First, let me say I have not yet driven nor sat an Elise. I do own a C4 Corvette which is a bit difficult to get in an out of, although not so severe as I believe the Elise will be. The C4 is only difficult when you can't fully open the very wide door. I'm guessing this will be the same with an Elise. It will be difficult to enter anytime and worse when you can't get the door open due to someone parking too close. I have also seen several posts mentioning that it is ill advised to parallel park an Elise, This being because of its size. SUV's won't be able to see you as they try and enter and exit spots in front and in back of you. Many older (and female) drivers use the "slow and bump" method of getting in and out of spots. All you have to do to find the next car's bumper is creep till you hit then turn the wheel and reverse direction. If properly executed, this method works usually, without damage. If it's your Elise getting bumped though you may be rather unhappy. You have no bumpers, just paint and fibreglass.
With this in mind I've started cruising parking lots pretending I'm in the Elise. Just where should I park ? Most places I go it's not too encouraging. I think I'm going to have signs made and laminated in plastic to place in my front and rear windows when parked. "This car has no bumpers please do not hit" Then again I could always cut off a foot and get a handicap placard. Then there would be plenty of parking safety. Some jerk might see the placard in that car and think "Yeah right, that guy driving the Lotus is handicapped ?" I think I'll key his car.
So much to worry about, too much free time.
Steve
With this in mind I've started cruising parking lots pretending I'm in the Elise. Just where should I park ? Most places I go it's not too encouraging. I think I'm going to have signs made and laminated in plastic to place in my front and rear windows when parked. "This car has no bumpers please do not hit" Then again I could always cut off a foot and get a handicap placard. Then there would be plenty of parking safety. Some jerk might see the placard in that car and think "Yeah right, that guy driving the Lotus is handicapped ?" I think I'll key his car.
So much to worry about, too much free time.
Steve