05 vs 06 Elise models

[sonodak]

I'm looking for low mile used Elise. I noticed that 05 models are priced significanlty lower than 06 models. I know that Lotus made some improvements on 06. My question is that is it worth paying extra for 06? Or should I save the difference for after market fun stuff for 05?

[sonodak]

I got my Elise last May. It's a 06 Elise US spec (111R). It's much civilized than my old Esprit Turbo or Europa S2. AC works!!

[LotusACBC]

I have been wanting to know this as well as it seems like an 05 could be had in the US for some 8K cheaper.

Anyone care to chime in on the differences between the 05 and 06 US models?

[sonodak]

Difference between 05 and 06 US spec Elise are:
1) better weather strips (no more leak - my 06 still have little leak)
2) LED tail lights
3) drive by wire
4) some change in paint

Lotus also reported imporved build quality in general.

[LotusACBC]

sonodak said:

Difference between 05 and 06 US spec Elise are:
1) better weather strips (no more leak - my 06 still have little leak)
2) LED tail lights
3) drive by wire
4) some change in paint

Lotus also reported imporved build quality in general.

Well if that is the only difference then the only reason I could justify buying an 06 over an 05 is to get one still under warranty.

[LotusACBC]

Over 30K for an Elise in the U.S., horrendous.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___2005-...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___FLORI...

[sonodak]

I paid $43K for my 06 Elise. But it came with chrome orange lifestyle paint, sports and touring packs, hard top, Larini exhaust, Deverine carbon fiber intake, Deverine spoiler / spliter, carbon race view mirror, Sector 111 harness bar, and 6 point harness. I'm very happy with my car so far. I'm looking for a better driver seat.

[LotusACBC]

sonodak said:

I paid $43K for my 06 Elise. But it came with chrome orange lifestyle paint, sports and touring packs, hard top, Larini exhaust, Deverine carbon fiber intake, Deverine spoiler / spliter, carbon race view mirror, Sector 111 harness bar, and 6 point harness. I'm very happy with my car so far. I'm looking for a better driver seat.

Not bad! is it everything you'd hope it to be?

[sonodak]

It would be nice to install better shocks and breaks but they are not cheap. I might just drive it like this for few years and trade-in for used Exige 240!!