kryten

Right, I went to one of those 'supercar' driving experiences last weekend and had tons of fun. Got me back to thinking about a 'fun' car again (that maybe I can track with - I've really missed that since the RB5). As an F355 is a bit pricey, the Elise seemed like a good option.

I now work from home so don't have the pain of a daily commute and I was wondering if an Elise is even remotely possible as a 'day to day' car?

There don't seem to be any decent four seaters (or even 2+2) in the roadster style (I don't count my wife's choice of a 206cc), so I'm only going to fit one of the kids in it at a time and the load space isn't exacly up to much (has anyone ever tried fitting a 1U server into an Elise? I do need to move servers around on occasions) but is it feasible to drive it about during most weathers, round town, on the motorway etc?

I've probably got 10 to 15 grand to spend so it would have to be a few years old and not one of the newer models but my wife hasn't vetoed the idea yet, so just thought I'd ask for opinions!

Old_Fart

For that kinda money you can get a Vauxhall VX220 which is more practical as a day to day car than an S1 Elise...
Servicing is less
Has ABS - good for fall/winter
Roof is easier to whip on and off
Has driver airbag - 'cos you never know
Better built than Elise S1
Will be newer.
Rgds
CMan

Andy M3

I think the Elise is a quality choice, but a lot of compromise on comfort, reliability etc - when just as much enjoyment can be had with a S2000 Honda. I wouldn't have a VX220 though. Something about them I don't like - you will have fun choosing though.

Petem95

The main problem with the Elise is getting in and out. Hard with the roof off - very hard with the roof on - like trying to climb in through the window on a regular car! If you wear a suit to work, then certainly not ideal. Also the roofs tend to leak in heavy showers and leave the sills wet, so makes climbing in ever more fun!

On the plus side they look great, handle great, go surprisingly well for only 120bhp, average nearly 40MPG easily and hold their value!

DarkForce

With that budget you should (just) be able to get an S2. A few months ago a friend bought a 51 plate S2 Sports Tourer with 9k and in amazing condition for £15,600.

He uses it as his only car and its fine for the job. It doesn't leak, so rain isnt a problem. The worst is the snow, in which its less than useless. The S2s are a lot better to use everyday than the S1, but I would also back the idea of looking at VX220s too - I'd choose one of them over an S1, but not an S2. Theres lot of little details in the S1 which make it less practical - such as the need for allan keys to remove the roof.

One of the best qualities of the S2 is the amazing ride, it really is so much better and complient than you would ever expect. The only real downside with regards to practicality is that its a bit of a pain getting in and out, plus there is not much storage space.

If you have any specific questions about the S2, let me know.

stilover

saw an Elise 135 welded to the rear of a F355 at Croft one track day. The Elise driver had a massive grin on his face. The F355 left after about 10 laps cos his car wasn't quick than an Elise. Very funny.
Don't think I could live with one every day through the winter. Through the summer wouldn't be too bad though, as long as my daily commute consisted of back roads.

wilf

Got an S1 Elise but mostly not as an everyday car.

Having said that I do use as an everyday car some weeks. Its v cheap, quick off the mark so fantastic for the cut and thrust of town driving, fun at all speeds and special to sit in. Its also v economical.

Mine does not leak even in torrential rain although many do (although no worse than other cars eg Boxsters if the seals are sorted). The biggest down side is having to climb in and out of it with the hood up (I'm 6"2). It can be a real hassle when you are not in the mood.

VX220 is an alternative - but it was heavier and wasnt as sharp a drive as the S1. I also didnt like the looks and didnt really find it any more user friendly than the Elise. S2s are pretty tempting as well.

Oh taking the hood off takes about 30 seconds once practiced then about another 20 to put it in the boot (you can always put it on the passenger seat.

kryten

I'm alright in the winter, my other transport is a Yamaha Thundercat

Also, my 'commute' consists of walking downstairs!

I'm not sure its an option really, just after having driven one at the weekend thought I'd have a good look. I'm not tall, so fitting in it should be too much of a problem.

As for the VX220, not sure it would feel the same - I'm not really after the turbo for oomph, just something fun (oh and then there's that badge staring back at me from the steering wheel).

My current car is a 535, so I should save about 75 quid a month on petrol costs! Its not exactly 'fun' - the best time I've had recently was when I borrowed a Mini whilst it was having some work done. Not the fastest car, but much like a go-kart.

Guess I'd better head down to the local dealer and see what they've got to look at (might even lob a 1U server in the boot to try it out - anyone know the boot dimensions?!)

DarkForce

Try PistonHeads - they usually have a good selection in the For Sale section.

wilf

I can fit a pilot case and a lap top bag in the boot of mine. The boot isnt that horrendous for an impractical car but its only got a narrow opening which makes bulky square objects difficult - it does mean you can get a quite alot of squashy stuff or shopping bags in there.
I recall the S2 Boot is slightly better.

CTR

I have a S1 which I use everyday(sun, rain, ice, snow) without problem, have done 40k in the last 16 months. There is a knack to getting in and out, once youve done it a few times its easy. The roof will leak onto the sills in heavy rain, but only if youre stationary. Wont happen driving down the motorway.

As said for the price, you can probably get an S2, which is generally a nicer place to be than the S1. Or a VX, which has added safety features, but felt heavy in comparison to the Elise when I test drove one.

Get one, they are huge fun to drive

mark1234

Again, I'd concur with what's said about the elise/vx comparison. vx may be faster point to point, but it's (subjectively) softer, steering and pedals felt more like an ordinary road car, generally less special.

Only looked at S2 elise so far, but I'm shopping right on the limit of affording an S2... Should I hold out for a (cheaper) S2, or consider a later S1? Oh, and the S2 boot is (I'm told) bigger..

Old_Fart

As a road car I have to say I much preferred the VX220..the torquier engine made it far less frustrating than the peaky standard S1 I drove. I'd definitely rather a S2 111S though (or an R if I wanted to spend more) than a VX. Of course it's hard to see beyond the Vauxhall badge for most people, and I don't mean thats a bad thing, it's just a fact of life....Lotus far sexier image, and the S1 is a finer handling car, but really the advantages it holds in delicacy and weight only really noticable on track. I'm about to sell my 911 and in all likelyhood I'll get a 111R to replace it (unless I get another scoob - or an Evo!!), they are damn good cars.
Rgds
C

Chris L

I've been thinking about this too. Before I bought the RX8, I test drove a 111R - it's a seriously quick car, but once I specced it up, I was looking at more than 32K, which I thought was a little excessive. Now, I've changed jobs, I don't drive anywhere near as much as I did 6 months ago and I'm now thinking of selling the RX8 for something less practical . I've been looking at the S2 135 - which seems to be a good entry point into the Elise world.

Pistonheads is a very good place to look, there are normally over 100 for sale at any time. I'd have a look at SELOC as well. In your situation, I think the Elise would be perfectly OK as your 'everyday car'. If you were struggling in the winter, there is nothing to stop you buying a cheap old runabout just for doing the shopping etc.

Incidently, this isn't a slur on the RX8 - it's a very fine car - beautifully balanced with lovely handling and very quick when you push it. But there is something about Elise's that I've always loved - I reckon this might be my best chance to own one too. I'd say go for it

Scoobychick

iTrader: (1)

Chris, you know won't be happy until you've owned one, you've been talking about it for a long time, I say do it now

DarkForce

With my experience of both - I'd hold out for the S2. The S2 always feels like more of a "proper" car, and less of a deluxe kit car.

scrappydog

Kryten,

if you ride bikes, then you won't have too many trouble with the impracticalities or lack of safety electronics. I've got an S1 and I'd definately recommend a late S2 over for two main reasons: firstly, the roof is a much better design than the S1 and early S2s. It only takes seconds to remove and a bit longer to put on, as opposed to minutes on the S1. Get a later S2 which has the roof without "tails". Secondly, the boot is a fair bit bigger and easier access on the S2s. They can also be locked properly, unlike the S1.
Depending on where you are, service costs from non-franchised specialists is the way to go as Lotus garages are a rip off and quite often incompetent as well. Normal running costs are really low compared to most other car, especially if you track it. Expect brakes, tyres and discs to last a year even with quite heavy track use. Compared to tracking a Scoob where you'd be lucky to see pads last more than 3 trackdays. You'll save a fortune.

Andy

Beefy

My missus bought an S2 Elise a couple of months back and loves it, its not really any more impractical than any other roadster with the exception of the roof which takes a couple of minutes to put up/take down.

I actually find it easier getting into the elise than a VX220 (she also had one of these a couple of years ago!) and she prefers the lotus to drive of the two. I find the S2 elise more comfortable to drive/passenger in.

I really didnt think I would be that keen but it is a quality driving experience for the money.

mark1234

Always nice to justify what you wanted to do anyway

Old_Fart: Badge doesn't come into it - not with the price difference. But if I wanted a torquey easy to drive car, I'd buy a golf TDI (or similar!). I want to have to change gears, get involved, and generally work behind the wheel, that's the whole point in the car. But like I said, it's subjective... I also didn't like the scoob 'cos it was too flexible/competant/easy.. and I didn't get involved..

But then I'm obviously a freak 'cos I thought the westfield factory demo car was a bit soft, flabby and not as exciting as I'd hoped

goodfella31

i have a liz S2 111s , use it everday and love it everyday !

still turns heads every time i'm out and about and the extra BHP is very handy aswell, keeps up with most cars.

had an S1 aswell - loved it but would def steer you to a S2 they ride much better are generally better built and more reliable, as an everyday car the S2 is the one to have, actually im selling my S2 111S if you are interested ....

Chris L

I know, I know... This time I might actually do it

I'm sure I remember reading somewhere, that the S2 Elise has more boot capacity than a Boxster - I might be talking crap (now there's a first ), but I remember looking around the 111R and being amazed at how much space there actually was for luggage.

Old_Fart

Deffo talking cr@p Chris LOL Boxster has 2 boots and holds shedloads of gear, Elise is pretty small, but better than an MR2 for storage
Cman

kryten

Well, it seems that for anything much less than about 15 grand it would have to be an S1. At 15 grand the 2001 S2 seems to be available though for the same money a 2003 VX200 would be an option (image is everything, I guess).

How important is having a hard top for the winter months? Nice to have or necessity as they aren't exactly cheap to buy and many seem to come without it.

Still not 100% sure on the practicality side - I'll try and get a look at a couple over the next few days. My only slight concern is a base Elise with the 116bhp engine may be a little 'slow' but I guess only a test drive will sort that out!

Cheers for the advice - just trying to finally convince my wife that a cheap car + elise is a better idea than keeping my 535 and her getting a 206cc.

At least the Mini is out of the running - to get a halfway decent spec seems to involve shelling out several grand on options (even with the cooper) and its only the BMW dealer that can add onto book price when reselling <grrr>

scrappydog

IIR the hardtop only fits the slightly later S2s (i.e. the ones with the "tail-less" roofs). These hardtops are a lot smaller and easier to fit than the S1 hardtops, which are a real pain. Overall, I would consider it a nice to have, rather than necessity as a well adjusted roof does not really leak unless the conditions are extreme. the one thing that the hardtop gives is extra security - worth it if you park on the street a lot.

Doing a quick search on Autotrader, there seems to be quite a few S2s at between £15K-16K. Some of them trade. With some bartering I'm sure you could get an 02 plate for a shade over £15K. Deffo worth the later model one.

Cheers,

Andy

gregh

FWIW I ran an MGF for 3 years, used every day, circa 60k miles and never had or needed a hardtop. Without you can still get the roof down on sunny winter days, and crank the heater up

cheers,

greg

wilf

The S1 hard top tends to rub the paint off where it sits on the the rear bodywork.

I wouldnt pay more than about 12k for an S1 at the moment.

Jim_B

iTrader: (1)

Look at the S1 111s - Thats got the VVC engine so pushes out 143BHP I think. You can pick up a nice one of those for less than 15K. The gearbox is nicer too than a standard S1.

falkster

Ive only just talked myself out of getting an Elise for a daily driver as Im 6 ft 3 and would be a ballache to get in and out of plus friends saying its not practical......instead I will keep my daily driver and spent 3k on my E30 M3 to give it some more poke

kryten

Thanks to everyone who replied - took my wife to test drive one yesterday (she really liked it - despite the fact its not at all practical), managed to offload my 535 this afternoon and have put down a deposit on a S2

So, appologies when it (inevitably) starts chucking it down next week (probably thursday when I collect it)!

mark1234

Hmm... Thanks to the *VERY* helpful folks at Bell and Colvil I drove a couple of S1's and an S2 on sat. All standard 'base' engined models.

First myth: Peaky? Well, maybe it's better with some revs on, but you could happily do 1500rpm in 5th, put your foot down and accelarate cleanly - from about 30. Not much problem there then. Pull cleanly to the red line. Torquey would be more what I'd call it.

Second: S2 vs S1. S2's a nicer place to be in, slightly better to get into and the hood's better. Given. S1 Clanked and banged more, but then it had plenty more miles. Handling wise, test driving on public roads I couldn't tell much difference. Driving position slightly, but noticably better for me in the S2, whole experience gelled more, just felt more at home with the controls - a very subtle difference.

Drove an S1 with the ally discs.. much better feel than the other 2. pity they're obsolete.

S2 has a very slightly larger boot. S1 has a *lot* more space behind seats. S2 the hood has to go in the boot.

Main 'beef'? is that they're pretty damned quick and grippy!!!! Still hankering for something that I can have some fun with at non-ban inducing speeds!