Elise "Training Wheels"

[Izza]

Now I'm really keen on a Lotus Elise, but it's gonna be a couple of year before I can raise the finances for one.
I'm not one to rush into things and I'd like a bit of "practice" before I let myself loose on a Elise. The last thing I would want to do would be crash it!!!!
Now I've heard of track days/driver training in the UK like "My first Lotus" etc. Unfortunately we dont have anything like that here in NZ.

So I'm thinking about buying an intermediate car which is mid engined to get used to the handling of this layout.
Until monday I'd never been in a mid engined car (my mate has just got a MR2 Turbo).
So I've got a few questions for you lot. What is out there, and what handles well/similar to the Elise.
All I can think of so far is:

Toyota MR2 Mk1 84-89 (pref Supercharged)
Toyota MR2 Mk2 91- (pref Turbo)
Fiat X1/9

I can pick an superchagred Mk1 Mr2 up for about UKP1000 over here so they are as cheap as chips. X1/9 about the same and the Mk2 MR2 Turbo for UKP3000.
Is there anything else in this price range I'm missing.
Or from your experience any front-rear cars that handle similar?

Cheers

[Bonce]

I don't think you could go wrong with an MR2 actually. Sounds like an excellent plan.

See Liam Crilly's website, he had an MR2 before his Elise and has plenty of info on both: www.fourwheels.org/

[Captain Muppet]

Mk1 MR2 would be the way to go - it has more power and a lot less grip than an Elise so you will get much more practise at going sideways. Excellent training car.

A mate of mine has gone from an MR2 to an Elise and he recommends it (although he does miss the Toyota engine compared to the K series).

[Izza]

Bonce said: I don't think you could go wrong with an MR2 actually. Sounds like an excellent plan.

See Liam Crilly's website, he had an MR2 before his Elise and has plenty of info on both: www.fourwheels.org/

All I get with that link is Forbidden.

Anyone tried an X1/9?

P.S Bonce I LOVE your car, that's exactly what I want, silver/titanium S1 111S

[Bonce]

Cheers Izza, I'll gladly take you out for a spin in it if you're ever in the UK!

I got forbidden on www.fourwheels.org/ earlier but it's fine now. Try again.

maybe it's got that new Kiwi detection software...

[kylie]

Hey Izza....where are you in Canterbury? I lived in Timaru most of my life and moved to Auckland around 6yrs ago for work reasons. I too had a 85 MR2, looked good in red and loved it to bits. Was a little ferrari in its day thats for sure! I didn't know back then it was a lotus concept car until I owned my Esprit. The Lotus club group in Auckland are a pretty friendly bunch of people and am sure if you are Aucklnd next time you come through they could throw you a ride in an Elise. Am heading to Taupo this weekend for a family Lotus Club day on a race track. All models of Lotus will be there. I have already hooked up a ride with a friend who races his Esprit. Just to get a feel for what mine could do. Taking my car down as well for blast on the track. I am hoping to score a ride in a Lotus 7 as well. These things pass everything round corners.
Hope to hear from ya,
Kylie

[Izza]

hey thanks for the reply kylie.
it's a very scary small world out there cause I come from Timaru myself.
I'm in Christchruch now, have been for the last 4 years at uni, now I'm finished and working.
I've got a mate who's just moved to Auckland, he's also a HUGE lotus nut, it was him that got me interested in the marque. He goes by the handle esprit on this forum. He'd be keen to join the lotus club, that's if you let non-lotus owners join.
We're both future lotus owners.
There's also a Southern Lotus club based here in Chch I think, I should get in touch with them too.
Anyway cheers!

[kylie]

Heck, yeah the club is very keen on new members, car or no car. All is welcome.
Keep in touch,
Kylie

[esprit]

Kylie,
Actually I'm aware of your track day this weekend, I heard about it through the fish 'n' chip run forum, although at the moment it looks like I wont be able to make it as my lil car wouldn't be up to the task. I'll be looking at joining the Lotus Club sometime soon though just as an enthusiast and maybe for some technical advice when I'm rebuilding my TR7 (closest looking thing I could find to an Esprit under 10 grand you see?) My father used to drive an S1 Elite (rare as the proverbial hens teeth these days) and so the marque is definitely in my blood.
If the TR7 is still in one piece at the time of the next F&C run I might be seeing you there.

George

Edited to add: LOVE ur Esprit Kylie.... I saw that in Autotrader a while back and desperately wished that I had the spare cash lying about...I think I'm gonna keep an eye out for a '92 SE Turbo if I can find one.

>> Edited by esprit on Monday 24th February 20:02

[kylie]

Thanks George I love my new beast, its actually in very good order, just some very minor things need doing. Be neat to meet you soon. Yes you should join up am sure there is loads of technical advice amoungst the club that would be of help to you. The guys have some real interesting cars, not just Lotus so am sure they would be truly interested in what your doing. I also belong to Harbour City Hot Rod Club as my man is building a 32 Roadster all new and modern look. Get this he has spent $25K mabey more and hes only got the chassis, body, front end, engine thats not hooked up, not painted, no rear end or decked out and inside. But the thing is its his dream car so I say do what it takes, so long as I get my new whiteware
Well hope to see ya soon,
Regards,
Kylie

[kylie]

Hey Izza & George.....

I posted my pics in the Esprit Forum from the Taupo meet that you might be interested in.

Cheers
Kylie

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=30897&f=17&h=1