Lotus for an old git

[Davel]

Right, I like Lotus cars and would love one as a weekend toy, nicer weather commuter but I'm 57 and 11/12ths and find it a nightmare to climb in and out of any of the ones with the wide door lip.

Getting in is hard enough but climbing out on your hands and knees with any form of dignity is pretty impossible, unless the roof is off.

So, apart from an Evora (which is more than I'd like to spend on a toy, is there any other modern Lotus with decent access?

[Stephanie Plum]

M100 Elan. It's relatively modern

[John145]

If you've got the money, the Evora is a fantastic track toy.

[marshalla]

Define "Modern".

To most, it can only mean Elise/Exige and Evora.

M100, Carlton, Excel & Esprit don't suffer from the wide sill problem - but probably don't count as modern to most people.

[Gogoplata]

The M100 is very easy to get in and out of, much easy than an Elise or MX5 imo.

[Davel]

By modern, I was thinking up to three years old'ish.

[Thorburn]

Davel said:

By modern, I was thinking up to three years old'ish.

They've only really made the Elise, Exige and Evora in the last 3 years.

[Davel]

Might have to look at an Evora then.

Thanks all!

[zasker]

Never tried getting into a Europa but might be a bit easier than an Elise/Exige.

[V8 FOU]

Davel said:

Right, I like Lotus cars and would love one as a weekend toy, nicer weather commuter but I'm 57 and 11/12ths and find it a nightmare to climb in and out of any of the ones with the wide door lip.

Getting in is hard enough but climbing out on your hands and knees with any form of dignity is pretty impossible, unless the roof is off.

So, apart from an Evora (which is more than I'd like to spend on a toy, is there any other modern Lotus with decent access?

Well, I am EXACTLY the same age and run an Esprit as a toy/trackday car, and despite many old injuries and being registered disabled I have few problems. I servoed the clutch and away we go....

[SeanyD]

Elise s2 is not that bad once you've practised and mastered the technique (age 40 ish with a dodgey back)

[Hedgerley]

Whilst obviously not modern, post '98 Esprits are, in my view, the easiest to get in and out of, having tried all the 'modern' Loti at some stage or other. I also find that once ensconced, the Esprit cabin affords more room in most directions for the older (I'm 51 and 11/12ths) and ampler figure. Speaking for myself of course and casting no aspersions upon your good self.....

[WayneB]

Getting into a special car requires a special technique, its part of what makes owning a supercar a thrilling, exciting and unique experience.

As soon as they make a car too user friendly, it looses its appeal to me, I like the unusual stuff.

(Im 54, 6'1" BTW)

[Davel]

I don't mind struggling alone - it's the crawling out at petrol stations that worry me.

Oh, by the way, once accomplished - how easy is it to remove and replace the roof?

I mean for the summer, not just for filling up!

Still can't spell.....

Edited by Davel on Thursday 3rd May 19:41

[V8 FOU]

Ah, Esprit roof removal. Open while inside, then remove from outside. Special technique required to store in the luggage area! See youtube for video on that.....
Best get yourself to Goodwood on Sunday to see one or two, including mine.....
Entry and exit try-outs welcome for a coffee........

[Davel]

Sorry meant Elise.

Thanks very much for the offer but live near Oulton Park and kid's Scout stuff on this weekend.

[SeanyD]

Davel said:

I don't mind struggling alone - it's the crawling out at petrol stations that worry me.

Oh, by the way, once accomplished - how easy is it to remove and replace the roof?

I mean for the summer, not just for filling up!

Still can't spell.....

Not 100% sure I understand the question, but I'll give it a go.

Elise - S2 soft top - very easy to remove and put on. Long tail (pre 2003/2004 ish) and short tail, both take a max of about a minute. Just a case of sliding a few leavers, rolling up, and storing, reverse for putting on. Short tail can be done from inside, long tail needs a quick walk around from the out side.

Else - S2 hard top - Requires a tool, and can be removed/replaced in around 10 minutes or so, can't be stored in the car, easier if you have an accomplice to help.

Getting in and out is easy enough once you've mastered the technique, no need to crawl out at petrol stations.

[mmatthej1]

As a (relatively) old git, may I again suggest that you broaden your consideration to include the Elan M100? I have quite recently bought one and can assure you that in/out is absolutely no problem and add that - when in - they are really roomy and comfortable on journeys, plus you can get 'real' open top pleasures, if the rain ever relents.

Of course they are now classic, rather than modern, but there is wide support by garages and they provide quite modern features & performance.

Just try one, I would respectfully suggest - the image (if you care) is also rather less earnest and 'boy racer' than, say, the Elise. (I have driven an Elise btw - great car but rather basic interior and, yes, not fun for in/out!)

[Davel]

Thanks for that, I did see a rather nice blue one driving through Helsby a couple of days ago.

And yes to the earlier reply about the roofs - you did answer the question fully for me - Ta!