5. PASSENGERS, EGRESS AND INGRESS
First getting in and out. As the driver, this is not so bad. And most people get better at it. As the driver, you can grab the steering wheel and that helps (try not to use it as main lever though, as it can affect the steering over time). But if you are taller, heavier, less nimble, older, or injured... this can be a lot harder. I think most people make too much of this and I am most of the above... and it was not that hard. But it can be for you. Specially if the hard top is on. With the top off, you can almost get in standing up and then sit down. One trick, is to push the seat back (if you move it up) all the way before exiting, so when you get back in, you have more room. Make this a habit.
But passengers. This can be a problem. Getting in and out as a passenger is harder. And they probably have less experience and it can seem quite awkward, and you are yelling at them to quit grabbing the windshield right? Because you know that grabbing the windshield for support can damage it. And maybe that passenger had an operation, or strained something, or is a bit heavier, or older. They may find it more difficult. And certain body shapes and sizes, just plain will not fit, specially if the hips are too wide for the seat. Or if they are over 6'5" (maybe). Or if they are too heavy. Larger torso people will also find their upper bodies touching the other person. Think coach airline seating. There will be touchage.
And it should go without saying that 2 seaters can't carry as many people... but you knew that right?
6. NOISE AND COMFORT
This is a biggie for many and a bit controversial... or at least more subjective. Lets consider first a Lexus. You easily slide over into the smooth leather seat, turn the seat heaters on and feel your butt get warm. Ahh... closing the doors seals off the outer world and it is whisper quiet. Turn on the Nakamichi stereo through the 14 speakers and even barely cranked, you can pick out musical nuances. Set the climate control to 76 degrees automatic mode. Tell the nav system to take you home. Drive as if on a cloud, lost in thought, or perhaps carry on business with your cell phone. That sets the stage for what the Elise is not.
The Elise is an aluminum tub with an engine and wheels bolted to it. The aluminum is a great material for lightness and rigidity (yay!) and also well know as a great conductor of heat, sound. You also have an engine right behind your head. And not much in the way of sound deadening or insulation. This experience is why you bought the car, this is not a negative!!! BUT... you can just about forget hearing the nuances in the music. Certain types of music work better in this car than others. Think- Simple and Loud. The radio reception probably sucks anyway. And using a cell phone? LOL. Almost possible. But not easy. If the top is off, the wind will create a lot of noise too. I recommend leaving the top on for longer trips and using earplugs if you want the top anyway. High levels of extended noise is very tiring. You will also hear every bit of gravel hitting the bottom of the car, the noise of the gearbox. The air intake. Burbles and pops from the exhaust. All good stuff. If you like that kind of stuff.
Temperatures. Well... hmm... see... SOME Elise cars were built with good AC. I have personally experienced this. On the other hand, some just suck dead bunnies up a straw. I guess there was some sort of Freon Fairy and some cars were blessed. I think 75% of the content on this site is how to fix the Air Conditioning, so that should tell you something. Again, this will depend on where you live. But if you plan on wearing a business suit to a meeting on a muggy August day in Alabama... seriously? If the top is off, you will feel superheated air from the front radiator washing over the windshield (and some of it tumbling into the cabin). The other bit of this equation is that the tub itself, and all the bits, get hot after some time driving. The side sills contain the coolant and oil lines...so they eventually get warm...er...hot. If you drive the car for 8 hours on a hot day, things will be warm.
The heater works well. It may not be a coincidence that the car is built where it can get pretty cold, but not too hot. But then that does not explain water leaks, does it?
Seating. This will certainly depend on the person and their body, but I found the seats very easy to sit in for long periods of time. Very comfortable. Everything is easy to reach in the car. Now after some time on a long trip, you may wish for cruise control... but really I don't think it is an issue. Starbuck fanatics on a road trip can get aftermarket cupholders.
Still all in all, this is not a Porsche or Lexus or a Honda S2000 or just about any production car. It is a LOTUS and you drive it because of this, not in spite of it.
7. RELIABILITY, MAINTENANCE, SERVICE
The Elise is way ahead of some previous cars made by certain British companies. Still, that is not saying much is it? It still can have some quirks and you might have to deal with them or put up with them. The type of build on the car, the racecar like suspension, contribute to a certain required maintenance. Anyone that races cars should understand this. If you expect a bulletproof car with ZERO problems... well, wish for peace on earth and a supermodel while you are at it. It is not horrible though, and reading forums like this might make it seem so, since not many people (except Larry) bother to post "Another day with my car and no problems!" but people do post when something is wrong. Stuff like the speedo failing, alarm system problems, idle problems. And maybe, your inside mirror might fall off. Or turn signal pop out. Stuff happens! You deal with it.
You may need to understand and perform a bit more maintenance than you are used to. Yes... learn what a torque wrench is. Use it. Snug up the diffuser bolts. Get some blue loctite, it is your new friend... unless you hang out with red loctite... then you are too hard core. This is a car you need to check your nuts. Don't ignore things. Check your fluids periodically too. You may have been able to ignore checking the oil for 35000 miles in that Honda, but this car.. bad idea.
And some of the maintenance may need be done at a dealer. And is one close to you? Is it the only one? What happens when they piss you off? What are you going to do about it. Probably post here, make some enemies at the dealership (they read this stuff, it is addicting), and get worse service next time. Or worse, piss off the Lotus rep. Ask me about that one.
You will probably need to replace tires more often than you are used to. If you are used to tracking a heavier car, you will probably replace tires, rotors, and pads LESS often than you are used to.
Some of the service may be a bit more expensive than you are used to. Some of the parts may be also. But then again, many parts are very reasonably priced. It is not consistent. Check prices on lotusgarage.com to verify Lotus MSRP.
8. WEATHER
Here is where someone from SoCal will post "sure you can use the car year round" and someone from Manitoba will reply "bite me." It really depends on where you live. Sunny weather with temps in the 70s, perfect. But snow? Some people enjoy snow in the Elise. Specially with the proper tires. Don't try this with the sport A-048s. On the other hand, snow and ice are not a good match for midengined cornering and other drivers hitting you. And snow can cover road debris or potholes.
Rain? Not a big deal, but make sure the tires are pretty fresh and learn to not lift in the middle of a turn. You may get some water in the car when it rains. Even if you car does not have any leaks (and the vast majority do not!), when you open the door, it will get on the sills. Simply carry a towel. Also to wipe your soles when they are wet as they get slippery on the aluminum pedals. The wiper is not bad, but on some cars, it could be better.
Basically, some people will use the car in the winter, others think they are nuts and put it away until the first thaw.
WRAP IT ALL UP
So after all that, what is the bottom line? Still that it depends on what you want and need from a car. No one single car is perfect for everyone and for all uses. CARS ARE COMPROMISES. This is not a full blown race car. It is not a comfy luxo cruiser. It is a car that has been optimized for road feel, nimbleness, fun while retaining a semblance of streetability and comfort. For example, if you are a realtor that carries 2-3 clients to homes, and puts those FOR SALE signs in the trunk, this would be the DUMBEST CAR EVER for you (as your only car).
For many people, the small negatives might add up to being too much to deal with. For most of us, the small negatives are trumped by the driving feel and the other positives. To understand that, you really need to spend some time behind the wheel. Perhaps that is also the best way to understand the negatives too.
First getting in and out. As the driver, this is not so bad. And most people get better at it. As the driver, you can grab the steering wheel and that helps (try not to use it as main lever though, as it can affect the steering over time). But if you are taller, heavier, less nimble, older, or injured... this can be a lot harder. I think most people make too much of this and I am most of the above... and it was not that hard. But it can be for you. Specially if the hard top is on. With the top off, you can almost get in standing up and then sit down. One trick, is to push the seat back (if you move it up) all the way before exiting, so when you get back in, you have more room. Make this a habit.
But passengers. This can be a problem. Getting in and out as a passenger is harder. And they probably have less experience and it can seem quite awkward, and you are yelling at them to quit grabbing the windshield right? Because you know that grabbing the windshield for support can damage it. And maybe that passenger had an operation, or strained something, or is a bit heavier, or older. They may find it more difficult. And certain body shapes and sizes, just plain will not fit, specially if the hips are too wide for the seat. Or if they are over 6'5" (maybe). Or if they are too heavy. Larger torso people will also find their upper bodies touching the other person. Think coach airline seating. There will be touchage.
And it should go without saying that 2 seaters can't carry as many people... but you knew that right?
6. NOISE AND COMFORT
This is a biggie for many and a bit controversial... or at least more subjective. Lets consider first a Lexus. You easily slide over into the smooth leather seat, turn the seat heaters on and feel your butt get warm. Ahh... closing the doors seals off the outer world and it is whisper quiet. Turn on the Nakamichi stereo through the 14 speakers and even barely cranked, you can pick out musical nuances. Set the climate control to 76 degrees automatic mode. Tell the nav system to take you home. Drive as if on a cloud, lost in thought, or perhaps carry on business with your cell phone. That sets the stage for what the Elise is not.
The Elise is an aluminum tub with an engine and wheels bolted to it. The aluminum is a great material for lightness and rigidity (yay!) and also well know as a great conductor of heat, sound. You also have an engine right behind your head. And not much in the way of sound deadening or insulation. This experience is why you bought the car, this is not a negative!!! BUT... you can just about forget hearing the nuances in the music. Certain types of music work better in this car than others. Think- Simple and Loud. The radio reception probably sucks anyway. And using a cell phone? LOL. Almost possible. But not easy. If the top is off, the wind will create a lot of noise too. I recommend leaving the top on for longer trips and using earplugs if you want the top anyway. High levels of extended noise is very tiring. You will also hear every bit of gravel hitting the bottom of the car, the noise of the gearbox. The air intake. Burbles and pops from the exhaust. All good stuff. If you like that kind of stuff.
Temperatures. Well... hmm... see... SOME Elise cars were built with good AC. I have personally experienced this. On the other hand, some just suck dead bunnies up a straw. I guess there was some sort of Freon Fairy and some cars were blessed. I think 75% of the content on this site is how to fix the Air Conditioning, so that should tell you something. Again, this will depend on where you live. But if you plan on wearing a business suit to a meeting on a muggy August day in Alabama... seriously? If the top is off, you will feel superheated air from the front radiator washing over the windshield (and some of it tumbling into the cabin). The other bit of this equation is that the tub itself, and all the bits, get hot after some time driving. The side sills contain the coolant and oil lines...so they eventually get warm...er...hot. If you drive the car for 8 hours on a hot day, things will be warm.
The heater works well. It may not be a coincidence that the car is built where it can get pretty cold, but not too hot. But then that does not explain water leaks, does it?
Seating. This will certainly depend on the person and their body, but I found the seats very easy to sit in for long periods of time. Very comfortable. Everything is easy to reach in the car. Now after some time on a long trip, you may wish for cruise control... but really I don't think it is an issue. Starbuck fanatics on a road trip can get aftermarket cupholders.
Still all in all, this is not a Porsche or Lexus or a Honda S2000 or just about any production car. It is a LOTUS and you drive it because of this, not in spite of it.
7. RELIABILITY, MAINTENANCE, SERVICE
The Elise is way ahead of some previous cars made by certain British companies. Still, that is not saying much is it? It still can have some quirks and you might have to deal with them or put up with them. The type of build on the car, the racecar like suspension, contribute to a certain required maintenance. Anyone that races cars should understand this. If you expect a bulletproof car with ZERO problems... well, wish for peace on earth and a supermodel while you are at it. It is not horrible though, and reading forums like this might make it seem so, since not many people (except Larry) bother to post "Another day with my car and no problems!" but people do post when something is wrong. Stuff like the speedo failing, alarm system problems, idle problems. And maybe, your inside mirror might fall off. Or turn signal pop out. Stuff happens! You deal with it.
You may need to understand and perform a bit more maintenance than you are used to. Yes... learn what a torque wrench is. Use it. Snug up the diffuser bolts. Get some blue loctite, it is your new friend... unless you hang out with red loctite... then you are too hard core. This is a car you need to check your nuts. Don't ignore things. Check your fluids periodically too. You may have been able to ignore checking the oil for 35000 miles in that Honda, but this car.. bad idea.
And some of the maintenance may need be done at a dealer. And is one close to you? Is it the only one? What happens when they piss you off? What are you going to do about it. Probably post here, make some enemies at the dealership (they read this stuff, it is addicting), and get worse service next time. Or worse, piss off the Lotus rep. Ask me about that one.
You will probably need to replace tires more often than you are used to. If you are used to tracking a heavier car, you will probably replace tires, rotors, and pads LESS often than you are used to.
Some of the service may be a bit more expensive than you are used to. Some of the parts may be also. But then again, many parts are very reasonably priced. It is not consistent. Check prices on lotusgarage.com to verify Lotus MSRP.
8. WEATHER
Here is where someone from SoCal will post "sure you can use the car year round" and someone from Manitoba will reply "bite me." It really depends on where you live. Sunny weather with temps in the 70s, perfect. But snow? Some people enjoy snow in the Elise. Specially with the proper tires. Don't try this with the sport A-048s. On the other hand, snow and ice are not a good match for midengined cornering and other drivers hitting you. And snow can cover road debris or potholes.
Rain? Not a big deal, but make sure the tires are pretty fresh and learn to not lift in the middle of a turn. You may get some water in the car when it rains. Even if you car does not have any leaks (and the vast majority do not!), when you open the door, it will get on the sills. Simply carry a towel. Also to wipe your soles when they are wet as they get slippery on the aluminum pedals. The wiper is not bad, but on some cars, it could be better.
Basically, some people will use the car in the winter, others think they are nuts and put it away until the first thaw.
WRAP IT ALL UP
So after all that, what is the bottom line? Still that it depends on what you want and need from a car. No one single car is perfect for everyone and for all uses. CARS ARE COMPROMISES. This is not a full blown race car. It is not a comfy luxo cruiser. It is a car that has been optimized for road feel, nimbleness, fun while retaining a semblance of streetability and comfort. For example, if you are a realtor that carries 2-3 clients to homes, and puts those FOR SALE signs in the trunk, this would be the DUMBEST CAR EVER for you (as your only car).
For many people, the small negatives might add up to being too much to deal with. For most of us, the small negatives are trumped by the driving feel and the other positives. To understand that, you really need to spend some time behind the wheel. Perhaps that is also the best way to understand the negatives too.
