Glenn_R

Anyone run or know someone who has used an Elise as an everyday car covering a reasonalbe mileage (12-15K a year +)? If so what was it like - will it drive u mad after a while? comfort? running costs, etc?

Cheers

Proby521

iTrader: (1)

Hi,

I've run an Elise for 12 months, but not as an everyday car. It only got used weekends, but would do 150 mile each weekend easy. It depends on which model you are thinking about. The S2 is much more 'daily driver' freindly, nice seats, 'carpet', aircon, electric pack etc.. I could easily run an S1 or S2 as an everyday car, but I suppose it depends what you are driving regular now, and whether you really do NEED your luxuries. Post a note on the Lotus BBS. They are a nice enough bunch, and you will get plenty of response.

Chris.

Crispyminstral

Agree with Proby, I've had an early S1 for the last year as a second car. Personally I wouldn't want to use it as an everyday car but there are plenty of people out there that do. The S2 is far more civilised to live with on a day to day basis. Running one shouldn't be a problem. There are quirks that you get used to but are soon forgotten once you are in there driving. I don't think you'll have any problems with comfort on long runs, the seats are surprisingly comfy and supporting. If your budget stretches far enough (and you don't mins the looks) then an S2 would be your best bet. Right at the moment Lotus are releasing the S3, which is basically a tarted up S2 but with a Toyota engine. The word on the street is that second hand values of S2's will probably be hit but hopefully not S1's If you can hold out to March/April time, any changes in Prices should have started to show themselves and prices will still be slightly lower because of the winter factor.

Try these places...

http://forums.seloc.org/index.php
http://www.british-cars.co.uk/index.html
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/
http://www.elises.co.uk/index.html

The social side of ownership is a bonus. There is a real sense of comeraderie amongst all owners with shed loads of different events aswell.

To wet the appetite..... and a chance for me to show off my pride and joy

Wish

iTrader: (2)

I had an Elise S1...... I had trouble using it as a weekend car, never mind a daily driver !!!