We're all unhappy with the fact that the price of the Elise went up (from $38,500 to $39,985), and at the same time, it went from "loaded" to "base price." So I'm sitting here, looking at the order form that I need to send in this week, and am thinking "Is the Touring Option worth it?"
Personally, here are the advantages:
1. Electric windows (convenient, and it sounds like the rollups have some problems)
2. Leather...sexy, durable, luxurious
3. Sound deadening...comfort factor
4. Better sound system
5. Insulated top
Now, devil's advocate time...
1. The top is a joke anyway in terms of noise, moisture, security security, so I'll want to buy a nice hardtop that alleviates all of these problems.
2. The car is noisy, so an upgraded sound system won't help much. I'm not an MP3 user, and if I were a a stereophile, I'd just upgrade the stock system to a high-end aftermarket system.
3. Stowage net?!!! Oxymoron.
4. Uprated carpeting...I like the aluminum look better, and it's easier to clean.
5. I can buy a lot of sound deadening material for $1350.
6. Like many others in another thread, I like Alcantara. Maybe just spiffy up the stock seats with some Alcantara? I assume this won't change my SCCA rating regarding stock seats...Randy?
6. Yes, electric windows are great...but there is still the issue of closing the passenger side from the drivers side (did we ever figure this out?), and we all know about British electrical systems?
Just trying to make the car more affordable after finding out that my color of choice (Graphite Gray) is going to cost an additional $1200. Ouch! Why?
Any opinions are greatly appreciated. Max, Richmond, VA
Personally, here are the advantages:
1. Electric windows (convenient, and it sounds like the rollups have some problems)
2. Leather...sexy, durable, luxurious
3. Sound deadening...comfort factor
4. Better sound system
5. Insulated top
Now, devil's advocate time...
1. The top is a joke anyway in terms of noise, moisture, security security, so I'll want to buy a nice hardtop that alleviates all of these problems.
2. The car is noisy, so an upgraded sound system won't help much. I'm not an MP3 user, and if I were a a stereophile, I'd just upgrade the stock system to a high-end aftermarket system.
3. Stowage net?!!! Oxymoron.
4. Uprated carpeting...I like the aluminum look better, and it's easier to clean.
5. I can buy a lot of sound deadening material for $1350.
6. Like many others in another thread, I like Alcantara. Maybe just spiffy up the stock seats with some Alcantara? I assume this won't change my SCCA rating regarding stock seats...Randy?
6. Yes, electric windows are great...but there is still the issue of closing the passenger side from the drivers side (did we ever figure this out?), and we all know about British electrical systems?
Just trying to make the car more affordable after finding out that my color of choice (Graphite Gray) is going to cost an additional $1200. Ouch! Why?
Any opinions are greatly appreciated. Max, Richmond, VA