I love driving a Lotus because…

[ziggy328]

Every other Lotus driver at the very least acknowledges you.

I was out today and an Emira was coming the other way. Middle aged lady driver fingers off the steering wheel wave to me.

Small gestures make all the difference

[Master Of Puppets]

Yep, but something else I've noticed...with certain makes and models the drivers often seem to suddenly have to adjust something on the dash
or in the footwell, or see something away off to the left to avoid looking at your car, anyone else noticed this? or is it just me.

[MG Ant]

I came to Lotus later in life - 40 years after intended, with an S2K Elise. Of all the cars I have/had, this gets the most positive reaction from a wide public... seems Lotus is regarded favourably. Pub Lotus group I meet are a great bunch (speaking as MGCC and PCGB member).

If a car drove like it looked, it would be an S2. it's the only car I dream about driving. I have trip from Malvern to Reading next week... looking forward to a non motorway drive along roads as I would have used in the early 70s.

[Gad-Westy]

I do like this side to Lotus life. I remember a drive a few months ago out in the north Pennines. Glorious summer evening and not another car on the road for miles except another red Lotus! Enthusiastic waves exchanged.

It's amazing how much attention these cars get from the wider public. I'm naturally quite an introvert so a red exige isn't necessarily the ideal car for me! Everybody seems to take notice of it. Kids all seem to think it's a lambo and waft their camera phones at it. One of my old neighbours was convinced it was a Ferrari for quite a while! I don't always love that level of attention but occasionally it's sparked up some great conversations with other enthusiasts and it's nice to feel you're driving something that is genuinely interesting.

[Lotobear]

I've had a Lotus of one form or another for the last 25 years. I've made more great friends from having them than from from anything else. The cars are great but the friendships made are priceless.

[Shnozz]

Owned countless sports cars but, aside from a caterham 7 (arguably a lotus), nothing comes close to the driving sensation, handling and feedback. The fact there is a modicum of practicality in the Elise and Exige means it’s that bit more usable than a caterham.

[ziggy328]

I think I'm sticking with the brand. Thinking of changing from the Evora but can't decide what to get. I don't really fancy an Emira for whatever reason. Another Evora just feels like a bit of a silly reason to spend cash. Maybe an Elise!

[Shnozz]

Why don't you fancy an Emira out of interest? Would think its a wonderful next step from an Evora. If you want more hardcore, always an Exige.

[ziggy328]

Shnozz said:

Why don't you fancy an Emira out of interest? Would think its a wonderful next step from an Evora. If you want more hardcore, always an Exige.

Two reasons, one of which is a bit weird I admit.

The paint - it is way too soft for my liking and picks up marks and swirls way too easily. It's enough to put me off.

The weird one - there are no window trims on the outside of the car - it just looks unfinished. Once I noticed it I can't unsee it and it just puts me off.

It's mainly the paint though.

edited for a typo

Edited by ziggy328 on Saturday 11th May 15:20

[Gad-Westy]

ziggy328 said:

Shnozz said:

Why don't you fancy an Emira out of interest? Would think its a wonderful next step from an Evora. If you want more hardcore, always an Exige.

Two reasons, one of which is a bit weird I admit.

The paint - it is way too soft for my liking and picks up marks and swirls way too easily. It's enough to put me off.

The weird one - there are no window trims on the outside of the car - it just looks unfinished. Once I noticed it I can't unsee it and it just puts me off.

It's mainly the paint though.

edited for a typo

Edited by ziggy328 on Saturday 11th May 15:20

I know it's pricey but have you considered the full PPF option if the paint was the only hurdle? That said, there is a lot to be said for an Elise. In the right circumstances, unbeatable.

[PlywoodPascal]

I love driving a lotus because…
They always remind you that accompanying their brilliance is a little bit of cruddiness.
(Picked up a new to me S1 last month, on the journey home I decided to try some ‘brisk acceleration’ to see what it could do. The heater knob fell off…)

Edited by PlywoodPascal on Saturday 11th May 21:06

[Gad-Westy]

PlywoodPascal said:

I love driving a lotus because…
They always remind you that accompanying their brilliance is a little bit of cruddiness.
(Picked up a new to me S1 last month, on the journey home I decided to try some ‘brisk acceleration’ to see what it could do. The heater knob fell off…)

Edited by PlywoodPascal on Saturday 11th May 21:06

It’s self-simplifying and adding lightness.

[ziggy328]

PlywoodPascal said:

I love driving a lotus because…
They always remind you that accompanying their brilliance is a little bit of cruddiness.
(Picked up a new to me S1 last month, on the journey home I decided to try some ‘brisk acceleration’ to see what it could do. The heater knob fell off…)

Edited by PlywoodPascal on Saturday 11th May 21:06

LOL. Could have been worse i suppose

[ziggy328]

Gad-Westy said:

ziggy328 said:

Shnozz said:

Why don't you fancy an Emira out of interest? Would think its a wonderful next step from an Evora. If you want more hardcore, always an Exige.

Two reasons, one of which is a bit weird I admit.

The paint - it is way too soft for my liking and picks up marks and swirls way too easily. It's enough to put me off.

The weird one - there are no window trims on the outside of the car - it just looks unfinished. Once I noticed it I can't unsee it and it just puts me off.

It's mainly the paint though.

edited for a typo

Edited by ziggy328 on Saturday 11th May 15:20

I know it's pricey but have you considered the full PPF option if the paint was the only hurdle? That said, there is a lot to be said for an Elise. In the right circumstances, unbeatable.

I have full PPF on the Evora now. After 25k miles though it now needs to come off and be redone. I think I’m either going to refresh the Evora and keep it or go for a fast Elise. Lack of power steering in the Exige would get to me after a while

[superpippo]

Somebody please start a thread "I hate driving a Lotus because..." ;-)

[Gad-Westy]

superpippo said:

Somebody please start a thread "I hate driving a Lotus because..." ;-)

Got 250 motorway miles to do in mine tomorrow. I might well be ready to start that thread afterwards!

[superpippo]

Have fun!

[ziggy328]

I've averaged over 900 miles a month in mine over the past 2.5 years. 250 is a doddle

[Shnozz]

Gad-Westy said:

superpippo said:

Somebody please start a thread "I hate driving a Lotus because..." ;-)

Got 250 motorway miles to do in mine tomorrow. I might well be ready to start that thread afterwards!

I did my usual Leeds>southampton 285 mile each way in my exige a month back. Usually do it in my Merc but took the exige to show my Dad and even in dogst weather it was surprisingly comfy and enjoyable.

I’m planning on taking it on a euro trip down to Spain this winter which will be a combined 3k ish miles and the mini uk trip has given me some confidence it’ll be more pleasure than pain.

[Gad-Westy]

Yeah. I was only kidding really. I don’t find it much hardship at all other than the noise. It’s pretty comfy. But if I was clutching around for bad things to say about it, long distance is definitely not its strongest suit. Another 500 miles to do on Thursday on route to Le Mans.