I've got £13,000 to spend. but on what ? WHAT ?!?!

[monty_python]

I've seen a very nice 98 R reg elise for £12,500.
I'm very interested but this will be my first lotus . what should i expect ???
it'll be my only car , is that ok for winter etc... ?
will i fit ??? i'm 6 foot 3 inches tall
I live in northern France in a fairly rural area with LOTS of great roads so i think the elise should be great , but i use the autoroute to get to work everyday aswell so will that be just as great or horrid ????

can you think of something else tasty for £13k ???

[kingjohn]

Hi,
You will fit in an elise easily, I do (same height), it's the getting in and out that can be difficult especially with a roof on. As for being useable everyday, definately, as long as you realise and accept the cars limitations. It may well leak if you leave it out in the rain and you won't be able to carry much luggage.
Everyday use will mean servicing will cost more as some of the smaller parts are not disigned for high mileages.
I think your biggest problem would be snow. The ground clearance isn't great and if you live in a rural area you will get snowed in unless you have something else to use.
That aside, if you can work around the limitations then you will love it! I have driven lots of 'real' cars (TVR, Marcos, Ferrari, Westfield etc) and nothing is as balanced and rewarding when you drive it right.
Hope this helps
John.
Edited to say, if you get a sore bum on the autoroute, there is room to stick a lump of foam padding underneath the seat pad.

>> Edited by kingjohn on Thursday 7th November 13:31

[adeewuff]

it'll be my only car , is that ok for winter etc... ?

I tried having the Elise as an only car for 12 months but it really just isn't designed with that in mind. If you leave it in the rain it will leak and it's boot is tiny. Not the sort of thing you want to have to run around doing you chores in.

In slippery, icy conditions you can forget about taking the Elise and get the bus, it's less frightening! Nothing to do with how good a driver you are - it's just that in these conditions it's a liability.

will i fit ??? i'm 6 foot 3 inches tall

Just about - yes

But i use the autoroute to get to work everyday aswell so will that be just as great or horrid ????

Well supposing you wanted to say something to a passenger at 110km/h. Well sorry you can't, it's that noisey! If you have a sports exhaust it quickly becomes irritating having to keep at a constant speed with the drone, tyre and wind noise. In other words after having to use it day in day out you'll get fed up with it and that is something you don't want to happen!!

can you think of something else tasty for £13k ???

Porsche 911 or 944, Older TVR, Supra Twin Turbo, Honda Integra Type-R..... the list is endless!