Anyone received their new Elise 2?
Discussion
Ive got one!
Its great....it is a quantum leap forward in build from anything else Lotus have ever done....which suddenely turns it into a proper car instead of something you're a little worried might fall apart on you if you drive it hard.
Am getting the 'running-in' service done tomorrow morning - so will let you know what 'full spank' feels like
Night
I had to wait a year for my S1 elise it was originally 18 months from the order date.
However I had to wait just one month for my exige!
and I expect to wait 10 months for my Noble M12 GTO! - can't wait for that
- anyone want to buy a 190 Exige, sniff iwill mis it
Edited by guysh on Tuesday 31st July 15:30
Hi Paul,
Have had a few teething troubles with mine - I've had it 3 weeks and done 3,000 miles since (helped by a trip to the South of France).
1st service cost £99, just for fluids etc - no labour charge for first service! Synthetic oil cost c£45 plus VAT on its own....
Re. problems - nothing serious, just the usual bubbles on dash, rattling brakes, the odd squeak and some small paint problems, its gone back in this morning to have them rectified under warranty.
Would say that the dealers seem to be quite helpful in getting things sorted - I was so in awe of the car I didn't evev spot the paintwork problem, it was the dealer that did (it is only 3 small blemishes of about the size of a 10p).
I am really enjoying the car and would certainly reccomend one - just expect a few niggles that should get sorted at the first service.
My friend managed to jump the waiting list & got one around may/june time. He lent it to me for my wedding (F355 was hoping 4 didnt come good)- what an absolute hoot I had . Never had so many jealous looks as I drove it to the reception.
Cant comment on reliability other than im not aware that hes had any major probs with it.
However, heres the thing ! Imagine my joy when the new Wife, who also thought it was fun, suggested (whilst honeymooning in the bahamas)we get a sports car. Choice is now down to 2 - Elise (Mk1) or TVR Chimaera (prob 4l). Probably looking at 16-17k to spend on purchase (especially if buying TVR - rest of 22k budget will be maintenance contingency).
Anyway, anyone got any comments having driven both or any comments on potential maintenance costs of Elises.
Hope u all enjoy new style elise as I did - even if only for one day - "sniff"
But hey Mk1 Elise or Chimaera will soon put a smile back .
Edited by mrol on Friday 31st August 00:48
mrol,
The elise,in fact any elise, will always be a cheaper car to run than a griff. Insurance will probably be in a similar area, but maintenance costs and running costs will be significantly cheaper (just get prices on rear tyres!) Fuel economy also a big factor!
Both are known for having some unreliability problems (cos they're plastic toys ) but I would suggest that the elise will have less mechanical (ie engine) problems than a griff may do.
pitfalls.....in my view, any TVR is a bit dangerous in the hands of a novice (not suggesting you are). They have a heavy engine in the front, and a reasonably 'light' rear-end, and owners seem to have ahabt of putting them in scenery... The elise 1 is a little tricky on the limit, but in general far more forgiving.
All that said...TVR you get an awesome sound, a cosseting, full leather interior, some creature comforts and SERIOUS power and speed. In the elise you get a go kart, with sublime handling, lightning fast reactions, lovely looks and no heartbreak each time you take it to a dealer to get it serviced.... I would think that in the end it comes down to personal choice on looks as much as anything else!
hope this helps at all...
Night
p.s. you know someone who would LEND you his elise 2?!! nice guy....
Night
Thanks for your comments....most constructive. Apologies to others if this one deviates from thread somewhat.
I am indeed a relative novice to performance cars.......meaning my friend was a REALLY nice man to lend me his Elise 2. Safety is therefore a concern as the new wife will also be insured to drive the Elise or Chimaera. The thing with the Chimaera is that we both love them but I have a nagging doubt that it may end up taking us for a ramble in the woods.
Given the choice on looks and sounds it would always be the TVR but a more considered choice (running costs) would be the country lane hacking Elise.
I think the only way to decide will be to get on and drive some - I can see a fun weekend ahead. I've already been taken out in a 5ltrHC Chimaera and F*$k me was it fast . Probably too fast for a pair of novices hence my thoughts on a 4ltr Chimaera as it has 100 less ponies.
Anyway, to the point does anyone know anywhere in Hampshire or neighbouring counties where there is a good dealer who is fairly relaxed about test drives...I hate pushy hard sell but we obviously need to try a Mk 1 Elise ??
MROL
PS. Maybe I should just try to find some other friends with TVR's, Feraris, Astons etc & a generous nature. Shame only my Elise mate has a nice car and that others friends have vehicles like B reg escorts of doom (actually i'd forgotten that 'scort of doom' was elise M8's car for over a year inbetween his Esprit and getting Elise 2 - LOL how we laughed at his come down after the esprit - Eggs back on us now though and grins back on his face).
Edited by mrol on Thursday 30th August 23:33
Edited by mrol on Thursday 30th August 23:35
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