[teejocky]

I'm getting that Lotus itch again. Really hot on the Evora. I'd appreciate knowing a little more about your experiences. I'm 6-2" and have only had the pleasure of sitting in one. I want my wife to be able to drive it. Can a 5'-2" woman also be comfortable driving the Evora? How do you cope with no spare tire? Do you keep one at home in case of a flat? I have owned Lotuses in the past (60's & 70's), and always was sure to have my tool box on board. How reliable are the current Evoras? This would replace my '99 SLK, and would be driven daily here in Panama City, FL. Haven't decided on N/A or S yet, but it would most likely be a 2011 based on price. Why do most of the Evoras on Ebay have only 2 or 3 thousand miles? Is it a case of once you get it you realize that it's not for you, or they just don't drive it out of fear of anything happening to it? I'd appreciate your perspectives. Thanks

'67 Mustang 390 GT
'67 LOTUS Super 7 sold '72
2- '66 Lotus Cortinas sold '74
'72 Lotus Elan+2 sold '90
'99 SLK
'2008 ML 550

 

[XHILR8N!]

No probs for you or your wife in terms of the fit. We actually have adjustable steering wheels now!

Spare tire: just not really necessary these days. And keeping a spare Evora tire/wheel would not be cheap. We were getting the spare in and out of the Europa the other day when accessing the brake master cylinder and I was thinking about how things have changed.

Pretty darn reliable nowadays.

I'd guess most Evora are not daily driven, ours surely is not. 7,000 miles in three years. So after that initial thrill fades and something else comes along they are sometimes up for sale.

Bottom line: drive one. As S is nice but an NA is a ton of fun in almost all real life driving situations.

Please let us know what you do!

 

[rpolin]

I have a 2013 NA IPS that I use as a daily driver in the northeast and it's great and pretty reliable for an exotic. It's not a Honda but its great. I am 6' and have no problems driving and my daughter is 5'4" and she's driven it (once that is!) and it was fine for her. As for the spare tire, wouldn't dream of it. Tow trucks are a dime a dozen these days and if you are really desperate to get back not the road quickly, the 2013's come with a spray can of some sort of run flat stuff although I would never use it. Good luck. Lot's of fun to drive

 

[Allan Gibbs]

For taller drivers, you'll probably loose the leg room for the back seat behind you. If that's an issue. Smaller drivers won't have an issue either (I'm 5'5"). I think IPS is better for short legged drivers since you don't need to sit as close to get the clutch pedal down.

There's a can of tire sealant in the trunk. And, as far as getting stranded, the Evora is mechanically reliable (though I think the IPS cars has a software issue). It's the trim pieces that tend to be more of a problem.

Also, there's an conquest and loyalty incentive program right now. I think it's $4K/$5K off and ends in September.

The low mileage cars are probably because it's a 3rd or 4th car which is why they ultimately sell them. Unlike the Elise which had a high adoption and then drop out rate in 2005-2006 as people found it was too spartan for them, the Evora is very well round for daily usage.

 

[Tazicon]

My wife doesnt drive manuals but I put her in my Evora and she did just fine driving it. She's a little thing at 5'-3" and with all the adjustments with steering etc she was fine. She actually can see fairly well out the rear window too! The hardest part is getting in and out of the car. I just move the seat all the way back and it makes it much easier. I don't even count the rear seats as a seat so........

An S would be nice but my NA has good get up and go. Around town I see no need for an S. The NA can get you in more than enough trouble. I think I would be pushing it if I went FI in one of these cars.

Edit: As a side note I love driving the car but it sits more than my other sports cars did already. I really enjoy it but I want to keep it low miles as well.

 

[brgelise]

Been DD in Lotus for almost 10yrs now and I've NEVER been let down, rung down, broke down etc

 

[Lckitty]

You must go drive a few!

 

[WestCoastLotus]

REDis my DD. I have over 20,000 miles in a year and 1/2. So....it is so different from Lucas electrics and leaking valve covers. Remember these are Toyota engines, so they are 'only' good for 3 - 4 HUNDRED THOUSAND miles! Aaaa, you love it.

 

[Notorious L.R.G.]

Have you seen this thread? Great opportunity!!

http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f94/2012-lotus-evora-s-2-2-57-900-a-241682/

 

[teejocky]

Thanks for all the responses. I wish we had internet when I had my S-7. You guys have reminded why I love Lotus so much. The Persian Blue looks
fantastic. Thanks for the guidance. I still have to convince my wife to give up her 5-speed SLK for a 6-speed Lotus.
All of your encouragement helps.

Gripper

Fortgot to list my '64 Mg Midget last time
'67 Mustang GT390
'67 Super Seven
'66 Lotus Cortinas (2)
'72 Elan+2
'99 SLK 230 Compressor
'08 ML 550

 

[ddimensia]

Have her drive one, that should be all the convincing needed.

 

[Plackslayer]

I have 36k miles on my daily driver. No major issues. Multiple track days. Drives like a dream.

When I get my next car, I won't be letting go of the Evora without a good reason (new 2015 Esprit?).

 

[XHILR8N!]

And if she does not like it, there are other women out there

 

[khearon23]

I've got the itch as well. Just gotta make room in the garage.


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[Plackslayer]

There is no cream for that itch... just buy the car

 

[missileman120]

There is no cream for that itch... just buy the car

rotflrotflrotflrotfl

 

[Spinner6996]

Daily driver....70 miles back and forth to work every day...puts a smile on my face every time...and lots of other drivers too! Super reliable!

 

[Spinner6996]

and BTW...not to sound like an A-hole....but the Aston sits in the garage to keep the mileage respectable in the event of a sale...not an issue with the Evora...cost 1/3 and is 3x more fun to drive!

 

[cbrown1187]

No problem to fit. I'm 6'2" as well and my wife is 5'6" and we both ride in it very comfortable, surprisingly comfortably for any exotic sports car.

Spare tire is no issue, not really necessary.

I live in Miami and daily drove my 2011 Evora NA for over a year and it's been very reliable. Fit and finish issues have been ironed out under warranty, but hey it's still a Lotus. It's a weekend car now, but we take it on trips. Last trip was to SC and it was comfortable and without issue the whole way.

I think low mileage is either because it is a weekend car or because it is a Lotus it's not always for everyone long term, or possibly a car that has had issues. I bought my 2011 last year used with just over 8k miles. Check the maintenance history of course, but another, if possible to check, is to see the ECU dump printout if you can (I think from only a dealer). I insisted on seeing mine and it looked like a normally used car so I had no concern. TPS and RPM percentages looked pretty normal and not in ranges that would make me think someone beat the hell out of it.

The car may have had a clutch replacement like some I have seen because of a manufacturing defect fixed under warranty, but there's one here in Miami that had it replaced 3 times simply because the driver was beating the living daylights out of it but it's easy to tell from the ECU printout.

Good luck and hope it works out well.

 

[derrek1280]

I still have to convince my wife to give up her 5-speed SLK for a 6-speed Lotus.

That shouldn't be too hard to do... :evil: