Discussion
Hi all,
Right well I am getting the itch to change my car. The TT Quattro Sport has been great but, frankly, the 26mpg fuel economy is just insane along with the £65 fuel bill. So I have been looking at the Alfa Mito Cloverleaf, however, it just doesn't really give me that spark.
I was in traffic this morning and I saw an 06 plate blue S2 elise with white stripes (around Chandler's Ford in Hampshire if you are reading this!) and I really think that this is the way forward. The guy driving just looked so happy in his car!
I know the Elise gets reasonable economy, I think, we are talking around 35-40mpg and is quite a reasonable car in terms of tax and other costs.
I commute on a motorway for 20 miles each way, though in the summer, I would likely take the back roads home. The motorway is generally stop start.
I am not the world's greatest driver so will try and sign up for a few driver's courses but I would like T/C and ABS if possible. However, I know the best driver aid is control of the right foot!
Anyway, what I was hoping you could help me with is which varient elise I should look for bearing in mind a budget of around 15k - 17k, a 40 mile m'way commute (though obviously other times I will just drive for fun!) and a lack of any mechanical skill!
Thanks in advance guys!
Right well I am getting the itch to change my car. The TT Quattro Sport has been great but, frankly, the 26mpg fuel economy is just insane along with the £65 fuel bill. So I have been looking at the Alfa Mito Cloverleaf, however, it just doesn't really give me that spark.
I was in traffic this morning and I saw an 06 plate blue S2 elise with white stripes (around Chandler's Ford in Hampshire if you are reading this!) and I really think that this is the way forward. The guy driving just looked so happy in his car!
I know the Elise gets reasonable economy, I think, we are talking around 35-40mpg and is quite a reasonable car in terms of tax and other costs.
I commute on a motorway for 20 miles each way, though in the summer, I would likely take the back roads home. The motorway is generally stop start.
I am not the world's greatest driver so will try and sign up for a few driver's courses but I would like T/C and ABS if possible. However, I know the best driver aid is control of the right foot!
Anyway, what I was hoping you could help me with is which varient elise I should look for bearing in mind a budget of around 15k - 17k, a 40 mile m'way commute (though obviously other times I will just drive for fun!) and a lack of any mechanical skill!
Thanks in advance guys!
Hi Iceman,
A Lotus Elise is not a "normal car", you have to put up with more wind noise and a delicate car than you would be used to. However it rewards the driver with an experience so special you cannot get elsewhere (apart from a Caterham). The car becomes a hobby, you plan your journeys around the car (roof on or off, what you can fit in it). You check the weather report on a regular basis. Living with it is a marmite thing.
Your nearest main dealer is probably Bell & Colvill in Surrey (you mentioned Hampshire). Have a look at what you can afford used and get yourself a test drive.
http://www.bell-colvill.co.uk/Lotus/UsedSearch.asp
But do bear in mind what it would be like on the motorway with the roof on and the pissing rain. Also how delicate it is when left in a public car park. I personally love Elise's and Exiges, I'm on my 3rd Elise. I've got a baby on the way and I'm planning car seats etc on what can fit in the car rather than sell it. SELOC website is a wealth of information.
http://www.seloc.org/
Before anyone pipes up with the ongoing debate on S1 vs S2. I recommend an S2 with a Toyota engine for best reliability. The S2 roof is easier and quicker to put up & down (an S1 needs tools!). Go drive one and let us know what you think.
Chris
Black 2009 Elise SC
A Lotus Elise is not a "normal car", you have to put up with more wind noise and a delicate car than you would be used to. However it rewards the driver with an experience so special you cannot get elsewhere (apart from a Caterham). The car becomes a hobby, you plan your journeys around the car (roof on or off, what you can fit in it). You check the weather report on a regular basis. Living with it is a marmite thing.
Your nearest main dealer is probably Bell & Colvill in Surrey (you mentioned Hampshire). Have a look at what you can afford used and get yourself a test drive.
http://www.bell-colvill.co.uk/Lotus/UsedSearch.asp
But do bear in mind what it would be like on the motorway with the roof on and the pissing rain. Also how delicate it is when left in a public car park. I personally love Elise's and Exiges, I'm on my 3rd Elise. I've got a baby on the way and I'm planning car seats etc on what can fit in the car rather than sell it. SELOC website is a wealth of information.
http://www.seloc.org/
Before anyone pipes up with the ongoing debate on S1 vs S2. I recommend an S2 with a Toyota engine for best reliability. The S2 roof is easier and quicker to put up & down (an S1 needs tools!). Go drive one and let us know what you think.
Chris
Black 2009 Elise SC
Thanks for the advice Chris.
I have just had a chat with Jaimie at Bell and Collvill and I shall be visiting them for an appointment to discuss which car would be best for me.
I understand what you are saying about it not being a normal car and I realise that there may be times when I will wish for something else i.e. when the rain is lashing down! However, I also want to enjoy my driving and look forward to driving my car. I had that feeling with my MINI cooper and Cooper S but haven't had it since, bar taking my S2000 down the Stelvio!!
Plus at 27 I feel that the time is right for a lotus!
I shall let you know how I get on and I shall sign up to SELOC for more info as well!!
I have just had a chat with Jaimie at Bell and Collvill and I shall be visiting them for an appointment to discuss which car would be best for me.
I understand what you are saying about it not being a normal car and I realise that there may be times when I will wish for something else i.e. when the rain is lashing down! However, I also want to enjoy my driving and look forward to driving my car. I had that feeling with my MINI cooper and Cooper S but haven't had it since, bar taking my S2000 down the Stelvio!!
Plus at 27 I feel that the time is right for a lotus!
I shall let you know how I get on and I shall sign up to SELOC for more info as well!!
Trust me when I say there will NOT be any time you wish you had a different car! I use mine daily and mainly for motorway use just like you plan to. In rain take it slowly and you will be fine and soon start getting the rear moving at slower speeds. Mine is an elise S as because as stated onother posts I didn't want to get in trouble which I thought might happen if I bought the faster R. But go for the one which suits you but you must get a crazy colour (mine is blue White and gold!). Take your time at the dealer pick the right car for you, post a photo of your new pride and joy, and of course never look back.
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