Used 05 vs used 06 vs new 06

[MikeC]

I love my late 05. I prefer throttle by cable. My seats are fine. My AC and heater operate properly. I'd probably perfer a late O5 vs an early one.

Nothing wrong with buying used, and here is another way to look at it.

I bought my 05 new in July of 06. Right from new I had to take it to the dealer (not the one I bought it from) to have:

1. Headlights aligned
2. Steering rack replaced.
3. AC recirc switch fixed.
4. Droopy sunvisor fixed (i've since removed the visors)


Since then I've added:
1. Lotus driving lights (love the look)
2. HID low beams (IMHO necessary upgrade)
3. Lorini exhaust with SE tips (love the look and sound)
4. Micro mirror
5. Aluminum carpet hold down buttons.
6. Replaced stock speakers with JL audio.
7. Purchased "shower cap"

The point is that a good used one will probably have some of the "new issues" already sorted out saving you additional hassle, and could have some nice aftermarket upgrades. Also, for me, color was important and it may be that as left overs dwindle, you may not have much of a color choice.

I'd buy what suits your style and wallet. Condition means more than milage and year. IMHO, a trashed 1K mile 06 is worth less than a pristine 05 with 5K miles.

[kevinkw]

In addition to "I've test driven both and really can't tell the difference, I'm 5'10 and fit in pretty well. I will probably go with a 2005. There is a 05 green/yellow Elise at Huntington Ford on autos.yahoo. However, ran a carfax on it and said it was a corp lease, does that mean it was a track car at a driving school? There is also a STi at Norm Baker Motors in Las Vegas (guess it will be a 2 day road trip to Seattle), has anyone bought a car from them?"
I wanted to ask how does an Elise with out the sports package handle in the rain? How much fun is it sitting in traffic?

[Tim Taylor]

In an attempt to give you the info on 05 vs 06, consider the following. Earlier 05's had two oil coolers (better) Thereafter, only those with Sport package had two. Earlier 05's had shifter probs subject to recall (worse). 06 differences over 05's are Probax seats (generally considered better), redesigned pedal box (generally considered better due to it being easier to heel/toe though many report being able to make adjustments to 05's to alleviate), LED tailights (better but nothing wrong with 05's), drive-by-wire throttle (reputed to be better due to smoother, faster throttle response b ut there are reports of some cutting out in dbw 06's so this may not be an advantage), quality of finish in LSS wheels is generally considered better than 05 LSS wheels (not relevant if you don't get sport package) - that's really about it from what I can remember. As for new or used, the same thing applies that you'd consider in any car. For me, breaking a new car in myself, a pedal box I can easily heel/toe with and Probax seats made it worth buying an 06 new - I bought from Ryan at Park Place and had an excellent experience. Park Place is very supportive of track days/drivers. PM me if you want more info on my experience and deal. Hope this helps - just get in before the new bumpers take over!

[Tim Taylor]

In an attempt to give you the info on 05 vs 06, consider the following. Earlier 05's had two oil coolers (better) Thereafter, only those with Sport package had two. Earlier 05's had shifter probs subject to recall (worse). 06 differences over 05's are Probax seats (generally considered better), redesigned pedal box (generally considered better due to it being easier to heel/toe though many report being able to make adjustments to 05's to alleviate), LED tailights (better but nothing wrong with 05's), drive-by-wire throttle (reputed to be better due to smoother, faster throttle response b ut there are reports of some cutting out in dbw 06's so this may not be an advantage), quality of finish in LSS wheels is generally considered better than 05 LSS wheels (not relevant if you don't get sport package) - that's really about it from what I can remember. As for new or used, the same thing applies that you'd consider in any car. For me, breaking a new car in myself, a pedal box I can easily heel/toe with and Probax seats made it worth buying an 06 new - I bought from Ryan at Park Place and had an excellent experience. Park Place is very supportive of track days/drivers. PM me if you want more info on my experience and deal. Hope this helps - just get in before the new bumpers take over!

[LotusBeverlyHills]

We are selling some 06's as cheap as a used one. Let me know if we can help and good luck.

[sjm]

I'd go used '05 and use the saved cash to keep the Ti for those nasty, rainy commutes. Love our Ti (TC Kline built Spec Racer) and agree with an earlier statement that they are underappreciated. Learn to be quick in a Ti on track and you will rage in an Elise.

Don't like the Elise on a good NW rainy day as you just are not that visable to others and my LSS definately dances around in the wet stuff. Keep it in the garage in the nasty weather and let the Ti continue to faithfully serve you.

Hope to see you come out to a BMW track day in either Seattle of Portland. You can find my in either the white TiCR or Starlight Elise. Your Ti is the perfect car to learn with on the track!

Steve

[Rowdstar]

symbolic in la jolla ca has two 05s left

[kevinkw]

Thanks, I will give symbolic motors a call tomorrow.

[flyguyskt]

Kevin...both suck in the rain. sprinkles aren't bad but any any any standing water is instant hydroplane city! ive had both base and sport pack cars!