[mattcf0632]

If you're truly worried about a clutch replacement you could consider the automatic version. When I was searching I was dead set on a manual but after driving the automatic I found it much more convenient for the average drive / traffic and I can still use the paddles to be more in control when going for a sportier drive. The paddles are much better at downshifting than I will ever be.

I used to have a manual 15 years ago and I was annoyed by city traffic and went automatic in my 400; mainly for the color to be completely transparent .

 

[Catsailr27]

I've thought about having to do an Evora clutch at home. I'd prefer to do it myself because I'm guaranteed to be more detail oriented than any dealer's service tech on my own car, it would teach so much about the car in the process, and I'd love to save the money. But I don't have an engine hoist so that would be a new expense. Of course, I'd have a $10K savings budget to work with....

I was never auto oriented while turning wrenches but that period as a luker I watched LT members help each other online doing seemingly impossible tasks in a DIY state convinced me the Elise was the right car for me.

I had just done a engine swap in a boat and rebuilt the ancient outdrive so that gave me courage but LT gave me the final pat on the back saying...you can do it! That when I placed my WTB.

The Evora is some much more of a engineered car compared to the Elise and have yet to do much to it other than 3rd cat delete and local shop install the Penske's. Correction I did remove all the rear interior to upgrade the speakers,amp and sub. I'll knock out the CAI with help of my son when he come to reposition the Elise in the trailer and swap to winter wheels on both cars.

If I had the daunting task of clutch R&R I would never forgive myself not doing it except for my current situation physically. That would keep me up at night should I sub out or diy?

 

[2011 chrome orange]

You could always do some of the clutch replacement prep yourself.... such as removing the rear clam etc. and knock some $ off the total cost. I believe others have done that already. Plus, less chance of having panels get scratched etc. since an owner will probably take better care when removing/replacing.

 

[rharry]

Wow what a thread. To the OP, do not let the manual scare you or think the Elise is more car than you can handle. Cars don’t cause crashes , people who drive them do. The Elise can be as docile as you want it to be or as aggressive. Break in slowly. Learn the ropes before you push it and you will be fine.
25 yrs ago, I bought a brand new manual trans vw sedan without having ever driven a manual. The only prior experience I had was a few hours instruction in a driving school car. I drove the 25 miles back home in a brand new manual. No sweat. Now 3 different manuals later, I will always have a manual or two in my garage. My 16 yr old is learning on a manual now. You will be fine.

 

[Klaatu]

We had a member a few years back that was buying a Elise to learn to drive in. Never driven manual or auto. You always have the option of Evora with IPS. That's the route I went as I get older and moving hands more difficult it was a great way to still enjoy driving a Lotus and not have to be concerned with shifting or if you like to shift you can use the paddles on the steering wheel.

You are comment about “learning to drive”. It reminds me of a writer who said, you should buy a MT car for your teenager that’s learning to drive. That way you can be assured that they aren’t texting while driving. It’s just not possible while learning to heal-toe it through a decreasing radius turn.

 

[Catsailr27]

You are comment about “learning to drive”. It reminds me of a writer who said, you should buy a MT car for your teenager that’s learning to drive. That way you can be assured that they aren’t texting while driving. It’s just not possible while learning to heal-toe it through a decreasing radius turn.

That wasn't an issue when I first learned to drive a jeep in CA dunes or VW in backstreets of Gulfport. Only communication was me and who was brave enough to teach me. Thank goodness for church members and my uncle for those memorable experiences both realizing father at war and young minds still need to be taught everything.

 

[NC25T]

My Evora GT was my first sports car. My first mid engine car, first RWD car & my 2nd new car…. My 2016 jeep wrangler was my first new car.

Prior to my Lotus & Jeep I had SAAB’s, a few SPG’s (some highly modified) & also a Viggen which was also far from stock. Many of the mods were to make them more competent at the track. I hope to do some track days with my Lotus one of these days.

 

[Gene]

I considered the Evora for a long time, but I was terrified of the clutch replacement cost so I passed it up each time in favor of the Cayman, Boxster, Alfa 4C, and MKV Supra. I was never 100% happy and I regret not getting the Evora from the start - just the taxes/depreciation going through those cars would have paid for a new clutch. I've never even had to replace a clutch before, so...fingers crossed I guess. Parts availability and cost still make me nervous, but you only live once.

That said, it did give me an appreciation for what the Lotus feels like that you can't really find at that price point in other cars today, so there's that. The 4C was the closest, but it's not meaningfully cheaper than an Elise or S1 Evora.