Is Elise/Exige/Europa alway the answer?

[Dift]

Im thoroughly enjoying rolling round in my 2ZZ MR2 while I look for my next "DD" (only use the car once a week and then weekend duties as I use my bike). I always have the desire for a 2+2 but always come back to an Elise derivative.

Is there another 2+2 I have missed, or is the Elise the only option (obvs losing the 2+2 option)? 911s too fat, i8s do nothing for me, 4C doesn't convince me

Ive been through a 135R, S2 111s, Europa S and S2 Honda Elise.

I dont want to spend too much and Im fond of the S2 shape (not man enough for a S1).

What else is there?

[NeilPot]

For a smaller 4 (ish) seat sports car: Audi TT, GT86, or depending on budget an Evora.

[KPB1973]

I'm in a similar boat. I have a 987.2 Cayman S which isn't doing it for me. I keep looking at Elise's and Exiges, but truth be told i'd be happier than present in a good Boxster because of the drop top experience.

The only other car that piques my interest at the moment is an M4, but I suspect I'd get bored more quickly than I would in a Lotus.

Plus it is a box I need to tick.

[Tickle]

S2000?

VX Turbo?

You know an S1 makes the most sense though.

[braddo]

Having young kids this is something I have spent a lot of time thinking about! Depending on budget and in rough budget order, if you really want a 2+2 drivers car you should try:

RX8
GT86
996 911 (danger of needing big slush fund)
Evora
Pre-89 air cooled 911

But if you haven't really needed a 2+2 in the past, do you really need one now?

Then there are the classic restomod options - MkII Escort, Alfa GTV (105 Giulia or 116 Giulietta), '02 or early 3-series BMW etc.

[Dift]

I have the desire to spend some time out with the family in the car. It would be nice to be able to do that with a 2+2. Go on a nice road trip / weekend away.

I always feel a little guilty with a 2 seater, as it's only ever me and one other.
Gt86 probably not special enough as a 2+2 option. The Evora is a good shout... I've been looking at them when they come up for sale around 25k.

I've also looked at 944s which were always a favourite of mine as a child.

I prefer my mk3 MR2 to the s2000 and boxter to be honest.

I still have a desire for an Elise though... strangely drawn to them.

Tickle said:

You know an S1 makes the most sense though.

Just not brave enough to daily one in winter.

[skeeterm5]

I guess the answer is yes but only if you can live with the impracticality.. last year I bought an Exige S and ran it from June to October as my daily driver

I loved it but as the summer weather passed it became more of a pain getting in and out, terrible headlights and being so low every other car seemed to dazzle me.

Would I just another? I am not sure, the driving experience was great but other cars probably offer 80% of that with infinitely more practicality.

S

[Venisonpie]

I'd find it very difficult to use my Elise as a daily driver. For reasons already mentioned they require a lot of compromise which would become tiresome.

That said if it's a toy, then a Lotus is perfect because the one area that isn't compromised is the driving experience which is on another planet to just about anything this side of a Caterham.

I ran a Cayman prior to the Elise as I needed a daily and it largely fit the bill well. However I can't remember many special drives in it whereas the Elise feels great if you take it round the block.

The plus 2 isn't a consideration so can't really comment.

[gareth h]

As a daily I’d have an Evora, I ran a 400 for a while am back in an Exige now as the Evora wasn’t different enough from my daily, but as a one car option they are fantastic, quick, great ride, handle well, xenon lights (a major failing on the Elise / Exige) and almost depreciation free.

[andy97]

Lotus Excel?
944/968 is a good shout.
Renault Alpine GTA a bit more left field.