fragile

[dragstar]

hi guys

havent had my elise long (like i keep mentioning) and just wanted to know whether all elises feel as "fragile" as mine does. every little bump in the road and boom!! the car feels like its going to collapse. i also managed to snap my wiper stick off during normal use. (i stuck it back together with body-filler with loads of hardener). didnt do much research before buying one (apart from essentials) and brought the 1st i saw.... so are they all like this?

or have i bought a dud?

cheers

[Bonce]

No, they are all like that - don't worry, you haven't bought a dud. It's because it's put together with such light materials and no sound insulation. I sometimes long for a solid quiet and comfortable luxobarge... but then I take the Elise for a good thrash and remember what makes it such a great car!

Tip: You can't hear the bumps, clatters and crashes above 6,000rpm.

[dragstar]

cheers bonce,

i cant hear anything above 6k revs so i dont worry then!!

just take getting used to (as will getting in and out...i still fall out at the petrol pump as i feel everybodys eyes on me... i've become a comedy icon in my area!!)

[clanger]

Yep Bonce is absolutely 100% there - had mine airborne in the Yorks Dales 3 or 4 times this w.e. no probs -except for this wailing and whining noise from the passenger seat

[SydneySe]

whining gearbox in 3rd,4th,5th on overun.. rattles from the doors appearing now... (2000miles total!) Ahh yes... the wonders of an Elise.. but true, at 6ooorpm, deaf to everything, just focus on the handling dynamics as you weave through corners, in & around other "performance" cars (except in the rain when Rex's still have it...)

[adrianr]

Clanger, I would not recommend yumping your Elise - I did it accidentally on the way to the Lotus factory once, and this is what happened to my rear suspension:

http://freespace.virgin.net/adrian.rose/wishboneandruler.jpg

AdrianR

[clanger]

Hmmn best have a look underneath, altho' still handling like a good 'un - cheers adrian

>> Edited by clanger on Tuesday 24th June 15:31

[adrianr]

Probably improved the handling slightly as it lowers the ride height

We figured the shock had bottomed out and the wishbone gave up, fortunately saving top mounts from damage. Another giveaway was the grazed edges on the diffuser fins and the mashed front numberplate. Ouch!

AdrianR