an elise as an everyday car...bearing i mind that im only 21 and a harsh ride is the least of my concerns...as i understand it has relitivly good fuel ecomony, road tax prices and of course the legendry handling. Could i rely on one to be run everyday reliably or is there the need (as with many sports cars) to pay extra special attention and keep up with short service intervals?? any help much appreciated!!!
im in need of some advise. I currectly own a peugeot 106 gti, not the fastest and most desirable of cars but it was the best car (for the price) that (so far) has been very reliable and a joy to drive. Anyway, it has seen me through my apprenticship and into a posistion where i can afford to buy something a little more expensive. Would it be foolish to suggest an elise as an everyday car...bearing i mind that im only 21 and a harsh ride is the least of my concerns...as i understand it has relitivly good fuel ecomony, road tax prices and of course the legendry handling. Could i rely on one to be run everyday reliably or is there the need (as with many sports cars) to pay extra special attention and keep up with short service intervals?? any help much appreciated!!!
I am not trying to discourage you in any way but your questions have all been asked before. Coming on to an elise forum and asking "if you should get an elise?" is not going to surprise you with the answer.
We get this question many times a week so do a search or look to the top of the page where there is a buyers guide. When you have some knowledge and some imaginative I / we will be happy to help.
We get this question many times a week so do a search or look to the top of the page where there is a buyers guide. When you have some knowledge and some imaginative I / we will be happy to help.
I looked into buying an elise when i was 19...and a friend of mine had one and took me out in it. As he put it to me...i think its a car that everyone should own at least once. If you dont get along with it..you could always sell it. But when your in one...you can tell your in something different to the average car.
Gooby said:
I am not trying to discourage you in any way but your questions have all been asked before. Coming on to an elise forum and asking "if you should get an elise?" is not going to surprise you with the answer.
We get this question many times a week so do a search or look to the top of the page where there is a buyers guide. When you have some knowledge and some imaginative I / we will be happy to help.
A tad harsh dont you think, he is new to PH, We get this question many times a week so do a search or look to the top of the page where there is a buyers guide. When you have some knowledge and some imaginative I / we will be happy to help.
lamb jiblets said:
Gooby said:
I am not trying to discourage you in any way but your questions have all been asked before. Coming on to an elise forum and asking "if you should get an elise?" is not going to surprise you with the answer.
We get this question many times a week so do a search or look to the top of the page where there is a buyers guide. When you have some knowledge and some imaginative I / we will be happy to help.
A tad harsh dont you think, he is new to PH, We get this question many times a week so do a search or look to the top of the page where there is a buyers guide. When you have some knowledge and some imaginative I / we will be happy to help.
Gooby said:
Wasnt trying to be rude - if that is the way it came across then sorry. BUT there is a large sticky at the top of the page and loads of threads with this question.
Bully!
He didn't know about the other threads, he's new.
Balldo, buy one you will love it, but just as Gooby said read the info on here and on SELOC so you know what you're getting.
gooby said:
. BUT there is a large sticky at the top of the page and loads of threads with this question.
deepseatiger said:
Whats a sticky ??
That would be something i hit people with at work**!- Only in exceptional circumstances and with no more force than is nessacary, Sir!
Edited by lotustuart on Friday 23 November 23:37
Gooby said:
lamb jiblets said:
Gooby said:
I am not trying to discourage you in any way but your questions have all been asked before. Coming on to an elise forum and asking "if you should get an elise?" is not going to surprise you with the answer.
We get this question many times a week so do a search or look to the top of the page where there is a buyers guide. When you have some knowledge and some imaginative I / we will be happy to help.
A tad harsh dont you think, he is new to PH, We get this question many times a week so do a search or look to the top of the page where there is a buyers guide. When you have some knowledge and some imaginative I / we will be happy to help.
To the OP, pretty much what you write is correct. The Elise does need to be looked after, but it will then reward you with much, much joy! At 21, you won't find getting in and out of it 10 times a day a problem, you won't find the noise, heat and bouncy ride tiring, either.
In many ways the car is made for you.....but nothing is perfect and you have one, b-i-g enemy....the insurance company. They will hate you for wanting to use the Elise daily, thoroughly dislike you if you do not have a garage and live in the Cotswolds, and literally detest you for being 21.
So at your age you have to think a little differently:
1. Can I afford the insurance?
2. Can I afford the car?
If you can, then get one. You can keep costs down by DIY servicing, especially basic oil changes
You will not regret it.
baldo said:
Would it be foolish to suggest an elise as an everyday car...bearing i mind that im only 21 and a harsh ride is the least of my concerns...as i understand it has relitivly good fuel ecomony, road tax prices and of course the legendry handling.
As others have already mentioned, the majority of Elise owners on here use their cars on a daily basis. The Elise is my only car so is used for driving to work, getting around and long motorway journeys. They are surprisingly comfortable cars to drive over long distances and as you know, are very economical 
Yes, the ride is a little harsh - Most of my friends compare it to a go-kart on steroids - The standard Koni shocks are quite noisy over bumps too. One of the most popular upgrades is the Bilstein S2 kit, which lower the car, improve the handling and are much quieter ... Worthwhile!
They have their little niggles - The lights are not brilliant, the windscreen wipers may as well not be on the car and occasionally they can leak, but it is all part of the cars character. You will have to make sacrifices in terms of practicality, but if you're willing to do so, then go for it!
Because you're so young the insurance will be an issue - I know, I am the same age and found that many well-known companies just laughed at me down the phone! You'll most likely be looking at £2,400-£3,400 for a fully comp policy - Never take the easy and cheaper route of TPFT just in case you do end up in a hedge backwards!
baldo said:
Is there the need (as with many sports cars) to pay extra special attention and keep up with short service intervals?? any help much appreciated!!!
Nothing particularly special to pay attention to. Treat it as any other car. However make sure you check all the Wiki Guides and FAQ's at the top of these forums - Some good information to watch out for when buying second hand. Service intervals are relatively cheap and are not short either ... Always budget around £1,000 per year for consumables, repairs and services though.Good luck, have fun searching and if you can get one now, then I say go for it! Best thing I ever did!
Just be very careful behind the week and respect RWD, especially coming from a FWD hot hatch. Gassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff